The Practice of Nada Yoga

January 1, 2014

Musician, composer, and longtime yoga practitioner Hersey offers a how-to guide on the sound mediation of nada yoga, which is based on the premise that matter and all living things consist of continuous sound vibrations. Many people are not consciously aware of the external, mental, visual, and esoteric sounds beyond the sense organs. Hersey's easy-to-follow meditations show how to tune in to these four levels of sound. Learning to listen to all frequencies of sound purportedly yields physiological, emotional, and spiritual advantages. With practice, aspirants are able to calm the mind, relieve aches and pains, raise their consciousness levels, and experience a sense of joy. The author studied in India under A.K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of ashtanga yoga; he explains why and how the ashtanga asanas (poses), as well as eight limbs of yoga, complement nada yoga practice. VERDICT Musicians and music lovers, as well as the average person who simply wants to understand nada yoga, will enjoy this fascinating book. Musicians will find the music meditations and exercises for experiencing music on a higher sensory level of particular interest. Everyone will benefit from Hersey's teachings on the healing powers of sound. Inspiring, clearly written, and engaging, this title deserves a place among top yoga books.--Ajoke Kokodoko, Oakland P.L.

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