Overview Within our being are different levels of vibration and subtlety, all generating different sounds. They are always present but we don't perceive them because our 5 sensory organs and our monkey mind are too inundated by stimuli from the outside world - it's a sensory overload. Even our bodies are stuck at the level of apparent solidity where we don't feel these subtleties. Nada flows everywhere - the living and the non-living.
Nada Meditation enables us to close the outside doors so we can hear the sound within. Nada meditation is the yoga of sound - not by chanting a specific mantra, but by hearing the sound from inside that arises spontaneously. An aspirant first hears of sound at the gross level and progresses to the more subtle sounds as consciousness is developed. Nada is a means to transcendence where the mind is completely absorbed in the inner sound to the exclusion of all outside distraction and noise (pratyahara).
Stages of Nada
vaikhari - grossest sound at the apparent level, produced when two objects hit each other
madhayana - nada takes form (??? you don't see it yet and you don't hear it yet, so how do you know you're at madhayana ???)
pasyanti - nada that can be seen (through colors representing vibration, seen by the inner vision) but not yet heard
para - transcendental sound, the point of origin of nada. It is the silent sound. It happens in a state of samadhi. It is called the anahata nada - the unstruck sound
Vipassana and Nada Meditation The concept of nada meditation is very similar to that of Vipassana meditation where both start at the gross level of existence and progress to the more subtle levels of reality. Vipassana works on sensation in the physical body while nada deals with solidified vibration. But both strive to reach an intangible level of existence where gross solidity is dissolved leaving only a mass of subtle vibration.
Science and Nada When string theory talks about a band of energy that creates form and shape as it vibrates (the physical reality we perceive), it hints at the aspect of nada. On a different level, the electromagnetic spectrum(radio wave, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet ray, x-ray, and gamma-ray) is nothing but a waveform vibrating at different frequencies. It wouldn't be too far off if nada is simply a continuation of the electromagnetic spectrum that cannot be detected by present-day instruments.
Meditation Class
Phase IA - (bhramari for beginners) making the audible bee sound
sit in padmasana with index fingers inside the ears to deaden all sounds. Elbows pointed to the sides. Spine straight. Eyes closed, body relaxed. Mouth closed, teeth slightly separated.
inhale slow and deep
on the exhale, make a controlled sound of a bee until the lungs are empty. Out-breath should be slow, smooth, and continuous. Feel the vibration inside the head.
make a slow inhale and repeat the process until you feel complete.
Phase IB - (yoni mudra for advanced students, aka shanmukhi mudra, baddha yoni asana), closing the 7 gates of perception - 2 ears, 2 nostrils, 2 eyes and one mouth.
seated, thumbs press upon the ears to close them, index fingers gently touches the eyes, middle fingers rest gently on the nose (cannot close the nose or you can't breathe), ring fingers above the upper lips and pinky fingers below the lower lips. Except for the thumbs which actually press down on the ears, the other fingers are mostly symbolic since they cannot press upon the sense organ.
on the inhale, hold the breath in (antara kumbhaka) and close the nostrils
listen for sounds inside your head, at the bindu or in the right ear
exhale without holding the breath. Repeat
Phase II - perception of subtle inner sound. No sound is made.
keep in position with the fingers and listen to an inner sound inside your head. The sound can emanate from the bindu, the right ear, inside the head or even in the heart. It will take some practice before this happens. Be patient.
when a sound is perceived, stay focused to the exclusion of everything else
as the days and weeks pass, the sound will become more and more distinct and loud
as your sensitivity increases, a second sound can be heard - a faint sound in the background. Focus awareness on this new sound. Ignore the first sound.
after more practice, a third and subtle sound can be heard. Focus on this sound now. This cycle will keep repeating as you move into the more subtle realms of consciousness
do not remain on the old sound when a new faint sound becomes apparent. The point is to keep progressing into the more subtle sounds as you progress
The whole practice will take months to develop. Be patient and vigilant.
My Practice
pranayama - (30 mins), because it is suggested that pranayama precedes nada meditation, I incorporate nada into my morning practice when I wake up. Before even leaving my bed, I would do 3 sets of the Wim Hof 30 breathing reps. I would follow this with 10 minutes of nadi shodhana(ingesting divinity, strength, wisdom, courage, mental clarity, etc.) on every inhale, internalizing as I engage maha bandha mudra, and surrender on the exhale, dissolving my ego. This would then be followed by 108 breaths of kapalabhati.
nada meditation: phase I - (10 mins), seated, I insert my index fingers in my ears and begin the bee sound. On the inhale, I still visualize/internalize divinity, wisdom, etc. followed by a short maha bandha mudra. I make the bee-sound on the slow exhale. It gets tiring on the arms after 5 minutes. Alternatively, I use my construction ear-muff instead of my fingers. The head vibration feels the same, but not sure if fingers have more esoteric benefits.
nada meditation: phase II - (5 mins), not making a sound, I simply focus on hearing any sound that emanate from my head, while keeping relaxed. The mind drifts more in this phase, so vigilance is needed. So far, since I only started this practice today, I hear no sound.
gratitude - as I cap every practice, I think about the blessings I enjoy (health, strength, friends, Mike, being in Chiang Mai, no money shortage, food, etc.) and give thanks
Ending Thoughts Comments to come after a few sessions practicing this meditation. Stay tuned.
(Jan 20, 2021) There are many paths from the Muladhara(root chakra) to the Ajna(third eye chakra). But from Ajna to Sahasrara, there is no path. But once bridged, one becomes ecstatic about life requiring no reason whatsoever.....more »»
(Feb 7, 2021) It was a evening of devotional songs led by lovely couple Kay and Dao at Cherry's scenic garden by the banks of the Ping River. Food, friendship and music flowed like water. It was a night to remember.....more »»
(Oct 20, 2021) Mantra is a sacred sound. It is not defined by words to describe it. Its vibrational frequency is its own meaning. Mantra is an evocative sound and have subtle, yet powerful and penetrating effects on the mind and body, reaching every fibre of one's being....more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
IMPORTANT PLACES
Bus Station Train Station Chiang Mai International Airport Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage(highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva(highly recommended)
Transportation
B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!