Osho has created many meditation techniques designed specifically for the modern psyche. Several of them involve very active movement and some of them catharsis. But Nadabrahma is unique among them as it is a quiet meditation using humming and gentle hand movements. It is a favorite with many of Osho’s sannyasins, old and new.
Nadabrahma is based on an old Tibetan technique. The entire meditation is done in a sitting position or if you like lying down for the last segment. Nadabrahma is appropriate for both those who are new to meditation and those who are experienced. For those who are new to meditation it is a beautiful introduction and the technique helps bring the body and mind into harmony and opens the heart thus creating the space in which “meditation happens.” Those already familiar with meditation will find that Nadabrahma presents an opportunity to step out of doing and be the witness. Osho has said “so in Nadabrahma, remember this: let the body and mind be totally together, but remember that you have to become a witness. Get out of them, easily, slowly, from the back door, with no fight, with no struggle.”
Recently the process of introducing Osho’s meditations to those who are unfamiliar has presented the opportunity to rediscover the meditations for myself anew. And this rediscovery of Nadabrahma has shown that this jewel still has secrets to share.
It is best to practice Nadabrahma with the music that was designed specifically to accompany it. It is available on CD from New Earth Records and can also be found on Amazon. For those of you who for whatever reason do not have access to a CD player but do have a means to play an mp3 file you will find it available here. Below you will find the instructions as well as a link to a video demonstration. Enjoy!
-purushottama
Osho Nadabrahma Meditation
Nadabrahma Meditation lasts for one hour and has three stages. It is a sitting method, in which humming and hand movements create an inner balance, a harmony between mind and body. Suitable for any time of the day, have an empty stomach and remain inactive for at least fifteen minutes afterwards.
First Stage: 30 minutes
Sit in a relaxed position with eyes closed. With lips together, start humming (mouth is closed and so one is not making the sound om, which would be done with an open mouth), loud enough that you can be heard by others. This will create a vibration in your body. You can visualize a hollow tube or vessel filled only with the vibrations of the humming. A point will come when the humming continues by itself and you become the listener. There is no special breathing, and you can alter the pitch, and move your body smoothly and slowly, if you feel to.
Second Stage: 15 minutes
This stage is divided into two segments, of seven and a half minutes each. For the first part, move the hands, palms upwards, in an outward, circular motion. Starting at the navel, both hands move forward and then divide to make two large circles mirroring each other left and right. The movement should be so slow that at times there will appear to be no movement at all. Feel that you are giving energy outwards to the universe. After seven and a half minutes, the music will change and you turn your hands palm downwards, and start moving them in the opposite direction. Now the hands will come together towards the navel and divide outwards towards the side of the body. Feel that you are taking energy in. As in the first stage, don’t inhibit any soft, slow movements of the rest of your body.
Third Stage: 15 minutes
Sitting or lying down, remain absolutely quiet and still.
Here is a short instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBXL6Iw-B_k
