"The first and most important monosyllabic thought form is the sound OM, generally considered to be the sound-symbol of the Supreme One. Even the conception of the sound OM, with is the combination of the three mantras, a, u, and m, presupposes geometrical patterns corresponding to a straight line, a semi-circle, and a point. Every divine form possesses a bija mantra or nuclear syllable. Even in its form as the smallest sound unit, the bija remains a microcosm and thus may represent the essential nature of a divinity. And this is the sound we must take to Earth."
Police officers, drill sergeants, and some self defense experts are taught that their most effective weapon is their Command Voice.
Commands should be short, no longer than three words, and be reinforced with Body language and visual cues. They should be used, like force, only to establish, maintain, or restore order. They are, in fact, the verbal equivalent of Force and may be just as traumatic and damaging as physical violence. The old saw that "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." is hardly true at all. Just an excuse not to be provoked into throwing the first punch by mere verbal abuse. This shows restraint on the part of the Warrior, which psychologically gives him "control" of the situation. The Aggressor is now compelled to choose between initiating combat himself, which marks him as the villain and "begins the pattern of his own destruction;" escalating the verbal abuse; or surrender. He is reacting to the Warrior, instead of acting as the center of attention.
The Ego is a fragile structure at best, composed of mythology, internalized role models, and perceptions of the world that may or may not be accurate. Attacking the Ego is an invitation to conflict since it is a threat to the very identity and mental well being of the individual as serious as any physical threat and, as such, elicits the same Fear-Threat/Flight or Fight Reaction as does real danger.
Abusers often use their Command Voice to "shout down" any opposition to their directives. Likewise, if you demean a child every day for years by telling them they are useless, it eventually breaks their spirit and they become so.
To develop the Command Voice, one must learn to speak from the diaphragm, just as any singer or actor might, so that the sound will be of sufficient volume and timbre to "carry" over a goodly distance and be clearly heard, and project the command with direction rather than mere volume.
In many martial arts the technique of "Kiai!" or Haraki is taught. This is a guttural spirit-shout drawn from the belly and uttered at the moment of launching a committed attack. It tenses the body for impact and startles the adversary with it suddenness and sharpness, allowing the critical second needed to bridge the gap between combatants and strike the decisive blow.
It can also be used to halt an attack in mid-flight by shouting "STOP! At the crucial moment. This breaks the concentration of the Aggressor and makes him hesitate, since it is not the customary or anticipated response to an attack. He expects a block or an evasive movement, instead he meets a wall of sound strong enough to deflect his intended punch or kick.
The most basic sound is OM, the glyph of which appears at the head of this chapter. This sound is composed of four parts: the "ahh" which comes from the back of the throat and initiates the vibration; the "O" as the sound leaves the lips; the "mmm" as the head vibrates with the sound; and the silence in which another breath is drawn. This is the sound of the universe, a sixty cycle "hum" that is the frequency of this temporal level.
Whenever you may feel alone or afraid or in need of guidance, sit quietly and sing this sound. It will calm the mind, heal the body, and improve digestion, hearing and eyesight.
A Warrior might whisper this sound to himself before beginning an intervention to center himself. Or, he might hum loudly enough to attract the Aggressor's attention and lay a blanket of sound over the scene to calm everyone at once and take command.
Many other sounds can be employed in this Way. A low, mocking sinister laugh was used by the Shadow to cloud the minds of his enemies and render himself invisible to
them through unreasoning fear. Baring the teeth and making an animalistic growling noise is a challenge recognized by every species, even man.
But, there are also six specific sounds that may be used for healing or mind control. These are: shu, hah, who, ssh, chway, and she, in that order for men with the sequence for women being shu, chway, ssh, who, hah, and she. The reason for this discrepancy is that in Chinese medicine male energy is considered to be Yang, or linear, which follows a specific pattern of circulation within the body. Feminine energy is held to be Yin, or circular in nature, and follows a slightly different route. Theoretically, if a man did the female pattern there would be in an increase in his estrogen level. While a woman doing the male pattern would stimulate the production of more testosterone. But, these are not effects which occur instantly.
The Exercise of the Six Healing Breaths follows for the good health, self-knowledge, and longevity of the individual. Some old injuries or long standing conditions may take years to heal But, moderate improvement will be felt almost instantly.
The principle at work is that "good" fresh, clean air, from which the electro-magnetic life-force can be extracted and circulated within the body for good health and longevity is inhaled and that "bad" air, that contaminated with impurities of the body produced by the various metabolic functions in exchange for Qi, is exhaled using one of these six frequencies to be organ specific. The Six Sounds Exercise from traditional Chinese medicine can be performed in any posture for therapeutic or preventive maintenance. Standing with feet slightly apart is the traditional method, but seated meditation or sarvasana (supine) may also be used.
Hsu (Chinese) or Shu (phonetically) is associated with the liver, gall bladder, eyes and thumbs; its represents the wood element and the color green. The positive aspects of this element are kindness, mercy and unselfishness; the Yin nature manifests as rudeness, stubbornness and unfilial behavior. Close you eyes. Breathe in through the nose, the
"door," drawing the air to the liver on the right side of the lower ribcage. Breathe out through the mouth, the "window," whispering the sound "shu" and imagining a green mist being expelled with the breath, taking with it all impurities from the liver. Repeat three times for maintenance, six times for tonic effect, and nine times for therapeutic effect if ill. Then massage the left thumb by wrapping the left fingers around it and rotating gently until warm. Gently pull on the thumb. If the knuckle "pops" a small blockage in the flow of energy of the liver meridian of acupuncture has been removed.
Repeat on the right thumb. This exercise improves vision and expels phlegm.
He (Chinese) Hah (Japanese) pronounced with a long "ahh" sound, is related to the heart and small intestine; the tongue, middle fingers; element fire; and manifest as illnesses with fever and/or halitosis. The positive traits are trust, open-mindedness, and complacency; the negative emotions are doubt, greed and confusion. Inhale through the nose, lifting the hands upward from the belly and pushing overhead as if "holding up the sky." The name of this movement in Ba Gua Chin, or Eight Pieces of Brocade exercise of Chinese medicine. Let your eyes follow the movement of the hands. Breathe out through the mouth while silently saying the "Ha" sound, tightening the back of the throat to produce a "snoring" sound, while lowering the hands, reaching out to both sides, returning them to the lap, letting the eyes follow the movement of the hands once again while imagining a red mist being exhaled. Three, six, or nine repetitions, depending on
desired effect, then massage the middle fingers, left first, by twisting inside the opposite fist and gently pulling. This exercise can be done alone, because all of the others organs are connected to it bythe circulatory system. It can be used to expel impure gases created in digestion or respiration, improve ill health, dispel fevers, and improve circulation. If you can only do one of the Healing Breaths, practice this one, since all the other organs are connected to it.
Hu, or Who, is the sound of the stomach and spleen; the little finger is the associated digit; it represents the earth element and its color is yellow; typical diseases involve slow metabolism and indigestion. The positive aspects of this element are sincerity, compromise and forgiveness. The negative attributes are being self-centered and suspicious. There is no movement with this breath. Simply, close your eyes, relax and breathe using the "door and window" method to expel a yellow mist three, six, or nine times, while whispering the "sound of the owl," with the lips forming a circle. Then massage the little fingers, left first, as before.
Sz, the sound "Ssh," is the breath of the lungs, large intestine, the skin and the index fingers; it represents the air (metal in some schools) element and the color white;
and can be used for treating skin disorders, tuberculosis and similar congestive illnesses.
The positive personality traits of this element are justice, cleverness, and generosity. The negative are jealousy and cunning. Close your eyes. Raise the hands, palm down, elbows bent, to shoulder level, and hold them there while performing this breath. This posture improves the functioning of the lungs. Inhale through the nose and exhale from the mouth three, six, or nine times as before; making the long "ssshhh" sound by touching the teeth together and slightly parting the lips while imagining a white mist being breathed out.
Then massage and apply traction to the index fingers, left first, as previously described.
Chiu, pronounced "ch-way," is the sound of the kidneys, a water element associated with the bladder, ear and ring fingers. Its color is black (blue in some schools) and illnesses of this element usually manifest as chills or earache. The positive attributes are tenderness, peaceful nature and wisdom, the negative characteristics are arrogance and ignorance. This breath is used to maintain the internal heat of the abdomen and waist.
If standing, bend the knees to a half-squat, embrace the knees and interlock the fingers in front, look downward at a forty-five degree angle. If sitting interlock the fingers and lean forward slightly and look downward as indicated. If supine, interlock the fingers and look at the tip of the nose. Inhale, drawing the breath to the kidneys and exhale with slight force between the teeth with the lips almost closed while whispering the sound and visualizing a blue mist being expelled, time three, six or nine for effect. Then rub, twist and gently pull on the left ring finger then the right.
Hsi, pronounced "she," is the sixth sound. It is associated with an organ unique in Chinese medicine known as the Triple-Warmer, or "three burning spaces," represented by a ruby in the lower belly or Hara, a sapphire at solar plexus level, and a diamond at the Third Eye. Its corresponding organ is the Heart Governor meridian of acupuncture.
Anatomically it is represented by the esophagus, lining of the stomach, and urethra.
Imbalances of this energy manifests as illnesses involving poor circulation. The eyes are closed. Using the door and window method, breathe in through the nose, then out through the mouth with lips slightly parted and the breath passing between the upper teeth and tongue whispering the syllable, "sheeee," three, six, or nine times. This technique can be used to cure rheumatism, urinary tract infections, and acid reflux disease. The associated
element is Fire, the color of the mist exhaled is orange. Rub you hands together in a circular motion to warm them and bring energy to the Dragon Cavity in the left palm and the Tiger Cavity in theright palm. With fingers straight but not stiffened and extended upward in the Praying Hands Mudra press the palms together three, six, or nine times as before.
There are only five elements, but twelve major organs and six healing sounds.
That is because in Chinese medicine the twelve organs are "paired" to make six sets of two and Fire appears twice, representing the heart and small intestine as well as the triple warmer and heart governor meridians, which are anatomically the circulatory system and pericardial cavity; which are essentially extensions of the heart throughout the body.
Anyone can learn these sounds and heal themselves if they have faith in themselves and remember the Source from which all things flow. By connecting to the Source which is found in mediation, everyone has the ability to call upon the higher level frequencies of vibration to heal themselves and others in this manner, within reason of course.
Whispering "sssshhhh…" will not mend a broken arm. There are other techniques for that. But, it is possible to cure many ailments and relieve a considerable amount of emotional distress by this method because it operates on both the physical (sound/vibration) level and the unseen (transcendental). These vibrations are the "bridge"
between the two states, just like memory and imagination are the bridge to the infinite.
In connecting to the Source, the following method has been found useful. First, determine the polarity of your hands by extending them in front as shoulder level with the palms upward. Relax and concentrate on your left hand. Then relax and concentrate on your right hand. This simple experiment will reveal that one hand is more sensitive than the other. Either left of right will feel warmer, tingle more, or some similar subtle sensation than the other. This is your "leading hand."
It will form the "bridge" when dealing tactilely with a patient in healing, an opponent in combat, or a lover in mating; all are the same.
Second, place your palms about three inches apart as if holding a ball of energy at solar plexus level and move your hands slowly back and forth. Feel the energy between your hands. You can shape this energy for any purpose you desire. The only purpose it can be used for, however, is to calm the mind by giving you personal power to connect to the Source and heal the body by giving you love with which to share it. Wisdom then, lies in knowing "when" to employ this Force. The I Ching says that timeliness is of great importance. A small action at the right time very often has a much more profound and lasting effect than a large action at the wrong time.
Third, slowly move your hands farther apart until you can feel the energy between them begin to diminish, and come back just a bit such that you are embracing a larger sphere of energy. This is called Tree Hugging Exercise because the posture resembles wrapping the arms around a large tree. Slowly move your hands up and down, back and forth, around and around in opposite directions while maintaining the sensation of holding the ball. This is called Two Dragons Seek the Pearl or Tai Chi Chuan.
Think of your Source. No matter how you conceive of it, as god, a white light, a spirit helper, as a prophet or religious guide, your higher more noble self, a healing entity in another dimension, the universal mind or cosmic consciousness, or just the inexorable ebb and flow of Qi, the life-force which we have proven exists by this simple practice
and of which you are a part, or any other psychological construct that you use to explain and define your reality, and become one with it. Let it flow into and through and around you with each breath, filling you with health and vitality, balancing your energy, bringing you intoharmony with the flow of the universe. This is the unification of mind, body, and spirit, and a powerful confirmation of your being.
You may feel a subtle tingling, a gentle wave of warmth and relaxation, a rush of heat, dizziness, exhilaration, or a variety of other physical manifestations, depending on the degree of correction required to balance your energy and your resistance to it. But, that is the Test of Reality. If you "feel" it, you "know" that it is "real" on THIS temporal plane. This awareness fills the individual with quiet confidence. Neither you nor anyone else is ever truly "alone." Simply knowing that dispels all feelings of insecurity and low self esteem.
Knowing this, it is possible to apply these same principles to coping with reality and in dealing with aggressors.
These sounds can also be used to affect the behavior of others. Ssshh, for example, the sound of the lungs, a wind element, the wind symbolizes the mind, if the mind is frantic, faulty thinking arises. Calm the mind by saying the sound, "Ssshh…" like a mother quieting a crying baby. Add reassuring phrases like, "It's okay...everything is going to be alright...take it easy…" as much for your Self as to calm the Aggressor. The sound will be heard. It is used universally by mothers the world over, every baby has heard it. For this reason alone, it would calm him; because it is a psychologically programmed behavioral response. But, it also works because this sound makes you subconsciously regulate your breathing by acting on the frequency of the lungs.
"HAH!" or "Hey!" Are "plosive" syllables, short and sharp, used to attract attention. If you startle someone enough with such a sudden shout it can make their heart skip a beat, and they might die. There are legends of Kung Fu masters of this sonic martial art who could knock a birdout of the sky or kill a man with a shout. But, it is unlikely and unnecessary that we mere mortals develop this skill to such a level. The ability to speak sharply and make the Aggressor "flinch" or "jump" from a startle response, is more than sufficient to break his concentration and bring it upon yourself.
Although the battle is actually over if or when he flinches, it may be necessary to
Although the battle is actually over if or when he flinches, it may be necessary to