Sounds of Power

Artwork©YanaLysenko/123rf

Undoubtedly the most powerful, and certainly the most ancient, instrument of sound to heal and transform is the human voice. Since prehistoric times, humans have used their voices for various types of prayer, from activities such as chanting for the growth of crops, to toning in order to resonate with the Divine. This power of the human voice is particularly effective with regard to projecting and encoding intent, enhancing sacred sound.

The sounding of a particular spiritual name, word, or phrase to create healing and transformation is found throughout the world. Most frequently, these sounds of power are referred to as mantras. The word mantra is Sanskrit and translates as “the thought that liberates and protects.” Mantras are sounds or words that when recited (either aloud or silently) have the ability to alter the consciousness of the reciter. In the Hindu and Tibetan traditions, the ultimate aim is to unite the reciter with a particular deity or force.

Despite the Sanskrit origins of the word mantra, sounds of power are found in religious and spiritual traditions throughout the planet. There is virtually no place on Earth where the use of self-created sacred sounds doesn’t occur.

Anytime a sound or word is repetitively used, it can be considered a mantra, whether it is an om, shalom, Allah, Ave Maria, alleluia, or amen. Vowel sounds are thought of as sacred and can, of course, be considered mantras. In fact, the Divine Name can be regarded as a mantra, as can the individual letters found within it — .יהוה

How Mantras Work On The Physical

There is much varied speculation on how and why mantras work. I believe a combination of different elements contributes to the power of mantras. Some of these are mundane and physical; others are esoteric and spiritual. Together, these elements create sounds of power.

On a physical level, chanting a mantra in a slow manner causes the nervous system —including our heart rate, respiration, and brain waves — to attune and entrain with the rhythm of the chant. This alone is quite powerful, because as we slow down our bodily rhythms, we begin to sink into deeper states of consciousness. The result is a decrease in blood pressure, among other effects. When this occurs, we calm ourselves, creating the relaxation response, a term used by Herbert Benson, MD, in his book of the same name.

In addition, different neurochemicals and hormones such as endorphins, those naturally created opiates, are produced in our bodies when these self-created sounds of power are chanted. It has also been found that when we do this activity with other people, the neurotransmitter oxytocin, the trust hormone, is released. Sounding together creates trust, breaking down barriers of separation that may have previously existed. No wonder we feel good afterward.

In his book Self-Healing: Powerful Techniques, Ranjie N. Singh, PhD, describes his discovery that different mantras and self-created sounds trigger the release of melatonin, a hormone primarily produced in the brain that has many purposes, including regulating our sleep cycle, and which is now being used experimentally to shrink tumors. Singh explains how recent research suggests that melatonin may also be useful as an antidepressant.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a powerful molecule that is associated with the healing process, including boosting the immune system and increasing vascular flow. It has been found that NO is activated in conjunction with specific sounds — particularly through the production of certain self-created sounds such as humming. It may be that the acoustic vibrations of our own sounds can resonate our internal organs and cause NO to be released. The work of Bruce Lipton, PhD, the author of The Biology of Belief, has shown how our cells and DNA respond to various environmental stimuli — particularly sound. As previously mentioned, the Divine Name may be a sound that resonates deeply with our DNA.

I have little doubt that with continued research, there will be more scientific data related to why chanting mantras has beneficial physiological effects upon the chanter. Currently, these specific effects include: use bulleted format

• Increased oxygen in the cells
• Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
• Increased lymphatic circulation
• Elevated levels of melatonin
• Reduced levels of stress-related hormones
• Release of endorphins—self-created opiates that work as “natural pain relievers”
• Boosted production of interleukin-l, a protein associated with blood production
• Increased levels of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule associated with the promotion of healing
• Release of oxytocin, the “trust” hormone
• Improved Heart Rate Variability — reduces stress, enhances immune system
• Increased Vagal Tone — by stimulating the vagus nerve, there is enhanced response of the parasympathetic system in the autonomic nervous system and reduced stress

Sounding sacred tones and mantras affects the physical body, including our nervous system, our cells, our molecules, and even our DNA. In addition, sound can resonate and affect our chakras and related aspects of our subtle anatomy. The power of sound to influence us should not be underestimated.

Mantras As Cosmic Tuning Forks

I have extensive experience exploring and working with sacred sounds from many different traditions, chanting and toning them for hours. I’ve sounded them audibly. I’ve sounded them inaudibly. I’ve done so lying down. I’ve done so sitting up. Eyes open. Eyes closed. Visualizing a deity. Visualizing a color. Projecting an intent. Not projecting an intent. I’ve even practiced with a blank mind, with no visualization or thoughts at all. I’ve experimented with almost every imaginable variation with respect to these divine names, using myself as the laboratory.

I acknowledge there are differences in how one actually vocalizes the sound that can influence its physiological effect. However, more important, I acknowledge that each of these sounds of power is unique. They each seem to have a very specific energy that remains constant regardless of the method of sounding. Here is an explanation of why this may occur, according to Swami Vishnu-Devananda in Meditation and Mantras:

Everything in the universe vibrates on specific wavelengths. These wavelengths can be manipulated. For example, when its pitch is created high enough, a violin note can shatter glass. The various mantras, although equally efficient, vibrate on different wavelengths.

Thus, by repeating a mantra over and over, individuals are able to attune their own vibrational frequencies with the energy of this sound of power. Ultimately this activity will cause them to resonate with a particular deity or force toward which the mantra is geared. It’s almost as though mantras are sonic formulas that, once put together, create a waveform of sonic energy that is specific to them, just as chemical formulas can create particular compounds through the addition of different substances.

By resonating with that deity or force, one attunes with it. Thus, the use of these sounds of power can cause union with gods and goddesses, allowing the attainment of enlightenment or the achievement of great feats. The powers and abilities that can be obtained or tapped into through the use of mantras are potentially limitless.

Reprinted with permission of the publisher from Ascension Harmonics by Jonathan Goldman, MA, published by Inner Traditions International and Bear & Company, © 2026. All rights reserved. http://www.Innertraditions.com

Jonathan Goldman, MA, is a founding pioneer and international authority in the field of sound healing with more than 50 years of experience. He facilitates Healing Sounds Seminars throughout Europe and the United States, is the president of Spirit Music, Inc., and the director of the Sound Healers Association.

Find holistic Sound Healing in the Spirit of Change online Alternative Health Directory.

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