Shabda (Sound) is one of the most important principles of existence as it is both the source of matter and the key to become free from it. One who can thoroughly understand the four stages of sound as explained in the Vedic texts can utilize this science to become free from the bondage of matter.
When trying to understand the four levels of sound, we must first understand what “Shabda” is. Shabdais not mere vibration created by two objects; it also conveys the idea of an object and that is Vak. Vak is “Artha Ashraya” shelter to meaning. Vak and Artha are considered as a pair. The great poet Kalidasa hence refered Vak and Artha to Parvathi and Parameshwara in his starting verse of Raghuvamsham, the Maha Kavya.
“Vagarthaviva Sampriktua Vagarthah Pratipattyaye
Jagatah Pitarau Vande Parvathiparameshwarau”.
In this verse Kalidasa says it is impossible to separate the word and its meaning. The moment the word is uttered the meaning comes into our mind. The same is true with the Adi Dampati of the Universe Parvati and Parameshwara are inseparable.
Rig Veda says that Vak has four forms namely Para (Transcendental), Pashyanthi (Visible), Madhyama (Whisper) and Vaikari (Audible). The first three are hidden and the fourth is audible. Para is highest vibration frequency making it inaudible like the Pranava Omkara in us. Pashyanthi is mental that can be perceived within, the best example is the sound in the dream. Madhyama is the whisper which is in the thought form held in our mind, the best example is the the dialogue between two thoughts in our mind.Vaikhari is the words coming out of our vocal cord. This Shabda expressed as speech, Vaikahri is the ninth of the Dasha Maha Vidya (Ten Wisdom aspects of Shakti) called Matangi.
Apparently Matangi looks similar to Saraswati. The main point of similarity is the Veena. The sound of the Veena represents creativity, which is the power of consciousness to express itself. She has a parrot which is also associated with speech. Now, why parrot and why not any other bird??? We all know that every bird lets out sound be it chirping, cooing, tweeting, hooting or whistling. Primarily though parrots chirp they can also imitate the voice of humans. Holding this parrot Matangi indicates that we humans too can express the higest intuitions without employing our mental faculties. There is someting in us to thrive beyond the mental limitations.
The birth of Matangi Devi is an illustration for this. The scriptures say she is the daughter of Matanga Maharshi. Matanga was born to a Shudra woman and a Vaishya father, yet he aspired to chant mantras and read Vedas. His intense yearning made Shakti to manifest in him as Matangi. From his vocal chord flowed the Vaikari Vak which led him to Para Vak. This is mentioned in Mahabharta and it is supposed to be the first where the Abhipsa (Longing Desire) was fulfilled by the mother Matangi who came out as the words of pristine purity. Thus those who want to out shine as musicians or artist need her grace.
May Matangi bless all the upcoming artists.....!
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