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The knowledge of Śabda Brahṁ – Nāda Brahṁ is an important branch of the Indian school of spirituality. The science and philosophy of Śabda Brahṁ encompasses the methodology and effects of mantra-japa, prayers, collective chanting and sādhanās of the veda-mantras and that of the Nāda Brahṁ deals with the genesis, expansion and influence of music. The volume 19 of the “Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Vangmaya” series presents truly rare and detailed information and guidance on this topic. The present book is compiled from the English translation, by Dr. Rajani Joshi, of the first two chapters of this volume that focus on the cosmic dimensions of sound and the sceince of mantras. 
Linguistically, the word mantra in Sanskrit implies a specific structure of sonic patterns – coded in syllables and vowels, that works as a spiriutal tool to liberate the mind from ignorance, illusion and evil instincts. The specific configurations of syllables and the corresponding combinations of phonemes in the mantras make the latter powerful ‘carriers’ of the cosmic energy of sound. The book presents a perspicuous introduction with analysis of multiple aspects of the physical and subliminal impact of sound and the structure of mantras. It also highlights authentic reports on scientific experiments in this direction.  
Different methods of rhythmic enunciation (japa) and spiritual practices (sādhanās) of vedic mantras are described here with adept guidance. The author, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya also focuses on mantra yoga as an effective endeavor to master the generation and utilization, without any external means or instruments, of the immense powers of sound for specific noble purposes. Although the vedic mantras could be well expressed vocally as prose or verse, the method of singing them in specific rythms as hymns was given principal importance by the ṛiṣis. Hence the unique spectrum of vedic swaras and the gamut of chanting patterns for mantras were evolved and encoded in the Sāma Veda. 
The Sāma Veda contains divine knowledge of the miraculous spiritual flow of music that can effectuate a vivid connection of the individual ‘self’ with thy-self. The author highlights the crucial role of this Veda and discusses the present status of the schools of sāma gāna in the context of the difficulties faced today in identifying the best chanting patterns for the Vedic Mantras. 
The sādhanās of mantra yoga together with nāda yoga are integral parts of the spiritual experiments on awakening of the Kuṇḍalinī and realization of the Brahṁ through Oṁkār. These topics too are covered here sagaciously in scientific light. The paramount role of vāk (absolutely refined voice) in mantra yoga is emphasized with necessary guidance. The author describes the four successively subtler levels of human voice (vāṇī) and presents the methods, for the control and refinement of the vāṇī and mental faculties, which can be practised by everybody in day-to-day life. These sādhanās gradually lead to the spiritual elevation of the vāṇī up to the supreme level – the vāk.  He further illustrates – how the hidden spiritual powers of a mantra are activated by japa through such a spiriutally empowered voice. And how the materialization of the blessings and curses also becomes possible because of the power of vāk. Authentic examples and scientific evidences of the modern times are presented in this book with relevant excerpts from the scriptures to support and explain the enormous potentials of refined vānī. 
Acharya Sharma’s elucidation of the esoteric and complex subject matter of Śabda Brahṁ and Mantras is indeed lucid, logical and scientific. The book also outlines how the modern science could offer multifaceted benefits towards multifaceted welfare of human society by constructive investigations in the Science of Mantras. 

– Dr. Pranav Pandya, MDChancellor, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar

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