Yogic song

Yogic Song is a powerful and beautiful way to practise meditation. We harness the strength of our voices and re-establish our innate vitality. The songs can be melodically beautiful – and to practise them evokes joy.

Song is an advanced yogic technique which employs the breath to galvanise the subtle body. It enables the subtle resonances of the dimension of sound to be discovered as a method of establishing presence of awareness (rigpa).

Yogic song is not only for those who believe they have a good singing voice – anyone with enthusiasm can join in. Many of the songs are accompanied by Tibetan instruments – bells, drums, cymbals, long horns – and there are ample opportunities to learn to play these traditional instruments.

We teach Yogic song frequently at Aro Ling, either as part of meditation and Buddhism classes, or on its own. We teach the melodies of Padmasambhava and Yeshé Tsogyel – the male and female Tantric Buddhas – along with other traditional songs and melodies, including the soaring majesty of the Flight of the Vulture.

‘The sounds of the vulture’s flight are methods of practice. The great white vulture glides effortlessly above the reach and range of concept. Through these movements, Mind finds itself in its own free Space. The vulture has no fear of terrible heights, because the sky is her natural home.’

—Khandro Déchen