Acharya Prashant addresses the question of whether special sounds are heard in meditation. He clarifies that the term 'sound' (dhwani) refers to the physical, natural basis through which something is conveyed. When even the highest truth is spoken, it uses sound as a medium. This sound is the natural foundation upon which silence reaches the listener. The sound itself is not special; what is special is the silence it points towards. He asserts that there are no different sounds for different levels of meditation, and saints have not spoken of any such special sounds. Instead, Acharya Prashant explains that saints have consistently used the most grounded, everyday words to express profound truths, moving away from complex and abstruse language. He cites the example of Buddha, who, despite being highly educated, chose to speak in Prakrit, the language of the common people, rather than the constructed Sanskrit. Saints use simple words like 'ocean', 'mill', 'temple', or 'hut'. The specialty of a saint's word lies not in its linguistic properties but in the intention behind it and how it is used to lead the listener to silence and enlightenment. For instance, the common word 'mill' (chakki) becomes a spiritual word when used by a saint like Kabir Saheb to reveal a deep truth. The speaker emphasizes that benefit comes from the meaning and understanding of words, not from the sound alone. He calls the idea that the mere sound of a mantra is beneficial a 'conspiracy' that absolves the listener of the responsibility to understand its meaning. Listening to mantras in an unfamiliar language provides no real benefit and may only numb the mind. He illustrates this by stating that reactions to religious sounds, like the Azaan or a conch shell, are based on one's conditioning, not on any inherent power within the sounds themselves. Acharya Prashant concludes by warning against getting caught up in magical sounds, special lights, or mystical experiences, which he terms as childish. Spirituality is not about becoming unconscious, having paranormal experiences, or believing in ghosts. True spirituality, he states, is about living this very life with honesty, love, and fearlessness. It is not about experiencing another world, but about living this life fearlessly and with understanding.
