Primal Sound

The Bija A, representing Vairocana (Dainichi) (late 14th–early 15th century). Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.

Mantra

Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound is Dr. David Frawley’s exploration of mantra as sound science rather than belief. He presents mantra not as meaning first, but as vibration — something that works directly on the nervous system. In this view, sound comes before language. It becomes a bridge between breath and mind. Frawley traces the Vedic roots of mantra practice and explains why repetition matters. Rhythm, tone, and cadence all influence the mind’s tendency to wander. Repeating a sound isn’t superstition — it’s a way of steadying attention. What makes this book useful today is its practicality. Frawley treats mantra as something you work with consistently, not forcefully. Over time, repetition settles the mind. The core idea is simple: sound, used well, can return you to stillness.