Do you know the effective technique of sound to impart and grasp the knowledge?

The Power of Sound in Learning and Teaching

You must have observed newborn babies and toddlers learning through seeing, hearing, observing, and practicing. As they grow, these methods continue to play an important role. Even adults and older people learn the same way; however, the extent and effectiveness differ based on time, place, age, and circumstances. The primary way of learning is through sound. It is, in fact, the first sense developed in a child, starting from the fetus in the womb of the mother. Ironically, it is also the last sense to cease functioning when we leave the body. Hence, sound is the most important sense for acquiring knowledge.

Prahlada Maharaj: An Example of Learning Through Sound

There are various examples mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavat Purana wherein great devotees like Prahlada started gaining the greatest knowledge for mankind. Prahlada was the son of a great demonic king, Hiranyakashipu (one who loves gold and a soft bed to sleep on). Despite this, when he was in the womb of his mother, Kayādhu (wife of Hiranyakashipu), who was a virtuous lady, she had taken shelter under Narad Muni when Hiranyakashipu went for great penance to fulfill his selfish motives. Narad Muni, a great sage always singing the glory of Lord Narayan, guided and cared for Kayādhu as she listened to Vedic knowledge. Prahlada learned the science of Bhakti (pure devotion to Lord Vishnu) while still in the womb. Once born, he displayed the features of a great devotee of Lord Vishnu—noble, kind, and a well-wisher of all living entities.

The Vedic Timescale: Different Yugas

This story is a part of history during Satya Yuga. If we examine the timescale of various yugas, the Vedic scriptures mention the time for each yuga as:

- Satya Yuga: 1,728,000 years

- Treta Yuga: 1,296,000 years

- Dvapara Yuga: 864,000 years

- Kali Yuga: 432,000 years

We are currently in Kali Yuga, and around 5,200 years have already passed. The greatness of Vedic knowledge and Sanatan Dharma was such that the land of Bharat was known as Aryavart (Land of the Arya, meaning noble or righteous). In contrast, other parts of the world were under the influence of demonic and less-developed civilizations, which is evident in the verses of Ramayana (Treta Yuga) and Mahabharata (Dvapara Yuga).

The Scarcity of Time

What is scarce in this material world? Is it money, resources like food grains, water, or any other thing for which people strive day and night? The answer is Time. It is the scarcest resource, meant to be utilized for meaningful transformation throughout life. People today rarely ask such questions. We are heavily engrossed by the spell of Maya (illusion) and toil hard throughout our lives. In pursuit of false allurements and fake promises, we hanker after a mirage. Each attempt to satisfy our never-ending demands for sense enjoyment ends in disappointment. Though we seemingly get pleasure, we forget that material enjoyment always ends in frustration—this is a harsh truth.

Identifying and Solving Problems

Focusing solely on problems won’t solve them. The first step in solving any problem is identifying it, and the next step is desiring a solution. Here comes the miraculous and realistic pyramid of knowledge in the form of an invaluable treasure—none other than the Vedic scriptures, given by the Supreme God and beautifully explained by His devotees. To understand and apply this knowledge, we must explore the solutions provided by the various scriptures of Sanatan (Eternal) Dharma (the way of life or duty).

The Story of Parikshit Maharaj

Parikshit Maharaj was a king who took the reigns from his grandfather, Arjuna, after the great war of Mahabharata. There are various proofs that substantiate the Mahabharata war and the Vedic period of Dvapara Yuga, such as the use of nuclear weapons (Brahmastra) and the sudden decline in the male population after the war, which took place around 3,200 years ago. There are innumerable examples to prove that Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, and Dvapara Yuga were history, not mythology.

Now, returning to the story of Parikshit Maharaj, he was a great and righteous king, always ready to deliver justice to victims and punish criminals. However, due to the influence of Kali (the personality who governs Kali Yuga), he was cursed by a Brahmin boy. He was given seven days to live, with death to come via snake bite. Upon hearing this, Parikshit Maharaj immediately renounced his kingdom and sought out Shukdev Goswami to hear the Shrimad Bhagavatam.

When one knows death is imminent, what should one do? The answer is to utilize the remaining time in the best way possible and prepare for the next life.

The Art of Dying: Parikshit’s Realization

Unfortunately, most people in Kali Yuga do not know the art of dying. Instead, they waste their remaining time in ignorance. They may engage in some charitable or good activities, but they don’t grasp or execute the best possible action. Parikshit Maharaj, a great devotee of Supreme Lord Krishna, became completely absorbed in learning the art of Bhakti (devotional service) from the highly elevated sage, Shukdev Goswami (son of Vyasadev). Without eating or drinking for seven days, he fasted and listened to the highest and most beneficial knowledge. When both speaker and listener are of the highest quality, we can expect greatness from that conversation. The masterpiece that emerged was the Shrimad Bhagavatam, benefiting all mankind.

The Role of Sound in Vedic Tradition

The eternal sound of Om is explored by scientists for its effectiveness. It is a sound used in many Vedic mantras, yagyas, prayers, and hymns. The stories of Prahlad Maharaj and Parikshit Maharaj teach us the power of speaking and listening through sound. It is the primary and basic way to learn. In fact, even those without formal education can listen to sound and learn—babies learn in the same way.

In the Vedic tradition, all knowledge was passed down orally through the Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) parampara (lineage). Until the start of Kali Yuga (around 5,200 years ago), sage Ved Vyasa wrote down the Vedic scriptures for the benefit of the less intelligent people of Kali Yuga. Today, memory and intelligence are diminished, evident in modern society’s efforts to exploit the environment for insatiable desires. People argue over trivial matters and waste time. In the guise of advocates for God, many fanatics exploit innocent and misguided people. Hence, now is the time to learn from authentic sources and practice Sanatan Dharma, which focuses on the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—"The world is one family."

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