Para, Pashyanti, Mydhamya, Vaikhari - The Four Forms of Speech

The Vedas proclaim that there are four categories of human speech or sound vibrations. The whole macrocosm of our thoughts and actions is a projection these sound vibrations that prevail at different frequencies. Paravani or Paravak, the Supreme Speech, which exists within all of us, is the inner vibration, the source of all sound.  By and large, we are aware of only one level of speech that is, our physical tongue. Nevertheless, there exist four stages of speech - Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama and Vaikhari which correspond to our four states of consciousness - Turiya (the transcendental state), Sushupti (dreamless state), Swapna (dreaming state), and Jagrut (wakeful state). Thus, Para represents the transcendental consciousness, Pashyanti represents the intellectual consciousness, Madhyama represents the mental consciousness, and Vaikhari represents the physical consciousness. Our ability to experience different levels depends upon the elevation of our consciousness.

Vaikhari is the grossest level of speech, the speech of the physical tongue, which is heard through the external senses. It is ordinary verbal speech, which we all hear and use in our day-to-day life. ‘Vaikhari’ literally means flowering. It is the stage when the seeds of thoughts flower into words or actions. Vaikhari is an expression of Kriya Shakti - the power of action.

The second level of speech is Madhyama is mental speech or thoughts, which corresponds to the subtle body. Madhyama expresses Jnana Shakti, the power of knowledge and wisdom. It is verbalised but not audible. Madhyama (in the middle or in between) as its name suggests, exists in between the formation of a thought and its expression in words or deeds.

The third level of speech Pashyanti is where it is a state of visual imagery. Here sound leaves its audible nature and manifests as feeling. ‘Pashyanti’ means ‘that which can be seen’. In this stage, sound possesses attributes like colour, form, etc. Only those endowed with discernibility can perceive these attributes. Iccha Shakti - the Power of Will exists in Pashyanti. 

The fourth and highest level of speech is Para, the transcendent sound, which is beyond the perception of the senses. Para is all pervading and all encompassing. Para is pure intention. It is unmanifest. It is the sound of one’s soul, a state of soundless sound. It is the speech that flows directly from the Cosmic Creator.  It expresses Ambika Shakti - the Universal Mother. It exists within all of us. All mantras, infinite syllables, words, and sentences exist within Para in the form of vibration in a potential form. In Pashyanti and Para the power of one’s words is manifested.

The vow Ritam Vachmi, Satyam Vachmi from the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad (Rig Veda), invoking Lord Ganesha, expresses the idea that one should speak words that will strengthen both ritam (cosmic truth) and satyam (worldly truth). It further says, Tvam Chatvari Vakpadani (Thou art the very syllables of the four measures of speech).

In simple terms, Lord Ganesha is invoked variously in the Mantra, one of them being that I shall always strive to speak relative and absolute truth, putting to use as many of the four levels of speech as possible. The scriptures say that misuse of speech is as threatening as misuse of body or mind. We are all aware of the destructive power of uncontrolled or useless speech. Words of truth and sincerity are full of potential energy. Hence, when one speaks sincerely in Pashyanti or Para, the power in one’s words direct those words into manifestation. For this reason, we find in history many sublime sages and seers who were able to cognise or materialise their words.

In addition, it is a proven fact that the words when uttered either in full emotion (positive or negative) or in repetition (prayers or chants) are materialised sooner or later. Hence, elders have always advised to be watchful of one’s tongue.

In this connection, it is apt to recall the wise words of Great poet-saints, Tulasi Das:

“Tulsi mithhe vachan te, shukh upajat chahu ore

Vasikaran ek mantra hai, pariharu vachan kattohr”

Sweetness of tongue spreads happiness everywhere. It works like a Vasikaran Mantra, a charm, embracing everyone into the circle of joy. Hence, one should stay clear off harsh and bitter speech.

and Kabir Das:

“Aisee vani boliye, mun ka aapa khoye

Apna tan sheetal kare, auran ko sukh hoye”

Speak in a manner that brings peace and tranquillity to the mind, freeing it from pride and arrogance. One’s speech should calm and pacify not only the listener, but also the speaker.