unstruck

Unstruck is a term used in Hindu yogic and tantric traditions, most often rendered as anahata nāda, meaning “the unstruck sound.” It denotes a subtle, eternal vibration said to exist within consciousness rather than being produced by any external strike. The Sanskrit roots are anaḥata (unstruck) and nāda (sound or vibration). The concept is central to Nada Yoga, a school of yoga that treats inner sound as a path to self-realization.

In these traditions, the unstruck sound is believed to be heard during deep meditation after the senses and mind have been quieted. Practitioners describe experiences ranging from a faint, continuous hum to a more pronounced ringing. Perception of the sound can vary across lineages and individuals, but it is generally presented as an inner phenomenon rather than an audible external event.

Traditionally, the unstruck sound is used as a focal point to transcend mental activity and cultivate heightened awareness. It is sometimes associated with the heart chakra (anahata) and regarded as a companion on the path to higher states of consciousness rather than as a sensory experience.

Notes and interpretation vary among schools. Some treat nāda as a literal inner sound to be trained and discerned, while others view it as a metaphor for refined awareness or a method of meditation. As with many yogic practices, guidance from experienced teachers is commonly recommended.

See also: Nada Yoga; Anahata chakra; Nāda in Indian philosophy.