Word, meaning, and idea are confused by mutual superimposition. From saṃyama on their distinction arises knowledge of the sounds of all beings.

Śabda is word, sound. Artha is meaning, object. Pratyaya is idea, mental concept. Adhyāsa is superimposition. Pravibhāga is distinction, separation. Ruta is sound, cry.

We normally confuse a word with what it represents. We say “water” and think of water, as if they were the same thing.

Through saṃyama on the difference between these three levels, the yogī understands the structure of language. From that understanding arises the ability to comprehend the sounds of all beings.

This includes animal language, the sounds of nature, and even the subtle vibrations of the elements.

It is an extension of linguistic understanding. One who truly grasps what language is can decode any communication system.

Mantras work by this same principle: there is a real connection between sound and the reality it represents.