Understanding the Four Layers of Speech in Siddha Philosophy: A Deeper Insight into Human Expression

J Ruby
5 days ago
2 min read

Speech, in Siddha philosophy, is not merely a physical act but a multi-layered process that involves subtle inner mechanisms. The ancient Siddhars recognized four distinct types of speech, each representing a different stage of verbal expression—from inner impulse to audible sound. These classifications highlight how deeply interconnected our mind, body, and senses are in producing even a single word.

This understanding of speech goes beyond anatomy and enters the realm of consciousness and perception. Recognizing these stages can help us become more mindful communicators and understand how thoughts transform into words. Each kind of speech reveals a unique aspect of communication, from the internal vibration of thought to the external manifestation through sound.

Let’s explore the four kinds of speech that form the foundation of vocal expression in Siddha medicine and spiritual science.

1. Subtle Speech (நுண்ணோசை) The Auditory Impulse:

This is the most fundamental form of speech. It originates as an inner impulse—pure, unspoken thought energy. Known as Nunnosai in Tamil, it’s a silent sound, deeply internal, yet potent. It represents the birth of the idea that may later become a spoken word.

2. Sensory Perception(நினைவோசை)Thought-Based Expression:

This level involves mental recognition. Known as Ninaivosai, it is the stage where thoughts are clearly formed but not yet verbalized. This is where we internally process and structure our words before physically attempting to speak.

3. Motor Perception (மிடற்றோசை):

Muscle Coordination for Speech Called Midatrosai, this is the stage where the muscles required for speech—tongue, vocal cords, lips—begin to coordinate. Though not yet audible, this stage is crucial for articulating thoughts into actual speech.

4. Audible Speech (செவியோசை): The Heard Sound

Finally, Seviyosai refers to speech that is actually heard. It is the fully formed, physically expressed sound produced by the harmonious coordination of mental thought and muscular effort.

A Holistic View of Communication By understanding these four levels of speech, we gain insight into the spiritual and physiological process of communication. Siddha philosophy reminds us that our words are not just vibrations in the air—they’re the result of layered consciousness and bodily alignment. Mastery over these stages can help refine not only how we speak, but also how we think and connect with others.

Ref:-Siddha Maruthuvanga Churukkam