Niraj Dubey
According to Plato, “Music gives a Soul to the universe, Wings to the mind, Flight to the imagination, and Life to everything.” Music plays an important part in all our lives. It is very difficult to imagine a world without music. We may choose which kind of music we listen to for our own personal enjoyment but we are also subject to music in all kinds of places. Background music is played in shops, restaurants, hotels, or while driving. Music communicates emotion, thoughts and inspiration transcending race, religion and culture, playing an integral role in the spiritual and emotional well-being of our lives. Individuals do not always respond in the same way to a piece of music or a song; it depends on their experience of life, the environment and their personal beliefs and their personal preference. Music is a constant companion on our journey through life. It is present in our celebrations, marking passages and milestones along the way, strengthening and encouraging us. Listening to music, composing and performing can help to answer the questions of who we are, what we stand for and what we value in life, both individually and collectively. It helps us to understand ourselves and others. Steven Fischbacker states: ‘When you hear a certain piece of music your mind is often transported very vividly to a place or a memory that means something to you. Like the sense of smell, songs are highly evocative and can bring back memories of significant times, places and people.’ There are times when we find difficulty in expressing our thoughts and emotions in words. Music is always there to communicate the inexpressible and free the mind from the boundaries of speech and transport us to an alternative place of emotion, rhythm and imagery, thus enabling us to come to accept and come to terms with our emotions and situations. Religious education and music provide important opportunities for spiritual development.
Spiritual development can be encouraged in school by using music in a calm environment to help children respond to the music they hear and to relate it to the world around them and their inner thoughts. Music also has an important part to play in collective worship to create an appropriate atmosphere and to enhance the theme.In Hindu Dharma, music and spirituality are deeply intertwined, with music serving as a powerful medium for connecting with the divine and achieving spiritual realization. Music, especially through Vedic hymns, mantras, and devotional songs (bhajans), is considered a path to devotion, peace, and mental balance. The very origin of Indian classical music is traced back to the Vedas, highlighting its integral role in religious practices and spiritual expression.Many Hindu deities are associated with music, such as Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts, who is often depicted playing the veena (a stringed instrument). Music, in the form of chants and devotional songs, is an integral part of Hindu rituals like aarti (a ceremony of worship) and puja (prayer). In Sikhism, music, particularly the practice of kirtan, is deeply intertwined with spirituality and is considered a vital path to connect with the Divine.
Kirtan involves singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, to create a spiritual atmosphere and foster a connection with the divine presence. It is believed that the vibrations of the music, especially when sung in the prescribed ragas, can penetrate the heart and dissolve the ego, facilitating spiritual growth and union with God. Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s companion, Bhai Mardana, played the rabab while Guru Nanak sang hymns, demonstrating the integral role of music in the early Sikh tradition. This highlights the long-standing connection between music and Sikh spirituality. Sikh spirituality emphasizes that music, especially devotional singing, is a powerful means of connecting with the Divine. The cosmic sound and the spiritual world are believed to be interconnected, and singing praises of God through kirtan is seen as a direct route to experiencing the divine presence. In Christianity, music and spirituality are deeply intertwined. Music serves as a powerful tool for expressing faith, fostering community, and facilitating spiritual experiences. Music provides a means for Christians to express their love, praise, and devotion to God. It is used in worship, prayer, and various rituals to connect believers with God and with each other. The use of music in Christian traditions dates back to the earliest days of the church, with roots in ancient chants, hymns, and psalms. Through music, individuals can share their personal faith journeys and connect with the broader Christian community.Different musical styles and traditions reflect the diverse cultural expressions of Christianity around the world. Understanding the history of Christian music provides insight into the evolution of Christian faith and practice. In essence, music is not merely an accompaniment to Christian worship, but a fundamental and powerful force that shapes spiritual experience, fosters cooperation.
In Islam, the significance of music and spirituality is multifaceted, with diverse interpretations and practices. Music can be a powerful tool for spiritual connection, remembrance of God (dhikr), and emotional expression, particularly within Sufi traditions. Music, especially Sufi music, is often used as a form of dhikr, a way to remember and connect with God through chanting, singing, and musical performance. Historically, music has been an integral part of Islamic culture, with various forms developing across different regions and time periods. Sufis view music as a form of “spiritual nourishment,” potentially inducing ecstasy and bringing the listener closer to God. Music can be a powerful medium for expressing emotions, including love, longing, and devotion, which are central to Islamic spirituality. Despite general perceptions on the matter, the truth is that, music is an attribute of the spirit, in other way; we can say that, music is, has been and will always be the voice of the spirit.The fact that every human being is emotionally and intellectually susceptible to music provides the evidence that music is both, a spiritual manifestation, also a spiritual influence. Music is a model for peace and communication, where imagination; teamwork and dedication shine. As an engineer, professor and a singer, I feel lucky and grateful. Creating & performing music is magical and life altering. Through music, I experience the sensuality of the universe, and the melody and rhythm of life is so rich and full.
(The author is a Sr. Faculty at GCET Jammu & Cyber Security Warrior J&K)
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