Classical Music — A Gateway to Meditation
— Akhand Jyoti
Lord Krishna playing the flute, Saraswati strumming the strings of the vīṇā, and Lord Shiva dancing to the beat of the ḍamarū — these are divine and radiant symbols. It is from these very sources that Shastriya (Indian classical) music and dance originated from realization of the vibrations of this divine music. Concentration and meditation can also be achieved with the aid of Indian classical music and dance.
In the Vedic period, many diseases were treated using music and dance. Dance was used to cure physical ailments, while music treated mental disorders. Today, these therapeutic methods are popularly known as music therapy and dance therapy.
Science says that approximately 70,000 thoughts can arise in a human mind throughout the day. Therefore, we should maintain control over our thoughts, that is, over the mind. The only means to achieve this is through the seventh stage of Ashtānga Yoga — dhyāna (meditation).
Ancient sages and seers have described many methods of meditation, such as Sūrya Dhyāna for gaining energy, Chandra Dhyāna for mental peace, Sānkhya Dhyāna for controlling thoughts, Sthūla Dhyāna for increasing self-confidence, and Kundalini Dhyāna for awakening the (yogic) chakras located in the subtle body. Because of its positive effect on the mind, Indian classical music is a significantly effective support in attainment of meditation.
The Power of Rāgas
The power of Shastriya tunes (rāgas) is wondrous. The Sanskrit word "rāga" is derived from the root 'ranj,' which means to delight or bring joy to the mind. It brings out the emotions of the mind. In "Sangeet Ratnakar", Sarangdev says that a rāga is a beautiful wave of notes that overwhelms the listeners with bliss. In "Vrahaddeshi", Sage Matanga says that a rāga sets the mind in vibration or resonance.
Many of the Shastriya Rāgas are known by the name of their place of origin or tribe; for example, Jaunpuri, Multani (named after places), Ahiri, Gurjari (named after tribes). Some others are named after the gods/goddesses in whose devotion the first song in that rāga was created — e.g. Bhairava, Durga, Saraswati. Some rāgas are named according to their effects — e.g. Malhar, Deepak, etc.
After the 15th century, considerable changes have occurred in the original form of music due to the influence of cultures from many countries, but even today, the music based mainly on a Shastriya rāga is capable of naturally drawing our mind into a state of meditative concentration.
In the morning, when we listen to rāgas such as Bhairav, Ahir Bhairav, Nata Bhairav, Gurjari Todi, and Miyan ki Todi, at the first stage they bring out the emotions and thoughts within us, and at the second stage, they make the mind focused and concentrated.
In the evening, during the time of meditation, one should listen to rāgas such as Desha, Yaman, Vihaga, Maru Bihaga, and Puriya Dhanshri. These have distinct effects on various parts of the body and different states of the mind.
Classical Dance as Spiritual Practice
To clearly explain the impact of Shastriya Nritya (classical dance), music experts say that especially for the people of Kali Yuga, Lord Brahma created the fifth Veda named "Naṭya Veda." He entrusted it to Sage Bharata. On its basis, Sage Bharata wrote the "Natya Shastra".
It is believed that all classical dances of India are based on this very Vedic Scripture. One of the names of Lord Shiva is also Nataraja (Naṭarāja). In this form, Lord Shiva is depicted in a soothing dance form, which according to some religious scriptures, is a mode of His mental concentration.
According to Vedic philosophy, there is immense power hidden within us which is capable of fighting any disease. The profound knowledge and experiences of the experts of Vedic Culture guides that when we play/sing the classical Indian rāgas like Dhrupad, Bhairav, etc. (which have originated from Nāda Yoga) or perform classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, etc. (deeply rooted in Hindu epics and temple tradition of devotional practices), as a sādhanā, the sonorous vibrations of Nature's sublime music and inherent physical postures and expressions of yoga not only deeply focus our attention, but also awaken the inner power within us.
"Try to be humane. If you succeed in it, you will succeed everywhere." — Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya
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