Friday, April 07, 2006
Music

MUSIC

Bliss
Solace
Contentment
A media for God realization
A source of entertainment
? ? ? …….

Yes, Music is everything – Music is universal.

The world of today is filled with tension from which we need relief. This can be got by listening to enchanting MUSIC – the gift from the heaven, which has descended down. It is said that in view of the progressive decline of human powers and the consequent need for easier path, the path of Music is devised for the present age. The sphere of music has proved a tendency to evolve simpler media of enjoyment and relaxation.

MUSIC can be precisely defined as the science or art of pleasing. The essence of music is hidden in each and every act of nature. The murmuring of the stream, sound of wind, chirping of birds, fall of rain, the rustling of leaves – all these natural sounds are music- true music.

Of the many things man is afraid of, loneliness is most common. He seeks company in order to escape from the fear of loneliness. But what is that he seeks in the company of others? Understanding? Fellow-feeling? Interaction? All these and perhaps many more. Not only a good company, good music can do all these and much more too.

“When we are alone, it drives out our loneliness; when our heart is heavy, it makes it light and wipes our tears”.

“Love for music is a sensation, which can never be put on hold. The more we listen, the more it grows nearer and dearer”. To go deeper into the technical aspects, the sphere of music can be analyzed under several wings, the most popular being karnatic, Hindustani, western and folklore. If we take karnatic music, it has a classical touch which is backed by a store-house of krithis (based on raga, taala and laya) rendered by great musicians. A few meaningful words are involved to throw an edding flood of music by the artists. This gives immense pleasure for those who deliver these krithis and also for those who listen to them. Love for music is natural for any being, and can be enjoyed most by a mind which knows its intricacies.

One cannot work continuously without a pause or a gap. This break from the routine need not be a period of absolute rest, but must be a change from the routine, a change which will push aside fatigue and refresh the mind. Music has much to offer in this direction.

Music, on its part has remained a media of refreshment and relaxation. Music is not only a media of enjoyment but is educative too. It can some times even complement a good book, for it has a touch of reality.

True music is

o a cure for many diseases
o a solution for many problems
o a media which strengthens life, which is rich in happiness and strong through desires.

True music makes a person self-reliant. It infuses in him, a sense of pride, of faith, a spirit of self-confidence and self-respect. In a nutshell, listening / learning true music moulds a person’s character, rich- profound.

“The knowledge of music, O mind leads to bliss of union with the Lord” – are the words straight from the mouth of the great musician and saint Sri Thyagaraja.

No aspiration of ours can be fulfilled without the grace of the almighty. In this material world, man should do good deeds and keep his mind and heart pure, in order to reach God. In classical music, the devotional elements combine effectively to inspire even the atheist to fall under the banner of Divinity.

There is no treasure equal to contentment and no virtue equal to fortitude. And true music is an ensemble of both.
This life here upon Earth, has a great meaning and deep significance. Eating, drinking, sleeping, a little laughter, much weeping – is this all life? Life is divine. The goal of life is God-realization. Human birth is precious. Life is short, time is flying; utilize this birth to attain God. And the easiest, simplest, elementary path for the attainment of divinity is the path of MUSIC.

Not all can become great musicians. But all can have a heart to enjoy and appreciate the essence of true music.

We receive so..oo.oo much of peace and pleasure from MUSIC. But, what are we paying in return? At least try to popularize and patronize music. This article is being written in view of supporting and enhancing the fragrance of Real Music. Hope the readers will appreciate the effort.