Yoga Life Book
Page 19
SATSANG
A. Group study of inspiring writings: yoga
sutras of Patanjalis and other yoga texts.
B. Music - Chanting, Bhajans, Kirtan: Listening to and singing bhajans
allows us to access our feelings and places of inspiration within
ourselves.
C. Group meditation.
MUSIC: by Swami Sivananda
Music (chanting, bhajans, kirtan,) is the most direct, universal
and immediate mode of lifting us into higher awareness. Through vibration,
harmony, tone, melody and meaning, music stimulates within us direct
experience of expanded reality.
Music is the most ancient of arts.
Music is the medium for expressing
emotion. Music kindles love and infuses hope. It has countless
voices and instruments. Music is in the hearts of all men and women.
Music is on their tongues.
The Power of Music
Sound is the first manifestation of the Absolute.
Supercharged with transcendent soul-force, sound is, in all creation,
the one powerful principle that widely influences and effectively
brings under control all other manifestations. Many examples can
be quoted to bear testimony to this claim of sound with reference
to both the individual and the cosmos.
There are, certain accounts relating to the Tibetan Lamas, which
tell us how the Lamas drove away and dispersed rain-bearing clouds,
or gathered the clouds and made them rain, by blowing the horns
and the trumpets and beating the drums.
Music has charms to soothe
a ferocious tiger. It melts rocks and bends the banyan tree.
It enraptures, lulls, and energizes. It elevates, inspires, strengthens,
and invigorates. It vibrates in the memory. It cures incurable
diseases.
Music fills the mind with Sattva. Music generates harmony
in the heart. Music melts the hardest heart. Music softens the
brutal nature of man.
Music comforts, soothes, and cheers up people
when they are afflicted. It comforts the lonely and the distressed.
Music removes worries, cares, and anxieties.
Music helps the devotee
to commune with the Lord. It makes the mind one-pointed quickly.
Music brings Bhava Samadhi. Thyagaraja, Purandhara Das, Mira, and
Tukaram have all realized God consciousness through Music.
Music Is Spiritual
Music is not an instrument for titillation of
the nerves or satisfaction of the senses; it is a Yoga Sadhana
which enables you to attain Atma-sakshatkara. It is the foremost
duty of all musicians, and institutions interested in the promotion
of music, to preserve this grand ideal and this pristine purity that
belongs to music.
Music is Nada Yoga. The various musical notes have
their own corresponding Nadis or subtle channels in the Kundalini
Chakras; and music vibrates these Nadis, purifies them, and awakens
the psychic and spiritual power dormant in them. Observe the power
of gentle, sweet sounds: Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni, Sa. Purification
of Nadis not only ensures peace and happiness of mind, but goes
a long way in Yoga Sadhana and helps the aspirant to reach the goal
of life very easily.
Influence of Music over Mind and Body
Sweet melody exercises a powerful
influence on the mind and physical nature of every living being.
Music
is an aid to treatment of diseases. Sages affirm that many diseases
can be cured by the melodious sound of a flute or a violin, a Veena
or a Sarangi. They maintain that there is, in music, and extraordinary
power over diseases. Music relaxes nervous tension, and makes parts
of the body affected by tension to resume their normal functions.
In America, doctors are treating patients who are suffering from
nervous diseases through music. In ancient Egypt, music was used
in temples in healing diseases of the nervous class.
Sangita or Kirtan is the best medicine and tonic when all other
systems of medicine have failed to cure a disease. Kirtan will
work wonders. Kirtan is the sole refuge and sheet-anchor in the
treatment of chronic incurable disease. Try this unique medicine
and realize its marvelous benefits.
Kirtana Bhakti
Kirtan is singing God’s Name with feeling, love,
and faith. In Sankirtan, people join together and sing God’s
Name collectively in a common place. There is accompaniment of musical
instruments such as harmonium, violin, cymbals, Mridanga or Khol,
etc. Kirtan is one of the nine modes of Bhakti. Sankirtan is an exact
science.
The Psychology behind Kirtana Bhakti
Kirtana is a very effective
method of devotion. Music melts the heart of even the stone-hearted
person. If at all there is anything in this world which can change
the heart of any one in a very quick time, that is music and dance.
This very method is made use of in Kirtana Bhakti. Man’s
emotion of erotism is directed towards Divinity. Kirtana is sweet
and pleasant, and easily changes the heart.
Do Sankirtan daily.
Disseminate Sankirtan Bhakti far and wide.
MUSIC AND MIRACLES
Sound, music and the continuation of life go
hand-in-hand. The physical body reflects the sounds we perceive,
down to the biochemical level.
The reviewing of three hundred and
fifty files of individuals seen over five years at three centers
for communication and learning skills in the U.S. led to the compilation
of a list of positive changes as the result of music therapy. Some
of these changes are:
- Increased alertness and awareness
- Improved concentration and on-task
behavior
- Spontaneous expression of sincere affection
- Increased independence
- Improved recognition and consideration
of others’ feelings
By Don Campbell
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