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The Essence of Music:

A Universal Language of Life and Spirituality

Music, at its core, is a harmonious blend exemplifies the spiritual nature
of instrumental rhythms, melodies, and vocal of music. It is believed that music
expressions. Yet, its true essence extends far beyond can awaken the nine chakras,
these elements—it embodies the way of life. Music leading to spiritual enlightenment.
allows individuals to live more fully, cherish every Each raag, or musical scale, in
moment, and gain insights that cannot be taught Indian classical music is an act of
by conventional means. It transcends cultural and devotion, dedicated to different
linguistic barriers, serving as a universal language deities. For example, Raag Yaman
understood by all living beings. is associated with Lord Krishna,
Raag Bheempalasi with Lord Keshav Kant
Class- XI A
Music permeates everything around us, waiting Shiva, Raag Durga with Navdurga, CRPF Public School, Rohini
for recognition. As Bob Marley aptly said, “One good and Raag Malhar with Lord Indra.
thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel These raagas are not merely compositions;
no pain.” Music possesses the unique power to heal, they create sacred atmospheres,
soothing wounds and imparting lessons on the true fostering a deeper connection with the
meaning of peace. It reminds us that conflict and divine.
violence arise from material greed, not necessity.
Musical traditions, or gharanas, in
Globally, music exists in myriad forms—from India are often centred around temples,
Hindustani classical and jazz to rock and emphasizing music’s spiritual roots. The
beyond. Yet in spirit, it is boundless. Its Banaras Gharana, for instance, is closely
ultimate purpose is to show us that life connected to the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
itself is intertwined with music. As in Varanasi. Notable artists like Ustad Bismillah
Beethoven profoundly observed, Khan (Shehnai), Girija Devi (vocalist), and Sitara Devi
“Music is the mediator (dancer) emerged from this gharana, transcending
between spiritual and religious boundaries. Ustad Bismillah Khan once
sensual life.” This said, “Music is the Universal Religion,” underscoring
sentiment touches on its ability to unite people from all walks of life.
the deeper mysteries
of existence and the In conclusion, music serves as a profound
divine. Music existed medium for spiritual awakening, connecting us to the
before humanity and will divine in meaningful ways. It exists in every aspect
continue long after us. of life, understood by humans, animals, and, most
The ancient Hindu belief in the cosmic significantly, the divine. Music is a unifying force,
sound “OUM” resonates with this idea, where bringing healing and peace. Ultimately, it is the
“OUM” is said to have existed before the material world universal language of love, as the saying goes, “Where
and to endure after its destruction. In this sense, music words fail, music speaks.”
is eternal.

Indian classical music, comprising Hindustani
Shastriya Sangeet and Carnatic traditions, further