Music has long been intertwined with worship across cultures and religions, serving as a means of expression and prayer. This connection between music and spirituality is more than just cultural tradition; it’s rooted in the way music impacts our emotional and spiritual experiences. Many musical forms evolved from rituals, worship, prayer, and other religious activities.
Spirituality and Indian music
Indian music is one of the oldest systems of music in the world, and originates from the Sama Vedas. The Sama Veda was recited in temples and during the Vedic fire rituals by designated Sama singers. The Vedic recitation used many notes and almost covered an entire octave. In the Indian classical tradition, from the earliest times, many of the composers were also saintly people who composed devotional songs in praise of their favourite deity. In fact, it is rare to find a traditional composer who was not a devout person.
Western classical music and worship
Western classical music started as the music of the church and music was an important part of Sunday services. Many composers of Western classical music like Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi were religious people and composed several melodies that were devotional in nature.
Music as a spiritual experience
At its core, music has the power to transcend the ordinary and touch something deeper within us. Many spiritual traditions use music as a way to invoke a sense of the divine or to facilitate meditation and contemplation. In many cultures around the world, like Judaism, Sufism, and Buddhism, we find a close connection between music and their specific rituals. Gregorian chants in Christian monastic practices or bhajans in Hindu worship both use music to enhance the spiritual atmosphere and elevate the worshipper’s experience. The repetitive nature of these musical forms helps to focus the mind and create a meditative state.
Composers might use different languages and follow different religions but music is a universal language. Anyone who likes to express themselves can sing or play an instrument. Just like dance, or painting, or theatre, music is also an art form that helps people share their feelings with others.
To explore the spiritual side of Indian music, check out SaPa’s self-paced course by India’s bhajan king Anup Jalota. Sign up here.
