Before humankind ever spoke a word or wielded a tool, one evening at the dawn of civilization, it hummed—synchronizing its voice with the rhythm of its heartbeat—and thus, music came into existence.
No one knows the exact date of that evening, but as humanity was evolving in the dense forests, it could have happened at any moment in that timeless beginning.
Melody, rhythm, and beat must have been discovered at the very dawn of ancient civilization—only then could this process of creation have continued, becoming more refined and evolved over time.
Decoding sangeet
On this sacred occasion of World Music Day, ideally, one should sing a song, listen to it, or perhaps write a song. But wait—let’s first share a few words, and in the end, we shall part by jamming up.
When we break down the word sangeet (music), we find two components: geet (song) and sangat (accompaniment). Perhaps that’s why ancient scholars included three key elements within the concept of music: vocal (singing), instrumental (playing), and dance.
All three forms are deeply interconnected and dependent on one another.
Singing relies on instruments and dance; instruments rely on singing and dance; and dance relies on both singing and instrumental music—it goes without saying how mutually interdependent they are.
You might already be aware of various scientific studies showing how animals, birds, and even tiny organisms respond joyfully to music, and how playing music for plants has a positive impact on their growth and development.
Similarly, you’ve probably read about medical research that states music can help heal certain illnesses, and how particular ragas can reduce the effects of chronic diseases.
It is said: If there is a (rog) disease, there is also a raga.
Literature and spirituality in music
For a musical composition to be truly beautiful, refined literature plays an immensely important role. Therefore, both the writer and the composer must be sincere in their craft.
Literature contains rhythm, words, emotions, essence, ornamentation, symbols, and imagery.
Similarly, music includes melody, rhythm, notes, emotions, essence, and ornamentation.
Literature should dwell in the artist’s voice and soul, and music should live in the writer’s pen and heart.
The literal meaning of spirituality is to turn inward or to dive within oneself. Whether one is listening to music or singing it, a person is immersed within, swaying, lost in the moment. Every note and rhythm of music is filled with spirituality.
I believe that while the creator plays a role in the making of music, it’s not just the creator’s doing.
Some days, no matter how hard one tries, creation doesn’t come. Yet on other days, something completely unexpected and unplanned arises effortlessly.
I feel it is this very randomness that makes music and spirituality complementary to each other.
Why does it feel that way? Perhaps, again, because of this very randomness.
Celebrating music
With time, new styles and forms of singing are continuously being added to music—and listeners seem to embrace them with joy. As listeners, we constantly thirst for new melodies. And as creators, we must remain honest and just toward our creations.
The more new dimensions are added, the higher music continues to rise. How high can music go? Perhaps we can only understand once we measure its depth.
And now, as we come to a close, as mentioned above, let us immerse ourselves in joy by singing one of the songs by John Lenon.
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace
