photo: axinia
Many years ago I learned about Indian Classics as something very unusual and it took me some time and my personal development to start loving and understanding it. Today, even after Bollywood and India in general have been very much in, most of the Westerners have no idea about this special art:”What? Indian Classical Music? Never heard of it!” – it`s a shame to hear that even from some well educated European musicians…
Indian Classical Art (music, dance) unlike the Western Classics, was not developed after the folk songs and dances have been there first. On the contrary – the classical art was the origin of Indian Arts, coming from the deep spiritual heritage. In the early period of the creation of the holy scripts Vedas (2000 BC – 1000 BC) there was no writing yet and music was born to preserve the Vedic texts through recitation. There is an extensive reference to music in the ancient books from 1000 BC to 800 AD like the Upanishad, such as description of seven musical notes, three Oktavs, Dance, Drama and musical instruments. Indian classical music has its origins as a meditation tool for attaining self realization.
But what makes this music so special? Why I personally consider it the best music ever, knowing quite a lot of different styles and musical traditions?
The secret that makes the impact of the Indian Classics so great unfolds easily: it is the music of spirit. It neither touches your emotions, nor does it make you imagine something, feel something. It does not awake memories or desires … But it makes your head free and your spirit fly. It makes you learn your TRUE SELF. It gives you the greatest comfort your soul can ever become…
LOVE, axinia
Relevant posts:
Indian classics versus Western classics: Kuchipudi versus ballet
axinia
1000 petals by axinia 
It is powerful indeed, but even as someone with South Asian heritage it’s hard to swallow at times when you’re so familiar with popular western music.
I prefer non-vocal Indian music myself, I focus more on the interplay of percussion and strings.
mo79uk,
Indeed, this muscic need a certain inner state… And because it pours straight into one`s heart (as the seat of a spirit), it is more likely to be appreciated by a spiritual personality. And you are right – it is easier to “swallow” the instumental version 🙂
Last nite i was with my friends having a practice of Indian bhajans. before starting we did few exercise on the note sa-re-ga-ma… as a warm up (being just at the end of our buuuuuusy week). I strongly believe in the power of the indian classical music on myself, i mean on my inner self. That’s why last nite as soon as i closed my esyes and sung the notes trying to feel each chackra….i just got it: complete comfort and satisfaction of being where i was. Cool post Axinia 🙂
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“It gives you the greatest comfort your soul can ever become…”
How true….esp the sitar.
Sample it here:
http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindustani/albums.asp
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