Dɪsᴄᴏᴠᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ Essᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴏғ Mᴜsɪᴄ
Music has always been a powerful force in my life, threading through generations in my family like a sweet and vibrant melody. My father sang beautifully, my mother has a soulful voice, my wife has a keen ear for music, and my daughter not only sings but also plays instruments with grace. Despite none of us having formal musical training, music is at the heart of who we are.
But my love for music isn't confined to traditional instruments and melodies. It extends to the natural world—the gentle ripples of a flowing river, the rhythmic crash of ocean waves, the cheerful chirping of birds, and even the whispering rustle of dry leaves. These are the sounds that resonate deeply within me, creating a symphony that connects me to a profound sense of peace and tranquility.
To truly appreciate the music around us, one must cultivate a deeper sense of silence and quietude. It's only in this stillness that we can begin to hear the pure sounds that nature offers. Each element of nature has its unique rhythm, and to fully grasp this requires an open heart and a keen ear. This form of listening is both an art and a science, a practice that every musician must master.
As someone who loves music but isn't formally trained, I believe that a true musician must be a true listener first. It takes a lot to listen deeply and let the music transform you from within. When a musician connects with the music on a profound level, it has the power to elevate the listener's consciousness and create a sense of inner silence. This silence isn't just the absence of sound; it's the state where music and life become one, where you feel in harmony with everything around you.
Though my love for nature's music is profound, I also have a fondness for certain traditional instruments like the shehnai, flute, sitar, violin, and santoor. These instruments, in the hands of a master, can evoke emotions that transcend words. Listening to them, I am reminded that everything in the world has a melody, a rhythm, and a purpose. The melodies these instruments create can transport me to a different realm, where I feel the presence of a deeper, more spiritual connection.
As a student I loved listening to stories. As a teacher, I love telling stories. In the context of what I am sharing today, I would love to share one story that has inspired me greatly - the story of Baiju Babra.
When Guru Haridas was cured of his paralysis and ran to the temple of Krishna, he found Baiju completely absorbed in his music. The profoundness of this moment—the transformation of Guru Haridas and the meditative state of Baiju—encapsulates the essence of true music. It’s a reminder that when music becomes a way of life, it has the power to heal and transcend.
What I've learned from my journey with music is that it has the ability to transport us to a state of silence and inner peace. This silence isn't just about being quiet; it's a state of harmony where everything makes sense. Music that leads us to this place is powerful, and it's where true musicianship begins. It’s where speech flows from silence, and where the circle completes itself.
For me, music is not just a series of notes or a collection of sounds; it’s the harmony that resonates with our souls. It’s the silence that speaks louder than words. It’s the rhythm of life itself.
When we can truly listen to the world around us, we find that everything is music. Everything has a rhythm, a melody, and a story to tell. And in this realization, we find our own harmony, our own silence, and our own peace.
सर्वं नादात्मकं जगत्
Sampadananda Mishra
