“গান-ই সর্বশ্রেষ্ঠ সাধনা
লাগে না ফুল-চন্দন, মন্ত্র-তন্ত্র লাগে না…”
(Lyrics: Saadhak Bhabaa Paaglaa, in Bengali script)
“Music is the Supreme devotion
No need for flowers or sandalwood,
No need for mantras or tantras..." [translated]
This song resonates deeply with every Bengali-speaking individual, carrying an ineffable spiritual essence. When sung with genuine emotion, it has the power to evoke tears, calm a restless mind, and fill the soul with a profound sense of tranquillity. But why does music wield such an extraordinary influence? How do mere words, melodies, and rhythms intertwine to create an elixir of life, touching the very core of human existence? What is the essence of music? Why has its presence enthralled humanity through the ages with an unparalleled charm? Why do timeless creators, forsaking worldly attachments, immerse themselves completely in the divine pursuit of music? Let us delve into these fundamental questions.
The Cosmic Symphony
Physics reveals that the universe operates in a precise rhythm—whether it be the orbital motion of celestial bodies, the revolution of planets, or even the vibrational frequency of subatomic particles, all follow a perfect order of tempo and cadence. This cosmic rhythm, akin to a symphony, underlines the very structure of existence.
Ancient Indian philosophy encapsulates this profound idea through the concept of Nāda Brahma—the divine sound that pervades the cosmos:
"Sarvam Khalvidam Nāda Brahma"—All that exists is but sound, the supreme cosmic essence. (Chāndogya Upaniṣad (3.14.1)
The universe, in its primal state, is an expanse of sound energy, reverberating through creation. This Nāda (sound vibration) is regarded as Nāda Brahma (नाद-ब्रह्म) or Shabda Brahma (शब्द-ब्रह्म)—"Sound as the Supreme Consciousness."
Music as a Pathway to the Divine
In Indian aesthetics, Nāda forms the foundation of both the sonic and spiritual dimensions of music. The evolution of Indian classical music is deeply intertwined with this concept. From the primordial Nāda, the three essential elements of music emerge—
- Swara (notes) – The vibrations that shape melodies.
- Tala (rhythm) – The cyclical movement that structures music.
- Raga (melodic framework) – The soul of Indian classical music evoking emotions and spiritual resonance.
The revered Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas, stands as testimony to the antiquity of Indian music. The Vedic hymns were not merely recited but chanted in metrical patterns, making them a profound sonic offering to the divine. It is through this sacred chanting that the spiritual and artistic dimensions of Indian music converged.
The ancient sage Matanga, in his seminal text Brihaddeshi, expounded upon the notion of Raga, describing it as the essence that enraptures the heart. Similarly, Abhinavagupta, the great philosopher and aesthetician, elucidated the transcendental experience of music, aligning it with the concept of rasa—the aesthetic bliss that transports the listener to an exalted state of consciousness.
The Eternal Quest for Sonic Liberation
The devotional Bhakti movement further reinforced the idea of music as a divine medium. Saints like Mirabai, Tulsidas, Surdas, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu expressed their intense spiritual longing through music. Rabindranath Tagore, the polymath and Nobel laureate, envisioned music as a spiritual bridge between the human and the divine, a sentiment echoed in his Rabindra Sangeet.
The Sufi mystics, too, embraced music as a medium to attain divine ecstasy. The Qawwali tradition, with its soul-tiring renditions, is a testament to the Sufi belief in sama—a state of divine listening that unites the soul with the Supreme.
Indian classical musicians like Tansen and Swami Haridas viewed music as a form of worship. The legendary Miyan Tansen, a court musician in Akbar's court, was believed to have invoked fire (Raga Deepak) and rain (Megh Malhar) through his singing, illustrating the profound connection between sound and the natural elements.
Music: The Ultimate Devotion
Music transcends language, religion, and geographical boundaries. It is a spiritual force, an eternal prayer, and the purest form of devotion. Whether through the Dhrupad of the Nathpanthis, the Baul gaan of Bengal, or the Kirtan traditions, music continues to serve as a vehicle for self-discovery and divine connection.
As the great Bharata Muni stated in the Natya Shastra, “Music, dance, and drama are not mere pastimes but sacred offerings that elevate the human spirit.”
Thus, when a song like "Music is supreme devotion..." resonates within us, it is not merely a composition but a sacred invocation—a reminder that music is, indeed, the supreme devotion.
The Primordial Urge for Expression
In the beginning of creation, early humans, driven by the innate desire to express their emotions and thoughts, borrowed rhythms from nature and gave shape to their expressions through dance movements. Dr. Albert Churchward, in his book The Origin and Evolution of Primitive Man, stated—"Primitive men or pygmies had dances as Sign Language." This suggests that dance and music were not mere recreations but essential tools of communication, deeply embedded in human evolution.
The rhythm of dance is the rhythm of the cosmos itself. From our Milky Way to Andromeda, Pinwheel, Sombrero, Whirlpool, and countless other unnamed galaxies—all are woven into a precise rhythm. Even the slightest deviation in this cosmic rhythm results in disharmony. This same rhythm governs the Earth's day and night cycle, seasonal changes, and the ebb and flow of tides. Early humans gradually aligned their rhythms with this universal cadence, realizing that rhythm exists within them too—the heartbeat, the rhythm of breath, the flow of blood through veins and arteries, the gradual growth of the body, and the natural evolution of the mind. Everything seems to be strung together in an invisible, inaudible thread of rhythm, uniting the microcosm of human existence with the macrocosm of the universe.
Music and the Universal Connection
Much like a song in free verse or ‘mukta-Chanda’, where rhythm exists in a subtle form—present, yet elusive, never fully graspable—music has always been an expression of emotional depth and cosmic unity. As the human mind refines its perception, it grows more attuned to subtle beauty, artistry, aesthetics, and rasa (emotive essence). Sensitivity develops in thought and consciousness. At this stage, music becomes the language of emotional expression—an experience no longer confined to the individual but belonging to the entire cosmos. The one who has truly discovered the essence of rasa and beauty realizes—"The emotions of music are universal."
Rabindranath Tagore, in his discourses on aesthetics, repeatedly emphasized that music is not an isolated art form meant for entertainment alone. It is a bridge that connects the temporal with the eternal. According to Tagore, "Music is the purest form of art and, therefore, the most direct expression of beauty."(Sangit Chinta, 1938). This notion is deeply embedded in Indian philosophy, where music is regarded as sādhanā (spiritual practice) rather than mere amusement.
The Vedic Origins of Musical Expression
During the Vedic era, Veda Gāna (Vedic hymns) were chanted in specific melodies. The central aspects of rituals and ceremonies at that time were offerings and mantra recitations, accompanied by Veda Gāna. This tradition has been preserved even today through prayer songs. The Sama Veda is especially significant in this regard, as it is considered the foundational text of Indian musical traditions. It is believed that the melodic intonations of Sama Veda laid the groundwork for the later evolution of ragas in Indian classical music.
The profound influence of musical recitations is also evident in the Upanishads, which emphasize the role of sound and vibration in attaining higher states of consciousness. The concept of Nāda Brahma (the universe as sound) finds resonance in the works of philosophers like Bharata in Nātyaśāstra, Anandavardhana in Dhvanāyloka, Abhinavagupta in Abhinavabhāratī, where the aesthetic experience of music and its transformative power are elaborated in detail. The great mystic poet-saints of India—Kabir, Tulsidas, Mirabai, as well as the poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore—also recognized the spiritual depth of music, composing soul-stirring songs that transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Music as a Medium of Learning and Enlightenment
The Role of Music in Traditional Education
In the ancient Indian Gurukul system, music held immense importance. The presence of music is evident in the Vedas, Upanishads, and various branches of Indian philosophy. The Sama Veda is essentially the Veda of music, containing specific melodic rules for chanting mantras, blending recitation with musical expression in a unique manner. Another ancient musical text related to the Rig Veda is the Gandharva Veda, which considers music as a means of spiritual elevation.
In Gurukuls, students' first lessons often began with Guru Gita or prayer songs, which played a crucial role in enhancing memory and improving concentration. The tradition of prayer songs in educational institutions continues to this day, instilling calmness, mindfulness, and discipline in students.
Scientific Perspectives on Music in Modern Education
The scientifically grounded role of music in modern education is immense. In today’s education system, music should not be viewed merely as an artistic discipline but as a powerful medium of learning. According to psychology and neuroscience, music plays a crucial role in students' mental development. Greater awareness should be fostered regarding the significance of music in brain development and memory enhancement. Music activates different parts of the brain and helps improve memory. Scientists have shown that learning music increases neural connectivity, which enhances students’ cognitive abilities and reasoning skills. The practice of music strengthens the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating a balance between logic and creativity.
Various studies have proven that children who engage in music practice tend to perform better in mathematics and language learning due to their improved phonological awareness and rhythmic sensitivity. Music is also essential for enhancing concentration and focus. Through musical education, children learn to concentrate and develop patience. Particularly in Indian classical music, the practice of Dhrupad, Khayal, or Raga cultivates deep focus in students. Continuous practice fosters patience and perseverance, leading to the development of analytical and critical thinking skills.
The Sacred Responsibility of Preserving Musical Integrity
According to Rabindranath Tagore, any subject deemed as art must be auspicious and beneficial to society. That is why, in our classical music, we often find an inherent sense of auspiciousness. However, from the medieval period onwards, certain elements of frivolity were introduced into music, making its "entertainment" aspect more prominent. In the modern era, this has sometimes crossed the boundaries of propriety, leading to a situation where the purity of sur (melody), auspiciousness, and divinity is often tainted by a-sur (disharmony).
To safeguard sur from the influence of a-sur, it is imperative to instill a sense of responsibility in the youth, guiding them toward the true essence of music. Music is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a form of sādhanā (spiritual practice), a profound experience. Through music, one can transcend materialistic illusions and enter a realm of sublime serenity. This is precisely why music has always been an integral part of religious rituals, spiritual practices, and devotional worship. Whether it is Vedic chants, Vaishnava Padavali, Sufi music, Bhajans, or Kirtans—music serves as a bridge to the divine.
Rabindranath Tagore remarked, "If music is embraced solely for pleasure, it is an insult to the music itself. Music is a medium that unites joy with the entirety of life’s emotions and experiences." (Sangit Chinta, 1938). Music operates on a transcendental level, allowing deep emotions and sentiments to be expressed beyond the ordinary. Why do certain lyrics or melodies bring tears to our eyes? Why does the heart feel choked with emotions? Because music awakens the deepest layers of the soul, sometimes evoking nostalgia, sometimes embodying sorrow or joy.
Therefore, through proper education, an awareness of beauty, and an appreciation of aesthetics, the present generation will learn to discern between good and bad, to differentiate between culture and decadence, and to undertake the sādhanā that leads to the supreme bliss of auspiciousness.
The Educational Significance of Music
Music as a Medium of Learning and Development
Music is not merely a source of auditory pleasure; it is also a vital medium for education and intellectual development. The role of music in education has been significant since ancient times, not just for entertainment but for nurturing humanistic and creative qualities. The unique role of music education, from ancient India to modern educational systems, can be explained through several key aspects.
The Role of Music in the Ancient Indian Gurukul System
In the ancient Indian Gurukul system, music held immense importance. The presence of music is evident in the Vedas, Upanishads, and various branches of Indian philosophy. The Sama Veda is essentially the Veda of music. It contains specific melodic rules for chanting mantras, blending recitation with musical expression in a unique manner. In ancient society, music was not merely a form of entertainment; it was a profound intellectual discipline. Another ancient musical text related to the Rig Veda is the Gandharva Veda, which considers music as a means of spiritual elevation (Swarup, 1968).
In Gurukuls, students' first lessons often began with Guru Gita or prayer songs, which played a crucial role in enhancing memory and improving concentration. Rabindranath Tagore emphasized the harmonious development of body, mind, and soul through music (Personality, 1917).
The Scientific Role of Music in Modern Education
The scientifically grounded role of music in modern education is immense. In today’s education system, music should not be viewed merely as an artistic discipline but as a powerful medium of learning. According to psychology and neuroscience, music plays a crucial role in students' mental development. Zatorre, Chen, and Penhune (2007) demonstrated how music training enhances brain plasticity, boosting cognitive abilities and reasoning skills.
Music activates different parts of the brain and helps improve memory. Levitin (2006) showed that learning music increases neural connectivity, which strengthens the connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating a balance between logic and creativity.
Music’s Impact on Cognitive Development and Academic Performance
Various studies have proven that children who engage in music practice tend to perform better in mathematics and language learning due to their improved phonological awareness and rhythmic sensitivity (Schellenberg, 2004). Music is also essential for enhancing concentration and focus. Through musical education, children learn to concentrate and develop patience. Particularly in Indian classical music, the practice of Dhrupad, Khayal, or Raga cultivates deep focus in students. Continuous practice fosters patience and perseverance, leading to the development of analytical and critical thinking skills.
Music as a Tool for Emotional and Social Development
In the present era, where mental instability is becoming increasingly evident, societal degradation reflects a growing psychological crisis. In such circumstances, music serves as a rejuvenating elixir for mental well-being. Pure music reduces stress, calms the mind, enhances students’ emotional stability, and, most importantly, nurtures creativity. Musical practice boosts self-confidence and refines expressive abilities. Collective musical activities improve mutual understanding and enhance teamwork skills (Hallam, 2010).
Music in School Education and Policy Initiatives
Recognizing the beneficial impact of music, its inclusion in school education has been emphasized. In many advanced education systems worldwide, music has been made a mandatory subject. In India as well, the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) has recommended incorporating music and the arts as key components of the curriculum (MHRD, 2020).
The role of music education in fostering students' creativity and innovative abilities has been given special importance. Schools where daily prayer songs are mandatory often exhibit a stronger sense of unity and harmony among students. Prayer songs instill discipline, sensitivity, and mutual empathy in students.
Preserving Musical Heritage through Education
Music education also serves as an introduction to aesthetics, helping students distinguish between refined culture and superficial entertainment. Many ancient musical traditions, such as Dhrupad, Dhamar, Thumri, and Tappa, are on the verge of extinction. We must revive and sustain these classical traditions through the education system (Prajnanananda, 1973).
Conclusion: Music as a Pathway to a Cultured Society
In today's world, the significance of music is steadily increasing, making it an essential component of education. It is now imperative to make music education compulsory in academic institutions, cultivate a culture of pure music among students, and promote humanitarian and aesthetic consciousness in society through music. Music is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a profound manifestation of the human soul and intellect.
If education and music together can foster a child's mental, intellectual, and aesthetic development, it will lead to a more enriched and progressive society. The role of music, along with the arts and aesthetics, has now been recognized in the expansion of education. Music has brought a transformative wave in mass education; in simple terms, it has made even the driest and most complex knowledge more accessible through its rhythmic and melodic appeal.
Thus, may this Ardhanarishvara form of music—where words and melodies unite—remain ever-vibrant in its depth of expression, subtlety of form, and serenity of benevolence, serving as a guiding force for future generations in their pursuit of excellence.