Sivananda Yoga FAQ

Q: What is music? Has it got any power to soothe the aching mind?

A: Music is a system of harmonious, melodious and rhythmic sounds capable of producing
inner peace and an inexpressible thrill of joy. Music is one of the sciences which deal with Nada (Sabda) which is the first vibration of Brahman represented by the Pranava – Om. All the Sapta Svaras – Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni – which evolved themselves later into the various vocal sounds first originated out of this fundamental Om, symbolic of Brahman. Music is one of the fine arts or Lalita Kalas. Yes. It has got not only the power to soothe the aching mind, but also the power to cure diseases like neurasthenia, insomnia, hysteria, moroseness, giddiness, etc. To achieve perfection in the Sangita Sastra is to attune oneself with Brahman. As Brahman is Light Absolute, Knowledge Absolute, Bliss Absolute and so on, so is He Nada Absolute. God is Nada Brahman. One can achieve God, even as the votaries of music, Thyagaraja, Purandhara Das, Tukaram and others, did.

This marvellous world is a great University of wisdom. Learn your lessons and become wise. – Sri Swami Sivananda