[]
Among the many forms in which the human spirit has tried to express its innermost yearnings and perceptions, music is perhaps the most universal. It symbolizes the yearnings for harmony, with oneself and with others, with nature and with the spiritual and sacred within us and around us. There is something in music that transcends and unites. This is evident in the sacred music of every community – music that expresses the universal yearning that is shared by people all over the globe.
~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama
The sacred music of all cultures speaks to our souls in a language that only the soul understands and never needs translation. Our hearts resonate to the beauty of these sacred sounds and devotional feelings are evoked, whether it is listening to Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Brahms Requiem or Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Qawwali. We are deeply moved at a level that transcends the mundane and are transported to the realm of divine ecstasy. Sacred music has the power to startle us to move beyond the sensorial and to listen with our hearts and souls, to be transformed by its majestic beauty and inspiration.
Here are a few of my favorite Sacred Music:
Christian:
A Feather on the Breath of God: Sequences and Hymns by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen
Gregorian Chant: The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos
Vivaldi, Sacred Music: Laudate pueri Dominum; Stabat Mater; Canta in prato
Sufi Qawwali:
The Ultimate Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Tibetan:
The Lama’s Chant: Lama Gyurme & Jean Philippe Rykiel
Rain of Blessings: Lama Gyurme & Jean Philippe Rykiel
Music as Medicine: Nawang Khechog
Indian Kirtans:
Live on Earth: Krishna Das
Satsang: Deva Premal and Miten
Sacred Chants of Shiva: From the Banks of the Ganges
Native American:
Canyon Trilogy: Carlos Nakai
Deer Dancer: Jessita Reyes & Grupo Yaqui
African:
Sangoma: Miriam Makeba
Related posts:
Coping With Difficult Times Part 4: Chanting
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Now you know how much I believe in this
.
The colours of God transmuted into harmony… for ears to see, and hearts to taste… this is the power of music.
My love to you dear sister, Maithri
Music is a great art that can produce a multitude of effects. I’ve been listening to a lot of Gregorian Chant lately- I find it very relaxing. I look forward to listening to some of your suggestions.
There is no division when it comes to music from other cultures, the language of music is the language of the heart which is universal.
Thank you for your beautiful words and loving presence!
Warm peace to you my brother, Maithri.
Hello Coady,
Thanks for stopping by! The title, “A feather on the Breath of God” describes the feeling I get when I listen to Gregorian Chants. Some of this music for example the qawwalis are not especially relaxing but passionate God- crazy musings. There is a lot that is peaceful though.
Peaceful Cheers!
Music offers unlimited energy vibrations that empower human beings to reconnect to their core self. If you have not yet experieneced the film called August Rush, I highly recommend you do that for yourself. Music expresses feelings that defy words, religions, surmount boundaries and human -created obstacles to peace and harmony. Music encourages free flow of energy in thoughts and feelings. Music is a teacher. It encourages each of us to feel openly.
Thank-you for sharing so much beauty.
Hi Miruh,
I heard a quote once, “Music is what feelings sound like.”
Richter once said, “Music is the poetry of the air.”
I agree with both of them. I cannot imagine life without music. It is what makes my Soul sing, dance, clap, whistle, move. Music is the wings beneath my wings.
Thanks for such lovely music today.
Real music is that music which uplifts your soul which takes you close to “paramatma”/God. Same case with dance. Bharat ki bhumi anaginat santo ke sitaro se saji hai. India is the richest country in spirituality. Your blog is amazing. I am gonna make a link on my blog.
Hello Liara,
Thanks for the tip, I will check out the film.
I agree with all that you said about music; it is the greatest gift that we have that enables us to experience divinity.
Much love to you!
Hello Mark,
It is always a pleasure to have your graceful presence here!
Sacred Music is the balm for the soul.
Warm peace to you my friend!
Hello Alexys,
The quotes are beautiful.
May your heart dance to the strains of God’s melodies!
Much love to you!
Hello Vinod,
Welcome, thank you for your kind comment!
Indeed, India is the richest country in spirituality. I remember how amazed I was to see a man entering the threshold of his office and bending to touch the floor and his heart as if he was entering a temple.
Music and dance are the pathway to God in all traditions.
Warm peace to you!
Leave a Comment