For Soundscapes, a music anthropology class I am taking, I recently wrote a paper exploring the role of emotion and devotion in why Carnatic musicians decide to play and sing. The lyrics of most Carnatic music songs are inherently spiritual, written in praise of various Gods and Goddesses — and writing the paper really made me think about what it is that draws me to religious music like bhajans and Carnatic music. Is it simply the catchy tunes? The skill that artists must cultivate to play such intricate music? The beat? The words? The inherent spirituality?
I have never formally learned music, and my knowledge is really limited — but especially after coming to college, I have found that whenever I am confused, or stressed, or upset, music has been the best remedy. Listening to recordings of bhajans and Carnatic music helps me calm my mind, and being surrounded by music — whether it was through music directing for Ghungroo, or interviewing and sitting in on Carnatic music rehearsals as part of my research for the Soundscapes paper I mentioned earlier — has been one of the main reasons I have been able to de-stress and focus this semester.
Bhajans, especially, have been incredibly important to me. Having the privilege of going to the prayer space to sing and play harmonium when I feel like it has been really helpful; and after leaving home especially, singing bhajans and remembering songs that I learned long ago have been key ways for me to not only keep in touch with my family and heritage, but also a way for me to continue growing, spiritually.
Do music and spirituality connect in any way for you? Do you think of music as a way to express devotion, or is it simply something for sense enjoyment?
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I remember my mom teaching me that one of the seven laws of yoga is “Leela,” which means that doing what you love to do can also bring you closer to divinity. In this case, maybe music is first and foremost an enjoyment, which makes it feel spiritual to you.
It is interesting though that doing what you love can bring you closer to God. When I think of one being close to God, I immediately associate it with austere sacrifice, not enjoyment. The only thing I can think of is that when you are doing something enjoyable, you are far more relaxed, and are able to understand more about yourself. Any thoughts?
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