Indian Raga
Therapeutic Approach Of Indian Classical Music
The Indian culture and life style is derived from Vedas which are the epic that tells the rules and ways for a prosperous life. They tell the ideas of great values. This is very true that if one let himself abide by the discipline mentioned in Vedas, will reach the ultimate goal of life. His heart will be true abode of everlasting pleasure and he will achieve health with pure mind and so wealth. That is the individual will have all those things which are necessary for a happy life.
Music is one of the greatest disciplines described in Vedas. The classical music has sound positive effect in the universe. There are so many examples that support the view that music possesses enormous energy that can create so many effects on us.
In other words, we can say that nature governs its creation by music . The notes of music are derived from the nature only.
Swara Expansion Meaning Animal Chakra God
Sa Shadja Sagar Peacock muladhara(Anus) Brahman
Re Rishabha Bull/skylark Bull Svadhisthana Agni
Ga Gandhara Gagan Goat manipura Rudra
Ma Madhyama Middle Dove/heron anahata Vishnu
Pa Panchama Fifth Cuckoo/nightingale visuddha (throat) Naarada
Dha Dhaivata Dharti Horse ajna (Third eye) Ganesha
Ni Nishada Outcast/hunter Elephant sahasrara Surya
This shows how music affects the human life in spiritual as well as physical prospects.
The notes, Ragas of classical music also plays a vital role in metabolism of human body, music provides ultimate and true piece to soul and mind. It is commonly known that Yoga affects the physical and mental level of human being and we can say classical music is a kind of yoga. In Vedas seven chakras of body are mentioned that control co-ordinates and stimulate the different functions of body. These chakras refer to different nadis of body and these Nadis get stimulated by yoga as well as by music. The seven notes of classical music influence the 7 chakras. Therefore music has frequently been used as a therapeutic agent from ancient time. Music is a kind of yoga through the medium of well defined system of notes i.e. Ragas which act upon the human organism and awakens and develops their proper function to extent of self realization. This is the ultimate goal of the Hindu philosophy and religion.
Melody is the key note of Indian music. The raga is the basis of melody, various ragas have been found to be very effective in treatment of many diseases.
Music increases the metabolic activities within the human body. It accelerates the respiration, influences the internal secretion, improves the muscular activities and as such affects the central nervous system and circulatory system of listener and performer.
The effect of music on heart and brain of an individual can be seen by electric signals on ECG and EEG. It has been found that few ragas have their positive effect in treatment of few diseases. Few of them are as follows:
Disease Ragas
Madness/Mental disability Rag Bahar, Bageshri
Fit ( Mirgi) Rag Vihag, dhani
Headache Rag Sohani, Todi, Bhairavi
Blood pressure Rag Purvi, Todi, Bhoopal
Hysteria Khamaj, Darabari, Puria
Now music is not the subject of entertainment only. The entire subject is new in the experimental and implementation stage and the ancient system is gradually being transformed in to modern science.
It has been observed that ragas of Indian classical music have healing effects. They stimulate brain, give relax in stress and remove fatigue. The effect of music thereby depends upon some factors like the mental condition of the person, environment and the type of music and of course the selection of Raga .Although we can not establish a particular Raga for a particular disease. Different types of Ragas are applied in each different case.
Music therapy is based on scientific and clinical approach and has to be used with great care and deep study of nature of illness. Music thereby also depend on correct intonation and right use of the basic elements of music viz: notes, rhythm, volume, beats and piece of melody. There are countless Ragas of course with countless characteristics.
The modern revival of music therapy has not yet sufficiently progressed to indicate its full utility. Under existing circumstances , it is important to explore the information and concept of music thereby .Also it needs a heartily and deep research works to make it popular.
The research and generalization of music and music therapy is important for not only to advance the ethical and moral rights of the human being, but also to prevent, if possible, the negative and destructive influences which may be due to ignorance of the laws of governing the effects of sound and rhythm.
About the Author
Smriti Bhattacharya
M.Mus.(VOCAL),gold medalist.
Research scholar.M.G.Kashi Vidyapith,varanasi.U.P.(India)
writer is a research fellow in B.H.U. Varanasi. she has attended many national and international seminars on Indian classical music and its wide prospects.
Raga Shivranjani on Bansuri (Indian Bamboo Flute)
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