http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/views/Peace-via-music/Article1-502058.aspx
Peace via music Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Email Author January 26, 2010 Spirituality and music are among the many unique offerings of India to the world. Spirituality brings inner silence, peace and strength. Music connects the individual to the universal spirit. Music is that rhythm and harmony that flows from the universal to the individual; from the cosmos to the finite. Spirituality and music together can uplift people, get them out of depression and help them start a new life with enthusiasm. For a stress-free life, you have to embrace both these facets. Your whole body is made up of atoms. When you chant, the sound energy gets absorbed into every atom of your body. Just as a microphone absorbs sound and converts it into electricity, the body absorbs sound and converts it into consciousness. If you are sitting and listening to gossip or violent music, that gets absorbed by your body. When you hear the chant with your heart, your consciousness is elevated. Classical music touches the soul. Different instruments have an influence on different 'chakras' of our body. Drums have an influence on the base chakra; the sitar affects the area between the navel and the heart; the flute affects the area between the heart and the throat; conch shells affect the area between the throat and the forehead. The top of the head or the sahasraar chakra is the place for 'maun' (silence). Indian classical music and her heritage of spirituality are the two strong powers that will help us overcome all strife around us and it is essential for us to preserve this. We must encourage people to learn classical music and awaken an interest in it, especially in schools and colleges. Today, we are at that moment in history when we have to save our culture and revive our ancient arts. 'Naad' (worship of musical sound) is the best worship. Music unites hearts and brings everyone together. (Excerpts from H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's discourse at the Art of Living Guiness World Record Winning cultural event - Brahm Naad - a historic symphony of over 1000 sitarists.) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
