indian classical music is not just an art but a sadhana. music is one of the way you can reach to god. in india, attempt has been from every possible direction to reach to divine. classical music is one such way towards god.
if music does not take your towards god then something is lacking in it. music has been often use by indian saints like meera, chaitanya mahaprabhu, bauls and many sufi saints. the real music should touch your soul. it should bring peace and harmony inside you.
indian classical music is very rich. there are many ragas for different occasions, time of day and moods. some basic training is needed to appreciate the depth and beauty of it. its not the everyday music you hear in movies. classical music can be appreciated only if you have ample time, you are not in a hurry and can give your total attention to it. remember, listening to classical music cannot be a hit and run affair.
5 reasons why you should listen to classical indian music:
1. it has depth – you need some maturity, patience, ample time and space to appreciate the depth and beauty of classical music. if you have all that, then the classical music can touch your innermost soul. the silence and peace which you will experience with classical music will reverberate in your aura for days. you will not be the same person again because now you have touched your innermost depth with the help of music.
2. it does not excite your senses – modern music excites your senses. it specially hits at your sex center and makes your sexual, restless, agitated and uncentered. whereas classical music relaxes you, it makes your peaceful and loving. the real music should bring harmony in you. it should not unsettle you or make you excited or restless. thats the beauty of classical music. it brings harmony, peace, relaxation and silence inside you.
3. egolessness – if the music does not make your forget your ego then it does not have depth. if you can give your totality in listening to classical music then it will take you to the timeless zone where you will forget yourself, your ego and your all problems of life. you will get a taste of egolessness or of no-mind. the classical music can take you to the spiritual plane where no time exist, no ego exist and you will experience pure silence, peace and inner harmony.
4. its ideal for meditation – it is the best music if you want to practice meditation. as i said before, classical music brings silence, harmony and peace inside you. all these helps in meditation. specially the silence, because it deepens the meditation. meditators should listen to music as it adds some juice to the life of a meditator. because at times the meditation makes the person too much dry in emotions and detached from life.
5. its good for your well being – classical music is therapeutic and can heal you at emotional and psychic level. there are ragas for different purpose like peace, harmony, healing, relaxation, fear, pregnancy and so on. try classical music if you want to come out of pain, trauma or other emotional issues.
p.s. i consider early morning hours best time to hear classical music.