Music, dance, song are a naturat expression of devotion that unite people. “From the beginning of time sacred music, song and story have brought people together at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and seasonal passages, in daily renewal and meditation.”(The Universal Dances of Peace Website)
Universal Sounds
In the Buddhist philosophy, the sound of "Om" precedes all practices of meditation. The "Om" is said to be the universal sound of peace and offering. It is also found in the Hebrew word of Shalom, and the Muslim text of Salaam.
The repetition of "Om" is said to create a silence within; it connects the outer with the inner and promotes peace from within This is the aim of all prayer.
Hymns and Songs are part of Traditional Church Service
Traditional methods of praying are used in churches, mosques, temples and synagogues in the form of specifically organised prayers that are said quietly or aloud to connect people to their form of God, or Higher Nature.
Even amongst these traditional services, hymns and chants, which are repetitive rhythmic songs, have their place. Gospel singing is often used to entice people into a religious service, and the singing aspect is probably the highlight of any religious service, where most people take part, if only by foot tapping.
Music Tunes the Soul
In ancient Indian philosophy, there are three aspects to music. These musical aspects include:
- Singing
- Playing
- Dancing
They represent rhythm and tone in all respects.
The secret in music which attracts all those who listen to it "is the rhythm which is being created. It is the tone of the music which tunes a soul and raises it above the depression and despair of every day life in this world.” (Inayat Khan)
Healing with Sound
By placing the correct pitch tone or harmony to an individual, the vibration within the person is raised, which allows for healing to take place. The musical tones of "do, ray, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do," are the basis of moving energy in the human system through the energy centres known in the eastern philosophies as the chakra system. These notes or harmonics are thought to cause harmony and create natural peace and lead to well-being.
Speaking to the Heart, Mind and Soul
According to the old Jewish mystical teachings, there are three types of stories. One is said very literally and speaks to the intellect, one is said in a way that moves emotions and speaks to the heart, the third is done in rhythm and contains no real words, but sounds of "lai, lai, lai’s." This is called a niggun and it's believed it speaks to the soul.
Dances of Universal Peace
Samuel Lewis was a Sufi Murshid and Rinzai Zen Master and student for the mystical traditions of Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity. The Dances of Peace started in the 1970s, as part of his vision to promote “peace through the arts.” The dances "celebrate the sacred heart of Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Aramaic.
"The dances of Universal Peace have evolved and expanded to meet the deep felt needs of today for rediscovering reverence, creativity, and a body – based connection to the natural world.”
Pythagoras was not only a great mathematician, but he also discovered the link that rhythm preceded beauty and that when people were in tune with their inner harmony they were beautiful, because they were connected to the nature within them, which is why prayer is used.
Sources:
- Music, Inayat Khan (1988).
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