Greatness of Nada

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Greatness of Nada by swamyDatta Peethadhipati Parama Poojya Sri

Ganapati Sachchidnanda Swamiji

 

 

 

Bhakti is the simplest of all the ways for the realisation of the

Truth. Saints and sages have preached the path of Bhakti. Even Adi

Shankara advocated this path to the seekers because He found out that

the path of Bhakti is easier than the path of Knowledge.

 

Bhakti Marga makes use of Nada or Sound. The entire universe is

immersed in Nada. There is Nada in everything around us. The birds,

the wind, the rains, and even the buses plying the roads create Nada.

There can be no movement without Nada. There is nothing which is free

form the influence of Nada. The Lord Brahman created the Universe out

of Nada. The supreme destroyer Maheshwara performs the Tandava with

Nada. The saints have been bringing light to the multitudes from time

immemorial by singing songs in praise of God. Tumburu and Narada in

ancient times, Meerabai, Surdas, Thyagaraja, Purandaradasa,

Chaitanya, Paramahamsa, Nanak and Kabir in recent times have all

carried the Light Divine on the vehicle of Nada. Their messages have

withstood the test of time and the songs composed by them have been

sung from generation to generation. Bhakti and Nada cannot be

separated from each other.

 

The seven Swaras, the seventy-two Melakartas and the numerous Shrutis

are the component manifestations of Nada. From them are born the

Ragas and Raginis. The Ragsa and Taginis are not mere combinations of

notes. Each is a Devata or Devi, endowed with certain specific gunas

and powers.

 

It is said that Tansen could light the lamps by singing a particular

Raga and that it resulted in the temperature of his body rising as if

a fire were burning in him it is also known that his body fires were

quenched by a cloud-burst induced by another Raga. These are not just

cock-and-bull stories. The Ragas have not lost their power.

 

Once a well known vocalist was to give a public performance. To his

utter dismay he found that his throat had gone hoarse. He came to

Swamiji and told Him of his predicament. Swamiji told him not to

worry but to begin his performance with a particular Raga which has

the quality of clearing a sore throat. He followed SwamijiÕs advice

and could give his performance with ease. Singing a particular Raga

with full devotion provides all the accompaniments of various

instruments.

 

Our Ragas and Raginis are endowed with immense power. Sadhana on the

right lines brings about beneficial results, whereas an improper

understanding and non-appreciation of the qualities of the Ragas can

lead to disastrous consequences.

 

There is an intimate relationship between music and God. This

relationship is established only when Nada is approached with

reverence and devotion. Pursuit of music in this way is Nadopasana

which is distinct from music for mere enjoyment and recreation. Music

charged with devotion brings one closer to God and that itself is

Nadopasana.