Chanting is a simple practice of reciting mantras of your choice in rhythmic style. It is a commonly used spiritual practice and also used in religious rituals. While chanting certain mantras one needs to put slight pressure on tongue, vocal chords, lips, palate and other connecting points in the body. The vibration produced from the mantra stimulates the body gland called hypothalamus which is responsible for the regulating many body functions including immunity and some happy hormones. Happiness increases immunity of your body. Chanting calms emotions and helps meditate better. If you practice chanting sincerely and consistently it works like tranquilizer for mind. You get sound sleep in night and feel fresher and energetic.

In chanting meditation, one needs to combine sound, breath and rhythm. After some time the body channels the flow of energy from mind to the entire body because chanting regulates the chronic stress and tension. In today’s hyper and hectic life, our endocrine system is working under repression. Chanting normalizes hormone production, which balances our moods and overall sense of well-being.

It soothes the practitioner at the cellular level. It gives immense pleasure that surpasses the senses; it takes you beyond the bounds of time and space. Chanting clears fear, depression and anxiety. We begin to identify with our ageless soul. As a result the mantra practice boosts immunity of body. Breath helps to adjust all the rhythms of our body; not only the familiar circadian rhythms, but the lesser known ultradian rhythms (ultradian rhythm is a recurrent period or cycle repeated throughout a 24-hour day) which monitors the smaller and bigger energy cycles that occur throughout the day. Because our nervous systems are often overtaxed, these rhythms are thrown out of balance. But through the technology of sound, it begins repairs.  In chanting, breath is set to sound.

Om is considered the monarch of all mantras Aum represents the fundamental energy of vibration behind all of creation, inside and around every aspect of this universe. Chanting Aum sends vibrations through the whole structure of the thoracic cage and skull area, reaching into the deepest parts of the heart, lungs and head. The act of chanting slows the exhalation rate down, helping to calm the nervous system. This can be very useful in stressed situations. It is very effective at bringing our minds to rest, as our consciousness is occupied by the sounding of Aum and we cease that constant chatter within ourselves.

You don’t need to hum or sound like an expert while chanting mantra; it’s not about singing in tune.  We’re not memorizing complex lyrics, layering harmonies, and we’re not certainly busting out thrust solos. It works whether it’s done alone, or in a group, as in a powerful kirtan. It works whether it’s done softly or in full voice, as long it is from the heart and with the belly. Although for enhanced effect, we can add eye-focus and a gentle hand mudra, these are simple to include and can be incorporated gradually.

Our thoughts reflect and affect our mood, our attitude and our general tenor. Our thoughts are silent sounds. And sounds are electromagnetic vibrations. The more refined our thoughts, the more elevated our vibration. The closer we get to the highest vibration we reach nearer to our own divine nature. The entire universe is built on sound, which is nothing but vibration. By vibrating a certain combination of sounds, we are able to tune into various levels of intelligence and consciousness. Thus, chanting mantras is watchful method of controlling our moods, and in turn, our frequency and resultant all-around radiance.

Even in silence, we can hear the beat of our own hearts. How would life be without sounds? Dull, empty, drained, snapped…. We listen to others talking, laughing; just from the tone of a person’s voice we make out whether he/she is cheerful or not. We listen to music. Music and our lives have been strongly unified. Music reflects and creates a mind condition. We use sound of music to uplift our spirits. The sounds we utter heal ourselves and others. The sounds we hear around us affect our health and vitality. The Universe is made up of vibration and sound is not only a most potent tool in maintaining and creating our sense of well-being, but also can be used to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

When we consciously regulate the sounds through the use of mantra, breath, and rhythm, we can produce profound effects on our body and mind health and well-being. The ability we have to affect our immune system through our thoughts and emotions has been scientifically documented by scientists. Rhythm, tune, melody and our breathing together can create a healing response in the immune system. Chanting certain mantras puts pressure on tongue, vocal chords, lips, palate and other connecting points in the body. The vibration from the mantra stimulates a gland called hypothalamus. It is responsible for the regulation of many body functions including immunity and some happy hormones. The happier you are the stronger your immunity.

Music was generally divided into two categories – Maarga and Desi. Maarga sangeet was more of an offering to God – not necessarily just ritualistic or hymns – but a way to see God through music. Desi sangeet was for the common man, and for entertainment. Desi sangeet also catered to regional variations, local influences, culture, tastes etc.

The certain vibrating sounds of the mantras helps in stimulating the hormones that calms the mind and relaxes our body. It also helps us to concentrate and thereby works as a tranquiliser for our mind.

Music can lift us up. It can bring tears to our eyes. It can help us relax or make us dance. It has such a power, that we hear it several times a day on radio, TV, mobile, in the supermarket, at the gym everywhere. Music has been with us since ancient times, and it is part of every known culture. Music strikes a chord with all of us.

Several researched studies have found that listening to music can alleviate pain or reduce the need for pain medications. Other research suggests that music can benefit heart disease patients by reducing their blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Music therapy has also been shown to lift the spirits of patients with depression. Making music yourself, either playing instruments or singing can have therapeutic effects as well.

I recently attended a 5 days’ workshop on Nad Yoga; I conclude in short that sound (naad) is at the basis of everything we hear; listening to particular sound is the scientific essence of it. According to Einstein, everything in the universe is in a state of vibration, which includes us. Life is sound and sound brings life to the earth, which is why using the power of sound energy is one of the simplest and most effective methods of balancing the body’s energy system. Sound Essences embrace the healing vibrations, which are found in: Sound, Colour, Crystals and Gems, Positive Word Affirmations, Sacred Geometry, Symbols, Aroma and Homeopathy. These healing vibrations interact with the physical and energetic body to produce full spectrum of vibrational healing for energy balancing.

Sound Essences are pioneering remedies that embrace the principles of vibrational medicine which is based on the principle that all illness, disease, or imbalance is characterized by blockage in the channels at different levels; it affects our aura, chakras, spine, arteries, veins, lymph or nerves. When there is a blockage in a channel, the related system or organ no longer vibrates at a healthy frequency, causing discomfort or sickness. Sound Essences restore the healthy vibration to the body allowing the physical body to rebalance itself. Every individual who works to raise his or her vibrational level to enter into a clear and balanced frequency is contributing to the alignment and enrichment of this world.

The purpose of Naad Yoga meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, body automatically becomes peaceful.

It is a fact that most people don’t love their work; they still go to work because it gives them their bread and butter. They crib, they detest many aspects of their job; their boss, their colleagues, the work atmosphere and lack of perks. On the other hand, many like their job – while some tolerate it, but a small segment of people whom we can count in a minority find their work very interesting also it supports their lifestyle. They look forward to going to work each day, and they brim with positivity. We become truly successful and contented with our work when we are given chance to apply our strengths and passions optimally, aren’t we?

Does that mean these happy people have the perfect fit? Why do they enjoy what they do? Why are they passionate about their work? And if you look at their job profiles, someone is doing data entry, someone is writing books of accounts, someone is noting inward-outward entries, someone is doing research, someone is each day out doing salesman’s job, someone is receiving people at the entrance, someone is stitching clothes, someone is cooking for guests day in and day out, someone is tiding the garden. Is there a perfect job and a perfect organization? No. I think, it is critical to distinguish between the job and the way you do it. This is important because every job has characteristics that can be loved and disliked. There are many aspects of the job which you’ll find unpleasant. But, if you chose, you will be able to get through them with a smile on your face.

So if you think your boss doesn’t appreciate you, you are underpaid, your company isn’t ideal, you overworked, your peers aren’t decently educated etc, remember they aren’t the key evaluators in your life. You are the key evaluator of your life. Do your job well for your satisfaction, even if you don’t like your specific work, or the work environment you are in, you can love the way you do it.

Do pat your back at least once a day, may be at the end of every day. Chances are, you may discover, as you focus on doing it better, that some of the irritations of your job become more rewarding, or at least less lousy. Years back, when I had to travel on my scooter selling diagnostic products to doctors, and later when I changed job still travelling on my scooter selling courier services to corporate, I eventually grew to like sales, because it gave me a glimpse of buyer behavior, it gave me a chance to improve my communication, it automatically boosted my confidence after each successful sale. I had to put my best foot forward for each sales call. Today, when I look back at my sales career spanning over 20 years, let me tell you, I feel fortunate for I created a job which I loved doing. And, since past fifteen years I am working as a Professor of Marketing, I enjoy my work all the more, because I have practical experience of selling and marketing. I can easily explain the cliché concepts. I would have not been successful as a teacher without my previous work experiences.

No matter what kind of job, engagement or career you are into, there are bound to be times when you are just not loving it or enjoying it. Maybe, you are just experiencing a creative dry spell, hence nothing feels exciting. But things still need to get done. Does quitting solve your problem? Do you want to switch to a totally different career and start over? I think you need to give yourself some time, talk to few experienced people, and take the call. These are a few of your options, certainly. But maybe not the best ones.

Friends, you can find satisfaction in your work. Doing so is very valuable to your life in many ways, including greatly increasing your earnings, increasing your learning curve and gratification of some of your career objectives. Many times we are afraid of being stuck in the same job for life. Don’t worry. I have seen individuals who highlight the positive and rewarding aspects of their job, don’t stay in unpleasant jobs that long. They get promoted or use their positive record to get a more fulfilling job. Another factor of life is we need to love life to fully benefit from it. But which parts of our lives generate that fervor varies from person to person.  Someone who is passionate about his/her job may be having problems in his/her family life or must be having some other problems in personal life. It depends other than your job, what is your passion in life? Do you love to learn, or teach, or write? Are you passionate about cooking, sports, buying cars, branded clothes, watches, do you enjoy watching first day first show of movies? Do you have a wonderful friends, a lover, or a family that you admire? If so, you need to be congratulated for discovering some of life’s great turn-ons for you!!

Remember, if you are happy in life, you will enjoy doing your job. You need to balance your work and life both. This is not hard to do. Commit to enjoying life regularly, celebrate small, small achievements of yours, play some games, buy gifts for your family, your friends, visit florist, greeting cards shop, listen to the radio, watch some nice television programs, add colors to your regular monotonous life. Don’t get entangled in a job that makes you miserable and find all your joys elsewhere. But remember, while you are searching for that perfect job, enjoy the way you are doing your present one, and keep celebrating and expanding all the other joys of life that surround you.

Focus on the bright spots in your life. Start finding a way of working that suits your natural strengths and energy. When you are working in a role that places demands on your natural strengths and you are working on things that give you energy, it feels great. After all, the lines between working life and personal life become blur because a job is as much about personal fulfillment and growth, as much as your paycheck.

There are many songs with such great hummable music, but are weaker in lyrics. There are also some songs which have great lyrics but are weaker in music. And, there are songs with good music and good lyrics but are sung pathetically by the singer. While we all would agree that it is music that gives our ears the feel, rhythm, vibrancy etc because music has the power to lift each word of the lyric. However, lyrics give the message of the song. Lyric gives a song its heart. Thus, songs are all about combination of magnificent lyrics with great music composition and we get those master pieces.

One such great inspiring song with soothing music and wonderful lyrics is Cliff Richard’s superb number “Travelling light” the lyrics are wonderful with simple guitar chords and just two-three instrument orchestra.

“Travelling’ Light” remained at No. 1 for five weeks, and was the chart topper in 1950s. It sold 1,600,000 copies worldwide. It was also a number 1 hit in Ireland and Norway. That was the magic it created and remains one of the evergreen tracks even today.

I want to mention one beautiful, soft yet heart touching song from Bollywood here. It’s from Film Anupama (1966) ‘kuch dil ne kaha.’

This classy song expresses the intense feelings of a lady; they are complicated to some extent. Her emotions and feelings are about her contemplation, it is a peep into her desire, fears and her inhibitions. Kaifi Azmi has done such a wonderful job; hats off to Kaifi Azmi for understanding woman’s heart. Hemant Kumar has composed the expressive lyrics without slipping a single note; the song is beautifully set in Raag Bheempalasi in style of Bandish. The singer is Lataji. She has sung this song so poignantly. On screen, Sharmila Tagore has given face to Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. This song oozes a class. This song has it all – touching lyrics, classy tune, melodiously sung by a classy singer and beautifully shot as well.

There is no one single answer whether music is important or lyrics in a song. Sometimes we have seen that a striking melody along with a peppier beat of orchestra can help compensate for weak lyrics.  You can find yourself humming the tune.  Similarly, evocatively good lyrics with a strong message line can help compensate for a weak tune.  I am sure, some lyrics you can’t seem to get out of your mind. Like this song from film Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid “Raindrops keep falling on my head.”

The song is a metaphor for life’s problems, obstacles and challenges; the song explains that there’s no time for sulking and complaining or cribbing about the problems. One just got to move on with life by enduring the challenges with perseverance.

The meaning of the song basically consist in words, they give the song thoughts, emotions and feelings. You might not like a song but its lyrics might be inspiring. Melody also has a great power to uplift the emotions in the song. Sometimes, a particular raga lends a new life to a song. It reminds the listener of certain things, it can make them nostalgic this is how ragas have power to gives lyrics a different stance. And, there are some cases in which the person does not understand the language in which the lyrics are written, so the only way to reflect on the song, to listen to the melody.

The above point can be explained in the sound phenomenon. It is subjective, based on our brain’s understanding of the transducer’s (microphone, radio, transistor) output, our own life experience, and our own preferential ways of deriving knowledge. We try to derive meaning of the words with help of the tune. Don’t we? This is what scientist/philosopher Gregory Bateson has to say on languages “There is no objective experience. All experience is subjective….Our brains make the images that we think, we “perceive”.

I would like to mention another song to clarify my point; it is from film Prempujari (1970) it is phulon ki rang se, dil ki kalam se’ written by poet Neeraj. It is a romantic song, very well composed and soulfully sung by Kishore Kumar. The song is themed on evergreen Dev Anand, like him the song is also evergreen. Though the film didn’t do great business at box office, the songs became a super duper hit.

The song’s lyrics are really splendid and touch the heart. It’s yet another brilliant score by muci director Sachin Dev Burman.  The song is composed mainly in Raga Pahadi and mixed with some other ragas. Pahadi is a popular raga based on folk music. As its name suggests, it originates from the mountainous region of Himalayas. It resembles two other ragas which exude the rich cultural heritage of folk music; one is Mand from the Rajasthan region and Pilu from the Hindi heartland. It is a light raga and resembles more like a ‘dhun’.  This song is so very versatile and expressive that it can be understood by anybody.

Though other parts of the music may give the general feeling or tone of a song i.e. light and happy, or sad and gloomy, romantic and passionate the whole purpose of lyrics is the message itself. If the lyrics don’t provide some form of message then they might as well be either in a language you don’t understand or not exist at all. Although, the music is subjective part of a song which may not be enjoyed by all; therefore, many songs have been redone to fit those other tastes.

Some songs have so much other sound from the instruments that you can’t really hear the words, thus not understanding what the song is about; other songs have the lyrics sung so fast that you can only make out a word here and there. There are also songs that use such poor pronunciations which are misunderstood by listeners. What hooks us – the listeners is the rhythm, interesting grooves, unique melodies and the apparent passion conveyed with various composition and recital techniques. Sometimes lyrics can be overpowering and other times music can be overwhelming.

Pop music puts more of an emphasis on melodies and song-structure, in pop music the lyrics don’t matter all that much; same goes with instrumental jazz and some rock music. But there are songs in classical style in which a huge emphasis is laid on lyrical structure.

Personally, for me, lyrics are most important in a song.  Of course great musicians are of the mindset that to compose a good song, they need to first start with lyrics. The musical world is filled with lyrics lovers who like words, ideas, themes which a good poetry can present. Poetry has been one of the all time greatest expressions of art in world history. For a good song there is a definitive order of priority and rank of what is important lyrics or music. Both are important and vital to a great song; after all music must exist to put the lyrics on display!!

The most versatile singer Kishore Kumar has sung for all the actors from 1950s to 1987 (till he died) all genres of songs, ghazals, fast, romantic, slow, bhajans, comedy, sad, happy, semi classical, folk etc. in his deep yet, sparkling, bubbly, modulating voice. He could express any shade of emotion naturally. He initially became famous for yodeling. Kishore Kumar never had any formal musical training. I think, that could be a reason that he could experiment and modulate his voice effortlessly. In his career span, he showed proficiency in a variety of musical styles.  Moreover he was able to pick up the piano and played it well; it seems he learnt playing piano also on his own.

Kishore had an ear for music; he understood music instinctively. He could adapt the voices of the actors easily. For example when he sang for Sanjeev Kumar ‘tere bina zindagi se koi,’while hearing you almost feel Sanjeev Kumar singing the song; when he sang for Amitabh Bachchan, more or less you felt it was AB himself singing the songs; similarly when he sang for Dev Anand or Rajesh Khanna you feel Dev or Rajesh Khanna singing. He contributed to the success of three actors – Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.

It is said that he never smoked or drank, he dint like to socialize much and had very few but friends, such as Gulzar, R.D. Burman and Asha Bhonsale. He was sort of a recluse preferring his solitude. He hardly ever attended the film parties.

Kishore Kumar was a true genius; he was an actor, director, composer, and he has even penned few songs. Perhaps, because of his multi-faceted personality, he could sing songs befitting the screen actors suitably fitting the song situations. I think once in a while the Almighty gives gems like Kishore Kumar; sadly, he lived a short life of 58 years only. It was S.D. Burman who first tapped Kishore’s inner talents as a playback singer.

I am listing 10 evergreen light, romantic solos of Kishore Kumar which in my opinion will never die….. Please listen to those 10 awe-inspiring songs.

Kehana hai, kehana hai:

Film: Padosan (1968).

Lyricist: Rajendra Krishnan.

Music Director: R.D.Burman

Sama Hai suhana, suhana:

Film: Kahani Ghar Ghar ki (1970).

Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri.

Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji.

Aaj unse pahli mulaqaut hogi.

Film: Paraya Dhan (1971).

Lyricist: Anand Bakshi.

Music Director: R.D.Burman

Simti si, sharmai si.

Film: Parwana (1971).

Lyricist: Kaifi Azami.

Music Director: Madan Mohan.

Bhanware ki gunjan hai mera dil.

Film: Kal, aaj aur kal (1971).

Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri.

Music Director: Shankar – Jaikishan.   

Guzar jaye din, din, din.

Film:  Annadata (1972).

Lyricist: Yogesh.

Music Director: Salil Chowdhury   

This is an amazing composition by Salil Chowdhury; it’s one of KIshore’s best renditions. Ironically, Kishore dint want to sing this song as he thought he could not sing it the way Salil Da wanted. He completed this one after multiple takes and in the end we have a gem of a creation.

Chaala jata hoon kisi ke dhun me.

Film: Mere Jivan Sathi (1972).

Lyricist: Majrooh Sulatnpuri.

Music Director: R. D. Burman

Ek Ajnabi hasina se yun mulakat ho gayi.

Film: Ajanabi (1974).

Lyricist: Anand Baxi.

Music Director: R.D. Burman.

Oh hansini, meri hansini

Film – Zehareela Insaan (1974).

Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Music Director: R. D. Burman.

Rimzim gire sawan.

Film – Manzil (1979).

Lyricist: Yogesh.

Music Director: R.D.Burman

Have you heard this delicate yet gratifying gazal (duet) from an offbeat film “Bazaar” (1982)? If not please hear it now.

In my opinion this song belongs to an entirely different genre. It’s quite a popular gazal (nazm). It’s written by Makhdoom Mohiuddin. The fact is Makhdoom was recognized as a serious revolutionary poet. But, while listening to this nazm, if you are an avid listener of poetries, you will realize he has penned a light, gentle and romantic poetry. Please note how many times the poet has used the word ‘phool’ and ‘phoolon ki’ in this poetry.

The on-screen singers were Farooq Shaikh and Supriya Phatak. Both look innocent, in love, yet naïve on screen. Their on screen chemistry elevates the spirit of the song.  I have watched this song many times; by avoiding watching the serious movie.  The late Farooq Shaikh had an offbeat charm about him; his screen presence was alluring. He could mesmerize the audience with his innocent looks and brilliant acting power. Supriya Pathak looks sweet and demure in the song. This song touches you – it’s a soul stirring composition.

The music was given by the great Khayyam. The ghazal is sung by Talat Aziz and Lata Mangeshkar. The film was produced under the banner of New Wave Producers and directed by Sagar Sarhadi. The tune of this song is based on one of my favorite ragas – raag Baageshri. It is a popular raga of the late night. This raga depicts the emotion of a woman waiting to meet her lover. It seems Tansen, the celebrated court singer of the Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century first sang it in Akbar’s court and everybody who was present at that moment was moved by Tansen’s rendition.

I am sure you will hear Phir Chhidi Raat again and again and love it. Please listen to the wordings carefully to absorb the mysticism of this song. I salute Makhdoomji, Khayyamji, Talatji and Lataji for such a brilliant composition.

This is what Talat Aziz has to say about the song. “Phir chhidi raat baat: A song typical of Khaiyyam Sahab. Even today it is a ‘must sing’ in my live concerts and I love singing it again and again.

Numerous film songs and ghazals are set in ragas. We have heard stories such as – when Tansen sang raga Megh Malhaar it started raining immediately, when he sang raga Deepak lamps got lit automatically, and sometimes when Tansen sang, wild animals would come and sit at his feet.

Please recall the famous “Dukh Bhare Din Bite Re Bhaiya” from Mother India (1957) or “Kaare Kaare Badra, Suni Suni Ratiya” from Mera Naam Joker (1970) to enjoy the peacefulness and the passion of Megh Malhaar.  “Divane Tum, Divane Hum” from film Bezuban (1962) in Raag Bageshri,”Hamse Aya Na Gaya” from Film Dekh Kabira Roya (1957), “Madhuban Me Radhika Nache re” from film Kohinoor (1960) in raag Hamir, “Zir Zir Barase Sawani Akhiya” from film Ashirwad (1968) in raag Gaur Malhar are some excellent examples how the composers used ragas in their fullest power.

Music has a healing power; it stimulates the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones that affect the nervous system and the flow of blood. When you listen to hard rock with Drums/Congo/Bongo the rate of your heart beats increase in manifold while when you listen to slow and soft music it calms your nerves and takes you to pensive state. The ancient system of Nada Yoga, acknowledges the impact of music on body and mind. Vibrations are produced from sounds to uplift one’s level of consciousness. You should visit Osho Ashram, Pune to experience how vibrations in their resonance can synchronize with our moods. Ragas help fight aging and pain.

Words don’t express music. Music expresses itself. There is a famous quote by Aldous Huxley. And, Douglas Adams says “Beethoven tells you what it is like to be Beethoven and Mozart tells you what it’s like to be human. Bach tells you what it’s like to be the universe.”

There are some great physicians who treat their patients with musical therapy. Choosing the right kind of music is helpful in promoting health. Negative traits like anger, worries also can be overcome through listening to good music. Depression can be cured by music therapy. When you are feeling low, soft and soothing music is recommended. In order to study the depth nature of impact of Indian classical music on the physiology and disease status of working men and also to assess how far it helps in efficiency and work potential of workers, the well known ‘panchkarma’ practitioner and exponent of ‘Gandharva Music Therapy’, Dr. Gopalkrishna Waghralkar of the Waghralkar’s Hospital & Resarch Institute, Nagpur has launched a project which is sponsored by Bank of Maharashtra. The employees of Bank of Maharashtra in the city work in musical surroundings. Aggrieved customers can also feel better and perhaps they will get better services in its selected branches. Dr. Waghralkar is assisted by a team of other specialization doctors.

The ancient Hindus had relied on music for its curative role. The chants in Veda Mantras in praise of God have been used as a cure for several disharmonies in individuals as well as in environment. Several sects of ‘Bhakti’ such as Chaitanya, Sampradaya, Vallabha sampradaya have all accorded priority to music. Haridas Swami who was the guru of Tansen in Emperor Akbar’s empire was an astonishing musician. Though very little is known about him, it seems Harodas Swami has healed some individuals through his musical rendering. Legendary classical music maestro Thyagraja brought a dead person alive through his Bilahari composition Naa Jiva Dhaara. The music library at Thanjavur is reported to contain such a treasure on ragas that spells out the application and use of various ragas in fighting common ailments.

Ragas help activating the seven energy Chakras in body. They have the power to stimulate the chakras in right proportion. The activation of chakras allows the Kundalini energy to rise easily and energize and nourish the chakra. It is reported that Kundalini awakening results in deep meditation, enlightenment and bliss. This awakening involves the Kundalini physically moving up from the Muladhar chakra through the central channel to reside within the Sahasrara Chakra at the top of the head. This movement of Kundalini is felt by the presence of a cool or, in the case of imbalance, a warm breeze across the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. Practitioners of Kundalini awakening have expressed mysterious experiences. A piece of advice – you need a mature and holistic Guru to practice Kundalini meditation.

The raga also helps to maintain the chakra in its optimum spin and balance, ensuring a balanced energy supply to different organs that are connected to the specific chakra. My musical Guru Dr. Pandit Parmanand Yadavji says that the raga Shyam Kalyan helps activate the Mooladhara chakra. This chakra enables physical identity, survival, stability, instinctual nature, ambition, and self-sufficiency. The sense governed by Muladhar is smell.

Raga Yaman has the power to stimulate the Swadishthan chakra that governs our attention. The sense associated with swadhisthana is taste, the sense organ is the tongue and the organs of activity are the sexual organs, kidneys and entire urinary system. Therefore swadhisthana is largely responsible for purification of all bodily fluids through the kidneys, bladder and lymph system, and for the continuation of life through the sex organs and glands of reproduction. It governs the gonads and production of sexual hormones and therefore has a very strong influence upon our moods and emotions. Swadhisthana is also linked to the mobility of our joints and especially the hip joints and pelvic area

Raga Abhogi helps activate the Solar Plexus (Manipura) chakra and stimulate the digestion process. When the Kundalini enters this Chakra, the Chakra is cleansed, bringing about a change of attitudes and inner transformation. This raga is also known to bring about de-addiction in human beings.  It helps one give up vices and impulsive or compulsive habits. This raga helps develop the quality of the water element. This chakra when not activated leads to poor digestion, weight problems, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, arthritis, pancreas, liver or kidney problems, anorexia, bulimia, hepatitis, intestinal tumors, colon disease.

The ragas Bhairav and Durga have a power of attaining divine bliss and protection. Both help activate the Anahat (Heart) chakra. When the Kundalini touches the heart chakra, the person experiences spiritual powers. Raga Durga boosts self-confidence and helps develop the quality of the air element. These ragas also enhance the Divinity and Immunity in children. The Heart Chakra is the home of emotional processing. In a sense, the Heart Chakra is all about self-less love and compassion. The heart processes our emotions for us. We grieve and mourn and equally celebrate and laugh raucously, from the heart.

The Raga Jayjaywanti helps to activate the Vishuddhi (Throat) chakra, the controller of the sensory organs. This raga also develops the quality of the air element and the expression of voice, and helps make one’s personality loving. This chakra makes us expressive. It is our communication center in body. It’s important to remember, however, that communication is not just about you talking but it’s also about listening. An imbalanced throat chakra can display itself in many ways. Some signs of imbalance are lying, arrogance, talking too much, being manipulative, fear and timidity.

The Raga Bhup helps purify and open the Third Eye (Ajana) chakra. It helps relieve tensions, anger and mental fatigue. The mood created by this Raga helps the Kundalini pass through the Agnya chakra and enter the Sahasrara in the limbic area of the brain. Third Eye Chakra is the 6th Chakra and is responsible to what we refer to as “the sixth sense”. The Chakra connects us to our internal intuitions and is responsible for the sharp senses, the ability to read the future and receive non-verbal messages. Through the Third Eye we communicate with the world and can even receive messages from the past and from the future. It grants us our sense of observation.

Ragas Darbari and Bhairavi are helpful in activating our Sahasrara (Crown) chakra. The notes of these ragas help relax and calm the emotionally-related limbic area. When the Kundalini energy reaches this chakra, soothes and nourishes the Sahasrara chakra and the brain. The result is that one feels, joyous, energetic, peaceful and relieved of tension and depression. The crown chakra is the center for trust, devotion, inspiration, happiness, and positivity. It’s also the center for deeper connection with you and deeper connection with a force of life that is greater than us.

Ragas in Hindustani classical music have relation to special time of a day and different seasons as well. Seasonal ragas can be performed any time (day or night) during that season. Raga Deepak is related to summer; Megh and Miyan ki Malhar are for the rainy season; Malkauns and Puriya Dhanashree are the ragas for autumn; the roughness of winter is conveyed best through Bhairav, another name for Siva – the god of destruction; and Raag Hindola expresses spring, the season of vitality and romance. These days, the commercial aspect has set in violation of singing particular rag at particular time. Artists and program managers have relaxed rules. But, if you want to enjoy a raga in holistic fashion do listen or practice it at the right time and right season to enjoy its essence.

Its 100 years today since the World War I broke on 28^th June 1914. I strongly believe all wars defies logic.  Sociologists and psychologists can tell us many of the reasons for war, but when we see the results of war its tragic effects only tell us that war is unreasonable and illogical. Yet it is still unavoidable. Why? What is it in mankind that causes us to war?

The 1^st World war began on a small note when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This seemingly small conflict between two countries spread rapidly: soon, Germany, Russia, Great Britain and France were all drawn into the war, largely because they were involved in treaties that obligated them to defend certain other nations. Western and eastern fronts quickly opened along the borders of Germany and Austria-Hungary. The war drew in all the world’s economic great powers which were assembled in two opposing alliances.

World War I killed more people – more than 9 million soldiers, sailors, and flyers and another 5 million civilians. It involved 28 countries, and cost $ 186 billion in direct costs and another $151 billion in indirect costs. It became a very costly afire. It was the first war to use airplanes, tanks, long range artillery, submarines, and poison gas. It left at least 7 million men permanently disabled. World War I probably had more far-reaching consequences than any other proceeding war. Politically, it resulted in the downfall of four monarchies; Russia in 1917, Austria-Hungary and Germany in 1918, and Turkey in 1922. It contributed to the Bolshevik rise to power in Russia in 1917 and the triumph of fascism in Italy in 1922. It ignited colonial revolts in the Middle East and in Southeast Asia.

The war severely disturbed the European economies and allowed the United States to become the world’s leading creditor and industrial power. The war also brought vast social consequences, including the mass murder of Armenians in Turkey and an influenza epidemic that killed over 25 million people worldwide.

Many socio-economic events reveal the utter unpredictability of the future. At the dawn of the 20th century, most Europeans looked forward to a future of peace and prosperity. Europe has not fought a major war for 100 years because their belief in human progress was shattered by World War I, a war few wanted and few unnecessarily got drawn into it. At any point during the five weeks leading up to the outbreak of fighting the conflict might have been averted. World War I was a product of miscalculation, misunderstanding, and miscommunication.

No one anticipated a war of unimagined magnitude or duration of World War I. At first the armies relied on outdated methods of communication, such as carrier pigeons. The great powers mobilized more than a million horses. But by the time the conflict was over, tanks, submarines, airplane-dropped bombs, machine guns, and poison gas had transformed the nature of modern warfare. In 1918, the Germans fired shells containing both tear gas and lethal chlorine. The tear gas forced the British to remove their gas masks; the chlorine then scarred their faces and killed them.

Conflicts between two nations is ought to take place on various issues; but is war the solution to it? There is little difference between human and animal reaction to war: animals have a strong instinct to fight and defend their territory, humans are no different. What really separates humans from animals is the scale of the fights. The human’s fights are terrifying and blood-spattered. World War I proved that if disputes are to be settled only by war, then human kind will not survive and the whole world will vanish.  – Let’s avoid a third world war.

War is not something that any sane person wants to be involved in. World War 2 is a great example: Hitler was trying to take over the world eventually by committing genocide. He needed to be stopped. Genocide means the systematic destruction of all or part of a racial, ethnic, religious or national group by Killing members of the group. You cannot have someone trying to take over the world, especially in such a gory manner.

Unfortunately war is necessary in some cases. In several cases, the only way to stop certain pretense is through war. Think, if certain rulers hadn’t been deposed through war efforts, where would the world be? Unfortunately there are people and governments that will not change through peaceful talks and beneficial agreements.

Wars often start from silly, petty arguments. It’s proved sometimes war is the outcome of national ego.

Some sociologists feel education is the answer to stop war. They say that if everyone had the best education possible then war, racism and all other social problems would give way to a worldwide peace. But if you look at people who opted for war were most educated, then what happened? Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Adolf Eichmann, Joseph Goebbels, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Mao Tse Tung, Sadam Hussein, Slobodan Milosevic and many others were educated people. Does knowledge breed ego in people? Today, knowledge is given priority in all nations but still the number of wars and their severity has not reduced.

Historically, men and nations attempt to secure peace through political alliances. But, even these have not been able to offer lasting peace. In an address to the United States Senate in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson said, “The League of Nations is the only hope of mankind.” World War I was supposed to have been “The war to end all wars“. But it proved wrong. World War II began only 20 years later.  Thousands of treaties have been made and disbanded.  Our intensions of peace are fanciful, short-lived and fragile; any number of treaties may be formed for peace, but wars are not prevented. It is futile to put all our hope in political alliances.  War cannot create peace and peace cannot create war. It is therefore left to us, to the people of this world whether we want war or peace.

Lastly, some social scientists have envisaged World War III (WWIII, WW3 or the Third World War) to describe a worldwide conflict following World War II. The anticipated dates for the war are from September 1, 2029 – November 11, 2036. The war will break everywhere except Antarctica and most of Africa. The elements for the war would hypothetically be such as Syrian – Turkish border clashes, China’s aggression due to various reasons, same with Russia, economic collapse in word, termination of United Nations, Korea will reunite under democratic government, NATO will occupy the Middle East, dissolution of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization). SCO is a Eurasian political, economic and military organization which was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Post war all SCO governments will reconstruct, Palestine will officially gain independence from Israel.

The World War III will result into reinstating of United Nations. China and Russia will have democracy. Both countries’ some province will enjoy democracy while some province will merge with neighborhood countries.

Can World War III be averted? Looking at the world scenario today, possibilities of it cannot be disputed.  But, let us hope that the hypothesis of World War III remains an illusion perpetually.

]]> https://drvidyahattangadi.com/world-war-i-centenary/feed/ 0 https://drvidyahattangadi.com/the-genius-called-c-ramchandra-2/ https://drvidyahattangadi.com/the-genius-called-c-ramchandra-2/#respond Sat, 28 Jun 2014 09:54:02 +0000 http://drvidyahattangadi.com/?p=799 The Genius called C. Ramchandra

Ramchandra Narhar Chitalkar born on 12 January 1918 in Maharashtra was a renowned music composer in the cinema industry of India. He was famously known as C. Ramchandra. This genius had a multifaceted personality. Besides composing some of the brilliant songs in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telgu movies, he acted, sang, and played instruments.

It is said that C. Ramchandra introduced rock ‘n’ roll in India even before it became a rage in the west. He was influenced by the Benny Goodman style of jazz clarinet.  Benny Goodman was an American jazz and swing musician; he was clarinetist and a bandleader, known as the “King of Swing”. C. Ramchandra tried experimenting western and middle-eastern styles in his creations.  His famous number from Shehnai released in 1947 ‘Meri jaan, meri jaan ana Sunday ke Sunday’ and his songs from the movie Albela released in 1951 “Shola jo bhadake’ and ‘Ye diwana, ye parwana’ are ever unforgettable even today almost after 50-60 years. These songs are played by youngsters in parties; they are superb, toe-tapping numbers. They are composed with bongo drums, oboes, clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, etc. The spirit of these songs conveys stimulation, enthusiasm, and hilarity. They make you dance and swing. And can we ever forget his ‘Ae mere watan ke logo’ sung by Lata and written by the great Kavi Pardeep.

I want to pay tribute to this great maestro for one thing – he is the one kind of unusual, great artist who used 5-6 names (identities) in his career span. When the world is deeply driven by sense of identity, I mean it is so important for all of us to tell the world ‘who we are’ this legendry composer for various reasons had to use 5-6 names. Those days, people abided by the contracts; once contract was signed with a company, the artist could not take up other assignments till the contractual period was over. C. Ramchndra who was such versatile man, lent music while acting in Marathi and Hindi movies or even played instruments for other composures. Hence he has many identities. When we see people going to any extent to maintain their identities, here is a multi-talented man who took chances in life. He was restless, inventive man who unleashed his talent all together.

In the composer’s role, he mostly used the name C. Ramachandra, though he also used the names Annasaheb in the movies Bahadur Pratap, Matwale, and Madadgaar, Ram Chitalkar in the movies Sukhi Jeevan, Badla, Mr. Jhatpat, Bahadur, and Dosti, and Shyamoo in the movie Yeh hai duniya. Further, he often sang and acted in Marathi movies under the name R. N. Chitalkar. For his career as an occasional playback singer he used only his surname Chitalkar. Yes, this Chitalkar sang some renowned and unforgettable duets with Lata Mangeshkar such as ‘Kitna haseen hai mausam’ in film Azad or ‘Shola Jo bhadke’ in Albela.

It is noteworthy that although C Ramchandra was most commonly associated with lyricists Rajendra Krishan and Santhoshi. In Anarkali he worked with three lyricists, Krishan, Shailendra, and Hasrat Jaipuri. In his later he employed Noor Lakhnavi (Parchhain), Jan Nissar Akhtar (Yasmin), Pradeep (Nastik), Shakeel Bdayuni (Zindagi Aur Maut) and others. It is worth noting that despite the diversity of poetic sources, he maintained his original style while composing songs. I think that a good composer is essentially a sensitive person who understands poetry.  He has to understand meaning of poetry, its environment before rendering music to it, which obviously C Ramchandra was.

We often see that creativity is rarely acknowledged – this especially in cinema industry. The world suspects talent of creative people. Most people don’t actually like it. People are biased against creative people. Even people, who say they are looking for creativity, often react disapprovingly to creative ideas; because ambiguity is an inherent part of new ideas, and it’s also something that most people would do almost anything to avoid. We are a cruel society.

C. Ramchndra’s career went haphazard after mid 60s. Unfortunately his success story was cut short by many circumstances. The new entrants in the industry – new breed of composures with more energy, resources, the clout culture in cinema world all of this went against C. Ramchandra’s style of operating. Genius people have their principles – they will not go out of their way to please others. Occasionally, this brings them down; C.Ramchandra lost his ground to the newcomers. He died very young at the age of 64.

The overtly competitive film industry in the world has numerous untold, tacit stories of great brilliant artists; they die or fade away but the masterpieces created by genius people remain eternal.

How would life be without music? Dull, empty, drained…. Every day count the number of times we listen to music; music and society have always been strongly interrelated. Music reflects and creates social conditions. For example, think of national anthems; by and large they are created with musical compositions that evoke and praise the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized by a nation’s government as the official national song.

A mother sings lullaby because a child from birth is ‘wired for sound’ – or, more specifically wired for music. There are specific neural connections which are made when a child listens to music of any kind, instrumental or vocal. These connections are, it seems that, not made in any other way and can only be made in the early years. Once made, some researchers believe this neural ‘wiring’ may be used to support some other sense, such as visual or verbal. The more connections that are made, the more capacity in the brain is opened up for use. The conclusion has been drawn that the earlier music is introduced to child; it stands greater chances and the potential for learning.

Music affects us in a great magnitude.

Music affects us in a great magnitude. What is music used for?  We listen to music when we are happy, sad, dull, exited, romantic, and at times just to break the silence. Music, sometimes, is a reminder of some events in our life. It make us nostalgic reminding us about some moments which otherwise we have forgotten. Music inspires us; and hence it has become integral part of the movies.

The story warps around the music and it moves ahead through songs. Hit songs are one of the essential constituents of a box office hit film. They just don’t stay on silver screen, they travel with us everywhere. They are omnipresent. The radio, TV, bars, hotels, restaurants, canteens, doctor’s clinics, beauty parlors, vehicles all these live and breathe because of them. Music makes traffic jams bearable, long drives enjoyable, boring ring tones have given way to personalized songs making the callers wait patiently for the receiver to pick up the phone. School and college entertainment programs or family functions are unfinished without them. Music triggers your creativity no matter whichever field you may belong to.

Can you imagine Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid without “rains drops keep falling on my head” or a Sound of Music without “The hills are alive with the sound of music” in true sense this song is a tribute to the ageless and perpetual beauty of the mountains. If songs were not a part of movies I can’t imagine movies like “Hum Dono”, “Sangam” or latest “Zindagi na milegi dobara.” Evevn, action and Science Fiction films absorb music into their structure most effectively. On the other hand, imagine Star Wars or Batman without its incredible sounds as the music. What would it be like?

Considering the root reasons for needing music in these cases we can conclude that music perks us up, it develops us.  When we listen to music our brain releases dopamine which is a feel good chemical essential for the healthy functioning of the central nervous system; it has effects on emotion, perception and movement. Music is proven to physiologically affect heart rate, breathing and pulse rate resulting in physical chills of pleasure. A study was undertaken by Dr Mike Miller of Baltimore, who measured the effects of music on the cardiovascular system by measuring blood vessel size before, during and after music playing. When a patient liked the music playing, the blood vessels relaxed and opened up. Music can trigger associated memories transporting you back to special occasions. It is used as a therapy by many psychiatrists.

Guys, whatever the reason, let music make your heart sing!!