Resonance of the Soul: Hindustani Classical Music as a Liberating Spiritual Discipline

Resonance of the Soul: Hindustani Classical Music as a Liberating Spiritual Discipline

A six-word flash poetry is a whole story conveyed in only six words. It is a short pattern poetry recited rhythmically - a spoke word poem - that can vary from being hilarious to tragic, fiction to fact, sad to mad, mundane to meaningful, worldly to spiritual. If you write and practice six-word spiritual poems and practice them daily as bol alaap as naad sadhana, it has the all the possibility to raise your cosciousness to higher level

Pudaruth's (2016) [1] research explores Hindustani classical music as a spiritual practice, defining it as nada sadhana aimed at achieving aesthetic joy and transcendental experience. By adapting the ancient Rasa theory to music, he demonstrates how the structural, emotional, and rhythmic elements of raga transition daily emotions into divine aesthetic bliss.

An AI prpmpt "define naad sadhana from view point of indian classical music" on July 4, 2026 <https://www.google.com/search?q=define+naad+sadhana+from+view+point+of+indian+classical+music&biw= > revealed the following

Naad Sadhana (or Nada Yoga) in Indian classical music is the spiritual and technical discipline of mastering musical sound. It is the meditative process of using melodic vibration (Naad) as a pathway to self-realization, deep inner focus, and spiritual awakening, rather than just an art of entertainment

Yet another AI prompt "define naad sadhana from view point of indian classical music" on July 4, 2026 < https://www.google.com/search?q=define+naad+sadhana+from+view+point+of+indian+classical+music&biw=> revealed the following

In Indian classical music, Naad (नाद) refers to the fundamental cosmic vibration or musical resonance from which all sound and melody originate. Sadhna translates to disciplined devotion or dedicated practice. Together, Naad Sadhna represents the spiritual discipline of shaping, refining, and surrendering to musical sound to achieve self-realization and ultimate liberation (Moksha)

For AI prompt "Describe in 100 words 'Sangeet Sadhana' as a lifelong spiritual discipline as viewed in Indian classical music," the following response was received https://www.google.com/search?q=define+naad+sadhana+from+view+point+of+indian+classical+music&oq=

In Indian classical music, 'Sangeet Sadhana' is a lifelong spiritual discipline where sound (Nada) is revered as divine energy. Beyond mere technical mastery, it is a form of meditation and bhakti (devotion) designed to elevate the musician's consciousness. Through continuous practice of notes (Swar) and rhythmic cycles (Tala), practitioners quiet the ego, regulate their breath, and align with cosmic rhythms.This enduring journey of self-realization transforms routine practice into a sacred offering, ultimately leading the seeker toward inner peace, self-discovery, and spiritual liberation.

Thus, Sangeet sadhana is seen as a lifelong spiritual practice, not just a daily routine of doing the same thing over and over. It involves a serious, meditative effort to master sound (Nada) in order to find self-realization, inner peace, and a connection with the divine. Each note is considered a form of worship. There are two key concepts of Sadhana in Indian tradition - Nada Brahma and Swar Sadhana. In the former, nada is viewed as "Sound is God," which suggests that music is a holy way to connect with the Ultimate Reality, rather than just a form of entertainment. While, the later pertains to the deep, meditative practice of focusing on the seven basic notes (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni) to improve pitch, emotional expression, and breath control before singing any songs.

However, in Sangeet Sadhana, the Goal is self-realization or spiritual liberation. Those who practice with the belief that mastering a Raga or melodic structure helps in aligning the mind with the rhythms of the universe, leading the musician towards moksha or spiritual freedom.

Reference

[1] Pudaruth, S. K. (2016). A reflection on the aesthetics of Indian music, with special reference to Hindustani Raga-Sangita. SAGE Open, 6(4), 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244016674512

In Summary

Kishore (2026) considers Hindustani classical music to be a spiritual practice grounded in Nada Brahma - the idea of sound as the divine. In this context, raga performance acts as a meditative journey towards self-realization and liberation. By viewing music as a spiritual discipline, the practice of Naad Sadhana transcends mere technique for mental purification, allowing artists to rise above their ego and reach a state of ananda (bliss). Furthermore, classical music is seen as Sangeet Sadhana, a structured, meditative approach focused on achieving spiritual liberation (Moksha) through the principle of Nada Brahma, which supports a path toward self-discovery, emotional healing, and connection with the divine.

Reference

Kishore, L. (2026, july 4) "Resonance of the Soul: Hindustani Classical Music as a Liberating Spiritual Discipline, Lalit Culp, https://lalitculp.wixsite.com/website/post/resonance-of-the-soul-hindustani-classical-music-as-a-liberating-spiritual-discipline