Jain Spirit 2002 10 No 12

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 42

YOUTH
MUSIC AWAKENS THE SOUL
sdgir Paras Shah writes about the joy of devotional songs IVA
There is a great deal of difference between reciting and singing a prayer. Although the words in the prayer remain the same, when singing, one finds that the soul is praying too. It seems as though the prayer is coming from within and, according to me, this is authentic praying. After all, prayer is simply a means of communication with the supreme. Authentic praying aids real spiritual meditation and advancement, and generally improves the quality of life. That's why it is often said: prayer heals.
O
UR PERCEPTION OF JAINISM IN PRESENT TIMES GREATLY depends on the simplicity entailed in this perpetual religion. As a Jain in the 21st century, this religion to me is all about consecrated rituals and sanctified principles that provide a ray of light in the dark tunnel of materialism and greed that encompass our lives. We all face the inexorable stresses of modern life and relentlessly turn to religion to experience a sensation of calmness and tranquillity.
What is it that makes Jainism such a sweetly alluring religion? Perhaps it's the purity that makes this religion fascinating. Or probably, it's the intricate architecture of Jain temples that serve as sanctuaries for all those who have become tired of being submissive to the gripping tentacles of evil, lust, desire and insatiability. To me, it's the indestructible bond between music and Jainism that really appeals.
Throughout history, Jains have patronised all kinds of social activities like art and culture, based on human needs. Hence, the conventional perception of Jainism being opposed to music because of its doctrine of desire-free moksha, ignores the social mechanism adopted by this faith to spread itself among the
masses.
Music itself originates from a set of stipulated rules called the ragas. Combinations of these ragas make music the final ambassador for Jain values since it gains the ability to invoke devotional elements within us. Music is used as a catalyst to augment our devotion (bhakti) and faith (shraddha) towards the fundamentals of Jainism. Its ability to act as a catalyst lies in one of its most distinct, yet often ignored, properties. It is believed that nothing can touch the soul like the sound of music. Perhaps, it is due to this conviction that music in all its manifestations is so appealing to humanity. Music adjusts itself with our inner emotions and therefore increases our ability and willingness to worship. It touches, yet cannot be physically felt.
Worshipping the idols of the Jinas (pooja) entails an entire series of prayers that are recited in a consistent rhyme. For instance, the prayers for performing the eight poojas are commonly recited in a rhythmic melody. The aarti, one of my favourite tunes, is sung with so much energy and spirit that it simply illustrates the sheer joy of being able to sit in a temple and gaze at the splendid idols. The rhythmic yet consistent beating of the tablas and the sweet sound of the sitar remind me about the importance of harmony and wholesomeness in my life. Simply listen to a devotional song (bhajan) and you will immediately detect the consistency and completeness I am talking about. This corroborates the Jain principle of harmony and discipline.
40 Jain Spirit September - November 2002
Music Awakens The Soul
Music possesses the power to unite people and bring them to a state in which they are mentally and physically conditioned to worship God. It is a universal language and is inborn in every human being. It is believed that even an infant, who has yet to develop an understanding for materialistic values, can comprehend the message of friendliness, equality and compassion portrayed by music at a tender age. Th
As a lover of music, I have learned to reflect on my personal resolutions and principles by respecting the musical aspect of Jainism. I have come to understand Jainism better and experience more veneration for it. It truly feels satisfying and fulfilling to be able to genuinely communicate with God; and best of all it is great to know how being a Jain actually feels like!
honO Paras J. Shah is 16 years old and lives in Mombasa, Kenya.
JAIN T
Live music at the launch of Jain Spirit, November 1999