Today we will talk about music within the framework of yoga practice, since more and more people are using music for purposes such as running, aerobic exercises, meditations... and yoga is no exception. Today, for most people who practice yoga, this is no longer an isolated activity that they do once or twice a week, but for many it has become a daily ritual, a daily appointment with oneself. There is currently considerable interest in the Kirtan style of music as a soundtrack for a growing yogic culture. Yogis like melodies that inspire and support this lifestyle, and many yoga teachers are singing in their classes, acknowledging and using this powerful tool to share inspiration with their students. Kirtan music helps to cultivate Bhava in our daily practice, a term in Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) that describes a sacred and serene heart. Appropriate music also helps focus the mind for deep and healing practice. You can think that each yoga class is a journey inward and music our travel companion. The emphasis on the power of sound is deeply rooted in the spiritual roots of India, where yoga was fostered. There is an expression in Sanskrit, Nada Brahma, which can be translated as: "The world is sound", or "God is sound". In the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of India, the mantra "OM" is described as the vibratory force that constitutes the essence of all creation. The recitation of mantras, energy-based sounds used to purify the mind and heart, are the main tools for meditation and prayer in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh practices. It is noteworthy that Kirtan music in the West is being fused with rock, folk, blues, jazz, electronic and other musical genres. It is exciting to see how musicians are being influenced by yoga and Eastern spirituality, creating music that integrates traditional mantras with instrumentation from a wide variety of genres and cultures. The teachings of Yoga and Mantras are like water, they adapt and take the form of whatever culture or music they are contained in. Start today to prepare your own musical selection for your next yoga session, and see if it changes your daily practice in any way. Here are some recommendations from among the many artists and bands you can find in the world of yoga:
krishna das
Prem Joshua
Deva Pramal & Miten
Article written by nina adams, Vinyasa teacher. Related article: Krishna Das live in Barcelona