Chapter 1: The Connection of Music to the Soul

To me, music serves as a bridge connecting human emotions. It elevates us to realms previously unknown.

— Ilaiyaraaja

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, life felt paradoxical. While many were confined to their homes, I chose to revisit my childhood passion for Carnatic music.

Indian classical music is generally categorized into two styles: Carnatic and Hindustani. Hindustani music, which developed in Northern India, was influenced by Arabic and Persian traditions following the Islamic invasions in the 12th century. In contrast, the Southern tradition remained largely untouched. Carnatic music, which hails from South India, traces its roots back to 500 BC. The evolution of this genre is often attributed to Purandara Dasa and the renowned trio of composers: Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri.

My Journey with Classical Music: Past and Present

Even after years of studying Carnatic music, I felt I hadn’t truly grasped it. Why? A mix of youthful stubbornness, practical difficulties, and personal disinterest played a part. I learned music on weekends, much like a child memorizing poems without understanding their essence. As a typical kid, I found the study of swaras (musical notes) and varisai (musical sequences) with their corresponding talas to be a chore.

I simply wanted to advance in my classes, but that was impossible due to my lack of commitment to practice—I'd rather play outside. My teacher often discussed shruti (pitch), tala (rhythm), and ragas (musical frameworks). Although I understood shruti and tala, the concept of ragas eluded me until I discovered it for myself years later. I was unaware of vocal techniques or their significance.

The turning point came during the pandemic when I stumbled upon VoxGuru, a YouTube channel dedicated to Indian classical music. This channel's creator employed a vastly different teaching style than my former instructor, reigniting my interest in Carnatic music. I was drawn not just to the learning aspect but to the meditative and therapeutic qualities it offered.

I had heard tales of legendary musicians invoking rain through their singing of specific ragas. For instance, the raga Meghmalhar is said to have the power to summon rain. Watching these YouTube videos brought a refreshing change to my mental health and lifestyle, particularly during the challenging post-pandemic period. While traditional meditation never resonated with me, I began my days with Carnatic music, finding peace in its rhythms—even if I don’t consider myself a singer.

The Transformative Effects of Carnatic Music

Since embracing this practice, I have experienced several positive changes:

1. Increased Mental Activity

   Just as morning exercises invigorate the body, listening to Carnatic music stimulates my mind, leaving me energized.

2. Boosted Productivity

   Feeling mentally and physically refreshed has allowed me to engage in various tasks, such as writing, without the usual lethargy.

3. Enhanced Concentration

   Carnatic music is notoriously complex. Mastering its patterns and talas requires intense focus, which has improved my concentration in other aspects of life.

4. Cultivated Self-Discipline

   Starting my day with music has fostered a disciplined routine, promoting calmness in my daily activities.

5. Better Sleep Quality

   Since I made listening to Carnatic music a regular habit, I've noticed significant improvements in my sleep.

6. Increased Happiness and Contentment

   Each raga carries its unique emotional impact. For instance, the raga Abheri evokes nostalgia, while Mohanam brings tranquility and joy.

Here’s a playlist featuring popular compositions in the Abheri raga:

My Favorite Ragas

Many popular Indian songs are based on various ragas, each designed to evoke specific emotions in listeners. My personal favorites include Mohanam, Hamsadhvani, and Abheri, as they predominantly evoke joy. Listening to songs composed in these ragas brings me immense happiness.

A few notable ragas and their corresponding moods are:

• Brindavana Saranga — Romance, love
• Sahana — Compassion
• Mohana — Joy
• Neelambari — Promotes sleep, often used in lullabies
• Behag — Love

Here’s a song by the Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman in the Behag raga:

Why Choose Carnatic Music?

You may wonder why I exclusively focus on Carnatic music. As Shakespeare once said, "If music be the food of love, play on." Music, in any form, nourishes the soul. Indian classical music, in particular, is unique in that each melody evokes distinct emotions. My affinity for Carnatic music stems from my South Indian heritage; someone from Northern India might resonate equally with Hindustani music.

Scientific studies have also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of certain ragas, which are believed to possess healing properties. Everyone has their own path to mindful living—some find solace in journaling, others in meditation or yoga. For me, it is through the enchanting world of Carnatic music.

The feelings I experience after a session are truly indescribable; they are nothing short of divine.

If you enjoyed this exploration, I’d appreciate your support through a few claps and a follow.

Chapter 2: The Meditative Power of Carnatic Music

The first video showcases "4 Simple Indian Ragas Anyone Can Play for Easy and Deep Meditation," providing a full lesson on the saxophone. This video offers an accessible introduction to the meditative qualities of these ragas.

The second video, titled "In Zen, We Don't Find the Answers. We Lose the Questions," delves into the philosophical aspects of mindfulness and music, complementing the themes of personal growth and self-discovery discussed in this narrative.