mIT` l`gY - Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle

D
Dr. Sushil Kaur*
Divine Music occupies a conspicuous niche in the Sikh hierarchy, for
it works as an aid to communion with God and hence for spiritual
upliftment. Sri Guru Arjan Dev afforded a unique form to Gurmat Sangeet.
While compiling Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib,Guru Arjan Dev classified the
compositions of all the Sikh Gurus and Bhaktas according to musical
measures as they were strung. Guru Arjan popularized Sikh musical
traditions (Gurmat Sangeet) even among the common folk when Satta and
Balwand denied to recite Kirtan in the Sangat.
Sikh Gurus attached great importance to music and regard it as one of
the greatest means of communion with God. They awarded music an
honored place in their religion. Sri Guru Arjan Dev like other sikh gurus
introduced the love of God as the main motif in music and exploited its
sensuous and emotional effects to heighten the importance of that theme.
June 2006
*15-Prem Vihar
S.B.S.Nagar
Pakhowal Road
Ludhiana
It becomes spiritual on
account of the truth that lie
underneath the words, play
an essential part in its
composition . It is the words
surcharged with spiritual
truth, wherein lies the
inception of Divine music.
Music is a means, a vehicle to
carry home the truths that
have an independent value of
their own. H.Levy opines
Music appeals to the emotions
directly.
......By withdrawing mind
from the objective world,
music becomes the means of
mental peace and inner
harmony. Music has therefore
been called the language of
emotions. Obviously, it is the
self-expression of soul."
Guru Arjan Dev
expressed his ideology in the
following verse in Rag Ram
Kali.
He sings the praise of the
Omnipresent Lord Master,
Shedding all the relishes of
the worldly pursuits.
(SGGS,P.885)
Bhakta Namdev said in
the same mood "When I sing
of God I behold Him."
Power of music could be
noticed in the stories related
to Lord Krishna's flute,
coleridge's Kublai Khan and
Pied piper. Naturopathy also
recognizes the value of the
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