Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on October 30, 2011.

Swami Bhaskarananda explores the spiritual significance of music by beginning with the Vedantic view of sound itself. He explains that all manifested existence is Akasha—subtle matter—set into vibration by cosmic energy, and that every form is essentially vibrating sound. Drawing on the ancient teaching “Nāda Brahman,” he describes four levels of sound, from the gross audible level to the subtle “para” sound rooted in Brahman, and shows how the sacred syllable Om symbolizes the entire process of manifestation and return to the Divine. Music, as ordered and melodious sound, is thus not merely entertainment but can become a doorway to awareness of God when its direction is turned inward and upward.

Swami Bhaskarananda then considers how music relates to spiritual practice in different traditions, noting that while many Islamic traditions generally restrict music to avoid sensory distraction, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity have all developed rich devotional musical forms. He shares vivid anecdotes of monks and musicians whose sincere, heart-filled singing or instrumental playing created profound spiritual impact, illustrating that it is the inner attitude, not vocal perfection, that gives music its transforming power. He concludes by explaining how gentle, harmonious music can help quiet a restless, rajasic mind and prepare it for meditation, suggesting that when used wisely, music can calm, uplift, and support the search for knowledge of the Self.