The Music of Life

by Hazrat Inayat Khan

Teachings on sound presenting a vision of the harmony which underlies and infuses every aspect of life. Science of breath, law of rhythm, the creative process, healing power and psychological influence of music.

Genres: Music, Spirituality, Islam, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Religion

353 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Hazrat Inayat Khan (Urdu: عنایت خان ) (July 5, 1882 – February 5, 1927) was an exemplar of Universal Sufism and founder of the "Sufi Order in the West" in 1914 (London). Later, in 1923, the Sufi Order of the London period was dissolved into a new organization formed under Swiss law and called the "International Sufi Movement". He initially came to the West as a representative of classical Indian music, having received the title Tansen from the Nizam of Hyderabad but soon turned to the introduction and transmission of Sufi thought and practice. His universal message of divine unity (Tawhid) focused on the themes of love, harmony and beauty. He taught that blind adherence to any book rendered any religion void of spirit.

Reviews

[Jeff]

This book is a very powerful book.
It discusses at great length deep metaphysical realities.
The author was a well known and respected Sufi mystic and master Sitar player.
I would say this book is for a more selective audience.
The reading is detailed and offers itself the the mind set of some one who is seeking to break away delusions and experience a more honest and loving relationship with themselves and others.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting how his theories match up with string theory.

[Simmonsmry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this work Hazrat Inayat Khan explores the theme of music as life. Music is not limited to one aspect of life; according to the author, it is life – a universal pervasive force that is the key to understanding the world around us and our role in it. The author talks about the sound of the abstract, which is referred to in the Vedas as anahad or unlimited sound. The same concept is known to Sufis as saut-e sarmad, which refers to intoxication. Experiencing this sound is uplifting and frees the soul from its earthly ties. Those who hear this abstract sound and meditate on it are said to be carefree, released from negative aspects of life such as sorrow and disease. To assist the auditory experience, yogis blow a sing (horn) or shankha (shell). These instruments produce something akin to saut-e sarmad and facilitate a spiritual awakening. Sacred sound leads listeners towards their inner life, as developed by ten aspects through ten tubes of the body. The most sacred of all sounds is hu, the beginning and the end, which is also the true name of God.

“The Music of Life” not only discusses sacred music, it explains how all music is sacred when used in its truest form, embracing all five of its aspects: popular (physical), technical (intellectual), artistic (sensual), appealing (emotional), and uplifting (spiritual). Music is more than harmonious sound; it is everywhere and in everything. All of nature is music, which was the earliest form of expression. It predates human language and is still evident in the languages of the world, where pitch, tone, and rhythm indicate meaning. Music is the source of creation and depicts the Beloved. Music is not merely a tool of religion, it is a universal religion, the food of the soul, and the source of spiritual perfection.

[Pankhuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is amazing.

[Sebastian Assis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightening and inspirational book that guides reader to the realization that music is, indeed, the Soul of the Universe that gives wings to the mind and flight to the imagination.

[Marianne Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazrat Inayat Khan has such profound and interesting things to say on this vast topic. I find myself highlighting many passages, things to remember and think about. A must for a serious musician, anyone interested in how sound affects people spiritually. Some topics are amazingly relevant today, even though he died in 1927. Fascinating.

[Alia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this to any philosopher : )
He explores sound, God, voice, harmony, unity, material existence, breath, mantras...

[Sarah]

interconnection

[Wolfram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music as a metaphor for life. This is a timeless masterpiece.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing!