Music is the language of the spirit

Music is the language of the Spirit. It opens the secret of life; bringing peace, abolishing strife.

Kahil Gibran


This quote from Kahil Gibran says a lot about music in very few words. Music is a language. It is the language of our souls, and it is the expression of the soul. For some Christians, music is the language of the Holy Spirit.

Music is also a peacemaker and a unifier. Many people in divisive situations can be brought together just by singing or playing an instrument together. Many people affected by tragic events, such as 9/11, tsunamis, and earthquakes come together in song and worship to make sense of the suffering and pray for comfort. The Taize song, "Stay with me, Remain Here with Me, Watch and Pray," was one meditative song that was sung at my seminary soon after the 9/11 bombings, and it is a song that has etched an indeliable mark in my heart. 

As Victor Hugo said, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." Sometimes what we feel emotionally or spiritually cannot be put into words, but only through our voices and our instruments. Sometimes music is the only way one can express oneself when words don't suffice.

Remembered Music by Rumi

'Tis Said the pipe and lute that charm our ears
Derive their melody from rolling spheres;
But faith, over passing speculation's bounds
Can see what sweetens every jangled sound.

We, who are parts of Adam, heard with him
 The songs of angels and of seraphim
Our memory, though dull and sad,
Retains some echo still of those unearthly strains.

Oh, music is the meat of all who love,
Musis uplifts the soul to realms above
The ashes glow, the latent fires increase,
We listen and are fed with joy and peace.

Rumi (1207-1273) Saint and Mystic, Founder of the Mehievi Order of Whirling Dervishes
Translated by R.A. Nicholson

Pipes and lutes do charm people's ears, as do other instruments.  But as Rumi seems to indicate, the musical inspirations originate from something deeper than the stars. It is the memory of the songs of angels and seraphims from of old.

For many, music does contain a religiously inspired dimension. Music can be inspired by a deep religious belief as well as be an expression of religious faith. Sometimes, a piece of music can cause a religious or conversion experience. A congregant identifies with the words of a hymn or the somberness of a requiem. The music captivates the listener's heart and soul and the person transcends to another realm. It is almost a mystical communion.  Just as many medieval mystics were fed by holy communion or prayer with God, the listener is fed by the music emotionally and spiritually as well as physically. When the musical experience has ended, the listener leaves nourished, satisfied, and swelling with joy.

Introduction

Welcome to the blog Music and the Spirit. The blog will primarily reflect and discuss the interrelation between music and spirituality, though it will also address music's ability to convey messages of passion, peace, fury, and intense joy. I will start the blog out with a quote about music from a significant historical or literary figure and reflect or comment on it. Additional reflections or conversations are welcome.

Here is today's quote:  "

Music has charms to soothe the savage beast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak." From William Congreve's The Mourning Bride, Act I, Sc. i, 1697

Music truly does have a way of soothing the savage beast or calming the sin sick soul. Whether it is taming the traumatizing beast in a Harry Potter movie with a harp, putting a restless child or animal to sleep, or to comfort a person mourning from a loss or tragic event, music has the power to soothe, calm, and heal.