- Jul 14, 2007
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Kirtan and the Human Psyche
Prof. Surinder Singh
The philosophy of the Sikh Gurus describes the concept of a positive entity and a negative entity within humans. The Sikh philosophy names these entities as the mun (mind) and the atma (conscience or soul). Whereas the mind represents the selfish and impatient side of an individual, the soul represents the honest and sincere side. It is central to the belief of the Sikhs that all humans have these two sides to their character, and that both sides are equally important for understanding oneself and becoming one with the creator.
The Shabads of the Sikh Gurus are examples and lessons for the mind and soul to dialogue with each other, so that they can work together rather then against each other. This is indicative of the thoughts, discussions and debates that everyone partakes in on a daily basis inside their head.
Much research has been done regarding the effects of music on one's emotional wellbeing. Thoughts, feelings and emotions are highly influenced by listening to music. The emotional experience derived from music has a powerful effect on the formation of one's moral and intellectual outlook. "Music faces us with the realization that there are two worlds: the inner and the outer. The inner is often incommunicable, a spiritual world which is difficult to enter from the outer world where we normally speak to one another. Music is bridge for us." -Alfred Nieman
(Full article: Kirtan and the Human Psyche)
Prof. Surinder Singh
The philosophy of the Sikh Gurus describes the concept of a positive entity and a negative entity within humans. The Sikh philosophy names these entities as the mun (mind) and the atma (conscience or soul). Whereas the mind represents the selfish and impatient side of an individual, the soul represents the honest and sincere side. It is central to the belief of the Sikhs that all humans have these two sides to their character, and that both sides are equally important for understanding oneself and becoming one with the creator.
The Shabads of the Sikh Gurus are examples and lessons for the mind and soul to dialogue with each other, so that they can work together rather then against each other. This is indicative of the thoughts, discussions and debates that everyone partakes in on a daily basis inside their head.
Much research has been done regarding the effects of music on one's emotional wellbeing. Thoughts, feelings and emotions are highly influenced by listening to music. The emotional experience derived from music has a powerful effect on the formation of one's moral and intellectual outlook. "Music faces us with the realization that there are two worlds: the inner and the outer. The inner is often incommunicable, a spiritual world which is difficult to enter from the outer world where we normally speak to one another. Music is bridge for us." -Alfred Nieman
(Full article: Kirtan and the Human Psyche)
