The Sufi Message Volume 2

Book excerpt: The Mysticism of Music, Sound and Word presents an essential part of the highly practical philosophy of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Born a musician, music and sound were for him the essence of life. Even when later he had to give up his practice of what in Indian philosophy is called struck music, the unstruck music remained with him, and increasingly so. Not only did he enjoy it in his meditations and all through life, whether in silent nature or in the roaring streets of Manhattan. In its fullness, it came out in his discourses and other presentations he made to the amazed and yet not fully understanding public of the West in the twenties. His realization of sound and music transformed his words into living beings, attuning the atmosphere, bringing inspiration to the public. This volume presents various aspects of his music. It contains four parts. In the Mysticism of Sound, the basic philosophy is given in a wide context. Both the abstract and some very practical aspects are covered. Music presents the mystic aspects of music besides relating its philosophy to the practical side again. It presents a beautiful early view of Indian music and it relates music and colour. Moreover, the psychic and healing powers are discussed. The Power of the Word and Cosmic Language elaborates these influences both philosophically and practically. The book really may be called mysticism in daily life.