However, I do think that certain styles of music can influence a weak mind. Not adults in particular, but children especially. A developing mind that is constantly being fed negativity will ultimately produce the negativity that has been propagated to them. Considering the fact that teenagers and children alike are very easily influenced and susceptible to what is being disseminated to them. Especially if it is being publicized to them on a daily basis.

In the case of adults, well, I think that adults are a bit more mentally stable and sound. An adults life is much too hectic for them to even consider whether or not they agree or disagree with an artist. Adults aren’t wondering how spiritually developed they are; they’re worried about whether or not they can pay the bills on time and feed themselves or their families. Half the time we listen to music it’s in the car on the way to work or something. All we’re looking for is something that sounds good and has a nice beat.

Great article by the way =).

I loved the story about the drunk. It’s so true that many of us at some point let our ‘goodness’ get to our heads, and in that very moment lose it. One of life’s ironies – you can be good must you mustn’t ‘know’ it!

The loud, techno, tuneless type of music really unsettles me so perhaps that is bad for my soul? Haven’t really thought about music’s impact on spirituality. Thought it was the other way round, that your spiritual state determines what music you like. Some food for thought here, thanks.

The topic of music and spirituality is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart, so I thouht I’d share a few things. I’m a Baha’i and there’s some really fascinating things in our Scripture about music and its spiritual power that I’d like to quote:

“The musician’s art is among those arts worthy of the highest praise, and it moveth the hearts of all who grieve. Wherefore, O thou Shahnaz,[1] play and sing out the holy words of God with wondrous tones in the gatherings of the friends, that the listener may be freed from chains of care and sorrow, and his soul may leap for joy and humble itself in prayer to the realm of Glory.”

[1 Shahnaz, the name given to the recipient of this Tablet, is also the name of a musical mode.]

(Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 112)

“A wonderful song giveth wings to the spirit and filleth the heart with exaltation.”

(Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 334)

Here is the longest one:

“Music is one of the important arts. It has great effect upon human spirit. Musical melodies are a certain something which prove to be accidental upon etheric vibrations, for voice is nothing but the expression of vibrations, which reaching the tympanum, effect the nerves of hearing. Musical melodies are, therefore, those peculiar effects produced by, or from, vibration. However, they have the keenest effect upon the spirit. In sooth, although music is a material affair, yet its tremendous effect is spiritual, and its greatest attachment is to the realm of the spirit. If a person desires to deliver a discourse, it will prove more effectual after musical melodies. The ancient Greeks, as well as Persian philosophers, were in the habit of delivering their discourses in the following manner: first, playing a few musical melodies, and when their audience attained a certain receptivity thereby they would leave their instruments at once and begin their discourse. Among the most renowned musicians of Persia was one named Barbod, who, whenever a great question had been pleaded for at the court of the King, and the Ministry had failed to persuade the King, they would at once refer the matter to Barbod, whereupon he would go with his instrument to the court and play the most appropriate and touching music, the end being at once attained because the king was immediately affected by the touching musical melodies, certain feelings of generosity would swell up in his heart, and he would give way. You may try this: if you have a great desire and wish to attain your end, try to do so on a large audience after a great solo has been rendered, but it must be on an audience on which music is effective, for there are some people who are like stones, and music cannot affect stones.

“It was for this reason that His Holiness David sang the psalms in the Holy of Holies at Jerusalem with sweet melodies. In this Cause the art of music is of paramount importance. The Blessed Perfection, when He first came to the barracks (Akká) repeated this statement: ‘If among the immediate followers there had been those who could have played some musical instrument. i.e., flute or harp, or could have sung, it would have charmed every one.’ In short, musical melodies form an important role in the associations, or outward and inward characteristics, or qualities of man, for it is the inspirer or motive power of both the material and spiritual susceptibilities. What a motive power it is in all feelings of love! When man is attached to the love of God, Music has great effect upon him.”

(‘Table Talk’ by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Cited in Compilation of Extracts from the Bahá’í Writings on Music, March 1, 1972, pp:6-7)

And one last one:

“…The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit. Through the power of music the spirit of man is uplifted. It has wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children, for their hearts are pure and melodies have great influence on them. The latent talents with which the hearts of these children are endowed will find expression through the medium of music. Therefore, you must exert yourselves to make them proficient; teach them to sing with excellence and effect. It is incumbent upon each child to know something of music, for without knowledge of this art, the melodies of instrument and voice cannot be rightly enjoyed. Likewise it is necessary that the schools teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the pupils may become vivified and exhilarated and their lives be brightened with enjoyment.”

(Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 410)

There’s loads more, but I think this is plenty for now! I teach people to sing and I do notice how singing in particular tends to have an effect on us spiritually.

I don’t believe that people who are really into music or musicians are more spiritually advanced than those who aren’t into music, but I do feel that music is a pretty universal thing and perhaps even a human birthright. For those of us seeking spiritual advancement, I think music can be an extremely powerful tool and comfort.

I’m interested to know if any of this makes sense to you at all. Thanks (and back to lurking).

On the other hand music can indeed change your mood, and has on some level (as all sound) an impact on your nervous system. That doesn’t mean that a certain kind of music will alter you on a fundamental level.

I also have a big problem with that “spiritual grading system”, with the notion that some things are more spiritual than others. I know they are but on the other hand I could do everything “right” and still not be a spiritual person. I find these things to be very confusing.

All I can say is that in the end it doesn’t change you if you forbid yourself to enjoy the things (including the music) that bring you joy.