Celebrating Buddha through music

The teachings of Lord Buddha are still relevant today, some two thousand five hundred years after his demise; Buddhism is regarded as the 4th largest religion in the world, with some several million practitioners. Amazingly, Lord Buddha was born, attained Enlightenment and died on the same day; Vaisakh Purnima. In many countries, the full week preceeding his birthday is celebrated as “Vesak”.

Prince Gautama left his palace at the age of 29 in search of The Universal Truth; found it 6 years later, when he became “The Buddha” (The Enlightened One), yet He remained in His earthly body till the age of 80, travelling and teaching. After Enlightenment, according to legend, He said He would remain in touch with our world to help us, until each living entity, human animal and plant, attained Self Realisation. In the Hindu context, He is regarded as one of the 24 “avatars” of Lord Vishnu. Dr Achal Pandya of IGNCA said, “The message of The Buddha has spread all over the world; it is only fitting we remember His Life on the day He was born, attained Enlightenment and died.”

Traditionally, music has not been used in the Buddhist context, as it developed as an intellectual religion, focusing not so much on emotion to realise The Truth but on correct conduct and meditation.

In a unique innovation, to celebrate the life of this extraordinary being, unusually, IGNCA is holding a programme of music on 29th April, conducted by noted Carnatic vocalist, Bombay Jayashri and her team. Bombay Jayashri has carved out a unique niche for herself, distinct from her identity as a senior Carnatic classical vocalist. She is also a composer, author, (she has co authored a book on the life of Prof Sambamoorthy, also one on Carnatic Masters called “Voices within”) teacher, environmentalist  (she is Ambassador for “Earth Day”)…. the list goes on. Her music reflects her multi dimensional persona; having an irresistible appeal. Direct, sincere, without artifice and utterly charming, it was a pleasure to talk to the singer about her forthcoming concert to be held at IGNCA, on Buddha Purnima.

Do you think there is a link between music and spiritualism?
“Yes the link between music and spiritualism is inseparable. Indian classical music evolved as a means of invoking the Supreme One through sound and initially was only performed in religious venues. In fact it is said in our texts that the aim of our classical music is to link the “Atma” (Self) with the “Paramatma” (Divine One). Our music is not only for entertainment. Personally, I have always revelled in singing compositions devoted to the Lord; in fact I have recorded several albums on this theme.

Are the different genres in music important; how do you feel singing on Buddha Purnima?
I don’t believe in the divisive boundaries of different music genres. I feel I was privileged to grow up being taught to love respect and relate to the notes, not the genre in which they were presented. Nowadays I feel the lines between genres is blurring anyway, with experiments like Coke Studio and “jugalbandi” concerts. That’s how it should be; music is music, the lines dividing the types of music have been made by us. It’s like seeing the earth from the moon- you just see the green earth and the blue earth; not the borders between countries.

I was surrounded by music from the time I got consciousness. I would wake up to the sound of music, when I went to sleep, I could hear the music class my mother conducted. I lived in this beautiful bubble of music, and hardly thought of anything other than music. It was never about what music I heard.

 I do believe receptivity in a musician is very important, and that is developed by being in tune with your surroundings. You can’t shut yourself in as a musician, and say I will only be receptive to music, nothing else.

Singing on Buddha Purnima, in Praise of the Divine One should be a part of what I am capable of doing, what I have trained to do, to link people with their inner selves through music. In a sense, music is the bridge between the audience and the Divine; I am just the medium through which the music flows. I am not creating anything new, it’s all there.

For us as Carnatic musicians, the “sahitya” (lyrics) is very important in our music, we are used to singing meaningful lyrics; I have worked out some chants that my disciples and I will be presenting.

This concert honouring Lord Buddha is indeed special for me. His teachings are relevant even today; I feel it’s important to remember Him through music. I will be accompanied by several senior disciples, and I hope we are able to create a truly uplifting ambience, on this beautiful full moon night, at this open air concert.

(Bombay Jayashri Ramnath and her team will be singing at IGNCA Amphitheatre, Janpath from 7:30 pm onwards on 29th April)