meditation

Why Use Meditation Music for Self Realization?

In this video, Prasant discusses what is unique about music made naturally for meditation, self discovery and Self Realization as opposed to other categories of music made with other intended goals or different styles less suited for meditation.

As Prasant has talked about the simplicity of working with sound to realize our inherent Peace and Beingness, then shouldn’t any sound or music work just as well? The answer is multi faceted. From the perspective of of the limited “i,” the ego, that has taken certain positions within itself and harbors likes and dislikes etc. the subtle qualities of the music will have a noticeable effect on the mind on multiple levels. In the realm of the absolute Truth, the depths and natural Truth that we are, all of this is one and the same. So you can continue to abide in the Self or rest as pure awareness while listening to intense heavy metal music or a catchy pop song, after all that is what is always taking place, knowingly or unknowingly. It is all arising within you. But it will likely be more difficult and identification with the ever excited outgoing I-thought may be more possible.

Prasant explains that it is similar to intake of food and the qualities that result from those choices. The body remains to play out its existence before, during and after Realization, so ultimately there is tangible benefit in working with music that has a conducive intention or is created spontaneously from natural Being or Peace when it comes to resting as your own nature, the Self of all. That which allows your mind to feel at rest, peaceful and at ease, is best for this purpose.

Video: Ethiopian Tizita Minor / Carnatic Japaniya Raga Saxophone Meditation for Resting in Self and Peace

While sitting for this spontaneous raga meditation on tenor saxophone, this deep and beautiful melody from the Ethiopian Tizita minor came out. It turns out that it coincides with a rare Carnatic (South Indian Classical) raga called Japaniya. Here it is played mostly in a Carnatic style, but no particular attempt was made to tether it to a particular way of playing but just to naturally allow for Silence, Rest and Peace. It is very conducive for deep and restful meditation coupled with alert inner exploration. This arising is likely inspired by playing with wonderful Ethiopian-American vocalist and long time friend, Meklit, who just released a new EP, Ethio Blue at a concert on March 9th. The title track makes use of this rich and haunting Tizita minor that has a deep history in Ethiopian music. Special thanks also to keyboard artist Kibrom Birhane who plays this beautifully in this ensemble.

Something special about this particular unfolding is that the meditation came out in two phases. The first slowly allow for listening and returning to the moment and facilitating absorption in the sound of music. After about 3 minutes, there is a short silence and then a deeper section appears that allows to enter Silence through the music and sound as a vehicle. You don’t need to make any effort while meditating with this, but just simply listen and allow.

A message for this meditation: You are guided at every step and every moment by a perfectly clear inner Truth. It guides both thought and action with Stillness. It is the Source of everything. Don’t worry and allow actions to be performed while always seeing the Truth alone.

0:00 Opening raga meditation, 1st Phase: Listening and enjoying
3:29 Second Phase of raga meditation: Entering and rest in Silence and Peace
9:45 Sitting in Silence Download Prasant’s meditation albums free and contact Prasant at the links below.

Prasant Radhakrishnan is a versatile saxophonist steeped in both South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and jazz music. A disciple of Carnatic saxophone pioneer, “Padmashri” Dr. Kadri Gopalnath, Prasant had the privilege of apprenticing with him for several years since 1996. He had further training with Dr. T.R. Subramaniam as well as mentorships with other senior artists in India. His parallel exploration of jazz led him to express original music arising from both Carnatic and jazz as well as traditional Carnatic music on the saxophone. Prasant has shared music around the world through albums, performances, artist residencies, lecture demonstrations and teaching. In addition, Prasant shares insightful and easy approaches to meditation and Self Realization through music and sound, which leads naturally Silence and Peace.

Connect with Prasant: Website: https://prasantmusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prasantmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prasantmusic/
Satsang (held online via zoom): https://prasantmusic.com/satsang/

Prasant’s music is available on all major platforms, but you can download it directly from him here. It’s also a great way to support his work: https://music.prasantmusic.com/

If you want to explore the natural merging of Music and Spirituality or Self Realization, check out this playlist: You can Realize Truth through Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQYOeeKfh4Q&list=PLvRlCjx-q4ZTvB_qAfzAn2wKuzdnhZaMH&index=1&t=0s

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New video: Sri Ragam Saxophone Meditation for Self Realization and Profound Peace

Enjoy this brief Sri Ragam Meditation on the saxophone for Self Realization and Profound Peace. Music that naturally arises from the source of sound, the Silence itself is extremely helpful for allowing us to settle back in to our own nature, the Self. The Self is ever present in perfect completeness at all times, but we momentarily get distracted by arising thoughts and their resulting identities, culminating in the identification with the ego or I-Thought. By dissolving our attention into the sound and then resting in its silent Source, we allow the i to dissolve and the Self to be realized. No particular method or approach is required while listening to the music. Simply relax and allow.

It begins with a very brief talk, the music meditation in Sri raga and a brief silent sitting. Thank you for being here!

0:00 Intro talk on this Sri raga meditation on saxophone
1:21 Saxophone raga meditation begins
9:30 Brief silent sitting meditation (natural resting in Silence)

Download Prasant’s meditation albums free and contact Prasant.

Prasant Radhakrishnan is a versatile saxophonist steeped in both South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and jazz music. A disciple of Carnatic saxophone pioneer, “Padmashri” Dr. Kadri Gopalnath, Prasant had the privilege of apprenticing with him for several years since 1996. He had further training with Dr. T.R. Subramaniam as well as mentorships with other senior artists in India. His parallel exploration of jazz led him to express original music arising from both Carnatic and jazz as well as traditional Carnatic music on the saxophone. Prasant has shared music around the world through albums, performances, artist residencies, lecture demonstrations and teaching. In addition, Prasant shares insightful and easy approaches to meditation and Self Realization through music and sound, which leads naturally Silence and Peace.

Absorption in Supreme Sound and Silence | 20 Minute Saxophone Raga Meditation | Raga Sriranjani 

Happy to share this new saxophone raga meditation with you in raga Sriranjani. You’re welcome to use this video for formal sitting or play it in the background while you work. Those with a musical background can improvise along with me for an active meditative absorption.

Enjoy and experience effortless Absorption (Samadhi) in Supreme Sound (Naada) and Silence in this 20 minute music meditation on saxophone. Samadhi in most cases is considered a difficult height to attain through meditation practice, however through music and sound it is surprisingly effortless. All that is needed the effortless experiencing or hearing of sound and complete letting go into the sound. This letting go is such that there is the feeling that there is nothing but sound. Subsequently dropping into the Silence, deeply rest in your own feeling of being. The cessation of mental movement will naturally occur and the awake awareness that is ever present reveals Itself. This may happen on its own without any effort put forth by you.

Download Prasant’s meditation albums free here. All music, video clips and images of nature taken in this video are original.

Prasant Radhakrishnan is a versatile saxophonist steeped in both South Indian Classical (Carnatic) and jazz music. A disciple of Carnatic saxophone pioneer, “Padmashri” Dr. Kadri Gopalnath, Prasant had the privilege of apprenticing with him for several years since 1996. He had further training with Dr. T.R. Subramaniam as well as mentorships with other senior artists in India. His parallel exploration of jazz led him to express original music arising from both Carnatic and jazz as well as traditional Carnatic music on the saxophone. Prasant has shared music around the world through albums, performances, artist residencies, lecture demonstrations and teaching. In addition, Prasant shares insightful and easy approaches to meditation and Self Realization through music and sound, which leads naturally Silence and Peace.

Living Meditation: How to Merge Meditation Practice with Daily Natural Life

https://youtu.be/hkYffsyrP5E

Glad to share a new video with you, Living Meditation: How to Merge Meditation Practice with Daily Natural Life

You can easily make your life a natural, living meditation. Many people on the path find that balancing formal meditation practice and contemplation of Truth with an active natural life difficult. This is due to seeing spiritual practice in isolation compared to the world. This is the case even for those are steeped in teachings that embrace the world as the Divine itself.

One one side, regular meditators access peaceful states during their meditation practice, but often can become disturbed by various happenings in daily life. They can become worried or anxious that they might miss their meditation practice and then become a wreck during a stressful moment during the day. To avoid this shock, they slowly withdraw and avoid things that could cause this overwhelm and try to do more meditation. On the other side, those who live a very active life can become overly enmeshed in the happenings of their world and body and thus have difficulty finding peace during meditation. They may not want to meditate for fear of how difficult it might be and throw themselves into more and more activity to avoid arising thoughts and emotions.

The key is to discover and access the common aspect that is ever present both in formal practice and natural life. This is of course our own Awareness, or the simple feeling of just Being. This feeling of Being is there in the depths of meditation, dream and deep sleep as well as during active hours of the waking state. It is there with you right now, as you read this and watch this video. During meditation, you notice and rest in this Being, but during active hours, you may forget the Being, the natural Awareness that is aware of everything and become engaged with thoughts and external happenings.

The next step is to begin to notice the feeling of Being or Awareness while you are active. At first, it may not feel natural. So use your work or an enjoyable hobby as a doorway to this practice. Music is a perfect example, but you could use anything, like painting, running, rock climbing, writing, even washing dishes. I have described the method for this with music practice in my previous video, https://youtu.be/gYH4-kZ5ZIQ but it is as simple as noticing you are aware and resting in the feeling of Awareness or Being as you are doing the activity, gently relaxing your intention and attention and allowing it to dissolve in Being. You will notice that the activity will continue despite this shift and you will be naturally witnessing your body and arising experiences happening all by themselves. This is active meditation! It is that simple.

Once you are comfortable doing this, you will recognize the simple truth that you are already meditating! By being aware and naturally knowing this, spontaneously, without effort is itself meditation. There is nothing else you need to do to meditate. It is happening automatically, as simple as breathing. It is even simpler than breathing actually. Now outside of formal practice and hobbies, you can be at Home in any situation, anywhere. It continues unbroken, 24/7.

The merging of these two aspects of life leads to more and more freedom, lightness and Peace while continuing to lead an active life in the world as necessary.
—-
The music intro includes an excerpt from the Muthuswamy Dikshitar composition Annapurne Visalakshi in Sama raga, Adi talam.

When there is a spontaneous silence in the talk, please use it as an opportunity to rest in Being. It is left in on purpose. 🙂

Other videos by Prasant on this Topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQYOeeKfh4Q&list=PLvRlCjx-q4ZTvB_qAfzAn2wKuzdnhZaMH

Connect with Prasant:
Website: https://prasantmusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prasantmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prasantmusic/
Satsang (held online via zoom): https://prasantmusic.com/satsang/

If you found this video useful, please share it with friends and loved ones! Prasant is available to speak to your group or organization about Realization Through Music or on approaches to meditate with Sound and Music as well as Satsang. He is also available for concerts, masterclasses, private lessons on the saxophone. You can contact him through his website linked above.

You can also support more of this work by downloading Prasant’s free meditation albums and choosing to contribute there: https://prasantmusic.bandcamp.com/album/meditations-ragas-on-saxophone-vol-2

#activemeditation #meditation

Endless Beginning: Meditative Saxophone Transmission for Natural Realization and Freedom

Remain as you are and enjoy this arising of sound from within your own Being. Without effort, naturally resting and being, allow the sound of this raga Gambheera Nattai to flood your awareness resulting in total ease and absorption in sound.

With all thoughts, sensations and concepts about what you are dissolving in sound, quickly and with no reference or idea, return to your own Silence, the simple awareness from which all arises. The Field of no coming and going. Here we live free in a wide open endless beginning.

Have a peaceful week!

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Prasant Radhakrishnan shares natural peace and freedom through the sound of the saxophone leading to our own innate Silence that we have never lost. For more information about his music, often stemming from the Indian Classical Carnatic style, or to attend Musical Satsang gatherings online, please visit http://www.prasantmusic.com.

How To Charge Your Awareness Battery Continuously

In this spontaneous video, Prasant relates the ever expanding growth and strength of our awareness as it become more aware of Itself to a battery that needs to be charged. Until the Self is fully Realized, there will be a sensation either regularly or on occasion, depending on how far along the aspirant is, of the spacious openness of Being not always being fully present…a feeling that it needs be recharged with spiritual practice or some kind of activity. This needs to be acknowledged and addressed.

The simplest and easiest way to continuously recharge is to rest as the awareness itself time and time again. Every time the mind arises, again and again bring it back to resting in Awareness, the Source. This is sometimes difficult. During these times, Prasant highly recommends music, either listening or practicing, combined with his technique of riding music back to its Source and resting as That. (Visit Prasant’s website below for many more articles and videos on Youtube detailing that process).

Prasant also goes into the issue of whether you may want to investigate your media consumption (ie: podcasts, social media, tv shows, news, etc.) to see whether it is really helping you in your quest for Truth or if it is distracting you or pulling you away from it by stimulating mind identification and separation. Of course, no phenomena by itself is a problem in light of the Self. It is only a problem when the mind still causing trouble.

When the Self is Realized there is longer a battery, charger or outlet needed. There is continuously refreshed, always open Truth alone. Like the ocean. Like the sky.

For more on Prasant and his music, visit: http://www.prasantmusic.com

Subscribe to Prasant’s YouTube channel for more videos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prasantmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prasantmusic/

Download Prasant’s solo saxophone tracks for effortless meditation, Peace and Self Realization here:
http://music.prasantmusic.com/album/meditations-ragas-on-saxophone-vol-2

The photo at the beginning and end is of the sacred Arunachala at Tiruvannamalai, India.

Music Is Instant Meditation

In this video, Prasant goes into detail about not only how music is an instant meditation, but also what the nature of meditation really is. The fact is you are already meditating right now. Your nature itself is meditation. This, right now, is meditation.

Many of us may feel that they are brought into the unfolding ever present NOW while listening to music but the experience fades later on. Prasant shares here that the important insight to take away from every natural experience of music is that the space, freedom and joy you experience with music is always here with or without music. That stays with you when you are away from music. You were there before anything appeared and remain afterwards.

In fact, the experience of Life itself is much like a never ending great symphony of music. Enjoy it by just being yourself…whatever you already are without having to do or change anything to be IT.

Subscribe to Prasant’s YouTube channel for more videos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prasantmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prasantmusic/

Download Prasant’s solo saxophone tracks for effortless meditation, Peace and Self Realization here:
http://music.prasantmusic.com/album/meditations-ragas-on-saxophone-vol-2

The photo at the beginning and end is of the sacred Arunachala at Tiruvannamalai, India.

Dissolve the Body With Music and Sound

In this video, Prasant shares an effective method to dissolve the attachment to the body by noticing it dissolve in music and sound. Ramana Maharshi pointed seekers to the Self by reminding them that “you are not the body.” Identification with the body creates suffering for people (or in some cases even the opposing thought “I am not the body”).

In general, we can become frustrated with the body in some way and this blocks the natural seeing of who we are. In order to easily do away with the mental gymnastics that can arise around this, we go into the beauty and power of music and sound to fill our awareness while noticing our arising sensations and then instantly take us to the source of that, which is This ever present Silence. This is a fresh way to be free, here and now.

Live in Truth permanently. Try it and see!

Subscribe to Prasant’s YouTube channel for more videos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prasantmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prasantmusic/

Download Prasant’s solo saxophone tracks for effortless meditation, Peace and Self Realization here.

Dissolve Suffering Through Sound and Music

In this video, Prasant first explains how it is possible to dissolve suffering through sound and music and a little bit about what suffering is. This is in the context of Realization. Then he goes into a spontaneous guided meditation where he shares a technique to utilize and follow sound to dissolve deeply into your fundamental real nature, the Source and stay there.

Once the Self, the Source is fully realized all that arises after will be seen to be nothing but that same Self, which you have discovered that you are already. Even if a glimpse of the Truth is tasted here, you can continue to soak in that perspective throughout your day to day life by contemplating in the same manner presented here.

Eventually stability in Truth will be evident and easy.

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Download (free) the meditation music track in this video here to use on your path.

Also, feel free to Contact Prasant.