Time = Space Series. Part 2 - Sound merges in light

What if I say that “Sound is a subset of light”. Scientifically you may agree that both are electro-magnetic vibrations at different frequencies in the spectrum though one may not be the subset of another.

So, What if I say that every other frequency is the subset of light? I am sure many may disagree. Some of the religious pundits may claim that “Sound is god” which I am not disputing but “light too is god” and as we progress towards the primordial state sound merges into light.

Let me try to explain this with a simple exercise. Please sit in a place with a calm mind – few deep breaths may help.

·         Imagine that I am TALKING to you and avoid thinking that you are reading this blog.

·         I am going to TELL the following 5 words and you are going to LISTEN to it. Please just observe what happens within you.

o   CAT, BOAT, MOM, DEVIL, BEST FRIEND

·         The following are the fundamentals of perception as per Hindu scriptures:

o   Every word has a meaning (Let us ignore the so called meaningless words for the time being.).

o   Every meaning invokes a form or shape within our mind.

o   For example when I say “MOM” you associate this word with you mother and the picture / image of your mother is perceived inside. You need to be little more observant to understand this. The fundamental principle is that

§  “Every word is first associated its meaning then the meaning is associated with a form. The form is associated with a Guna (Quality) and then the quality or Guna is associated with its experience.

·         Let me TRY to explain the abstract concept  of consciousness as below:

o   Consciousness / existence exist in 3 states (deeper explanation is 5 / 7 states but we will discuss the simpler alternative).

§  Formless state called Experience / feeling / bhava. The super conscious state.

§  Gross state with form which has physical attributes. The conscious state.

§  In-between state (Not formless and no form) called Guna state which has subtle quality attributes. The subconscious state. If this is difficult to comprehend for you please imagine “Egg” which is in-between the formless and form state. Gotcha?

o   Let’s look at an example. Rose is a flower. When someone tells you “ROSE” then the following happens:

§  The sound “rose’ associates with a flower usually. (I am ignoring it being a name of your girl friend J). So here the word is associated with its meaning.

§  This flower is associated with red color and perhaps with thorns. Here the sound does not exist anymore but only a form. Yo!, the sound has merged into light.

§  The third step is - this form is associated with a quality which is fragrance of a rose. For someone sensitive they can smell the rose when they think about it. How else could we salivate at the thought / smell of a favorite dish if this step does not exist?

§  Now the last step is this quality invokes an experience and hence a feeling. This rose may be associated with your inner self for love and hence the emotion of love surfaces. This is called bhava in Sanskrit. There was a tamil movie (Sigappu Rojakkal) where the hero (Kamal) is a serial killer and whenever he sees red color (say a red rose) this killing tendency in him manifests.

If you are not clear about this then please do not move to the next part and think or discuss about it. A little contemplation would help you understand this 5 stage process of perception.

‘SOUND – MEANING – FORM – QUALITY (GUNA) – EXPERIENCE (FEELING / BHAVA)’

Our ancient forefathers knew this science and interconnection. Let me now quote these slokas as an example from Bharatnatyam, which talks about this linkage.

Kanteenaalambayet geetam, Hasteenaardham Pradarsayet,
Chakshurbhyaam darsayeet bhaavam, Paadaabhyam taalamaacharet.

According to Nandikeshara the dancer should sing with the mouth, express the meaning of the song with hand gestures, her eyes should express the emotions or bhava, the tala, the beat or rhythm should be done with her feet. Further he goes on to say – 

'Yato hastas tato drushti, Yato drushitis tato manaha
Yato manahas tato bhavo, Yato bhavas tato Rasaha'

'Where the hand goes, there should follow the eyes, Where the eyes move, mind should follow it, 

Where the mind follow, Bhava or emotion is created, & lastly when Bhava is created the sentiment or Rasa will arise.'

All the mudras or gestures represent word when held at a particular position around the frame of the body and when used in a particular way. Alas we have ignored this great science & art and its linkages and are like ignorant fools following the meaningless western tradition and dances! 

We will continue this topic in the next part.

Happy reading!