Author: Nila Choudhury & Dr. Rupa Sinha
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/PP/020300056
Abstract: Music has occupied a significant position in Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions as a medium for self-expression, devotion, contemplation, and self-realization. Among the modern Indian thinkers who recognized the transformative potential of music, Swami Vivekananda occupies a unique place. Known primarily as a philosopher, spiritual leader, social reformer, and interpreter of Vedanta, Vivekananda also possessed a deep appreciation for music and its role in the evolution of human consciousness. His reflections on music emerged from the broader framework of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the essential unity of existence and the divinity inherent in every individual. Vivekananda viewed music not merely as an artistic pursuit but as a powerful means of awakening consciousness, purifying emotions, concentrating the mind, and facilitating spiritual realization. This article explores the interrelationship between music, consciousness, and self-realization in Vivekananda’s philosophy. It examines the metaphysical foundations of his thought, his understanding of the spiritual dimensions of music, its role in cultivating higher consciousness, and its significance for individual and social transformation. The study argues that Vivekananda’s musical philosophy remains relevant in contemporary discussions concerning spirituality, mental well-being, holistic education, and human development.
Keywords: Swami Vivekananda, Music, Consciousness, Self-Realization, Vedanta, Spirituality, Indian Philosophy, Meditation, Human Development.
Page No: 443-449