SPRINGS OF My SOUL
When I looked down from my window in Delhi’s Asoka hotel, I saw a flock of white geese on the lawn. I have two at home as pets in Gulberg, Lahore and I suddenly realized that they are hans. We no longer have elders like Ghulam Ali who would gather people around him in Lahore and tell them stories of all religions and explain many deep matters to us, especially of one united God for all.
I have always understood that the saptswar, the seven notes that compose all music, are the gift of God. Perhaps this is because my native place is the holy city of Amritsar, where though Sunni Muslims, we grew up in the atmosphere of Sikh verses, bathed in the spirit of Guru Nanak who founded a religion in which music is a form of worship. What love we shared as neighbors, Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. We cared for our neighbors, exchanging sweets and sharing festivals.
The fact is, music is present in every religion, even in Islam. We learn to recite the Quran in ragas. Certain ragas are deeply spiritual and soothing. I love to sing Talang. What a prayerful raga! I leave the world behind and feel closer to God.
Ragas are prayers so difficult but how moving. Such music gives me life.
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