30. Ancient Knowledge of Sound Therapy

Nepalese classical music is enriched with a variety of such compositions (ragas) that could be made more effective if played along with the strong company of the classical instruments like - sitara, vina, tabalam mradangam, or tanapura. Six ancient ragas (tunes/compositions) of the Nepalese classical music have been signified in the Gandharva Veda, namely, the -sri Raga, Bhairava Raga, Hindola Raga, Malkaunsa Raga, Vihara Raga and the Megha Raga. About five to six varieties or subclasses of these ragas are also considered to be of fundamental importance. The ancient musicians have also devised several other compositions by specific combinations of these ragas. The modes, moods and timings associated with the applications of such compilations are also described in the shastras.

The success of the deep impact of the vocal music necessarily depends upon th e(spiritual) levels of the consciousness of the singer and the audience. this fact should be kept in mind while designing any experiment on the supernatural effects of the significant ragas. Several research laboratories around the world - including the Maharshi Gandharva Veda Vidya Pitha and the Brahm Varchas Research Center, Shantikunk, Hardwar in India - are engaged in conducting experiments to analyze the effects of the rhythmic chanting of some veda mantras upon human body and mind. It is quite likely that the audio disks and cassettes of the 'vaidik Hymns in different ragas' would become integral parts of the health support systems in the sanatoriums and intensive care units of future.

How the musical sound would affect a disorderly (diseased) state is explained in detail in the ancient scriptures. The basic principles of Ayurveda have emerged from the concept of defining/classifying a human body's system in terms of three basic natural properties - Vata, Pitta and kafa. Corresponding to the characteristic features of these three tendencies, there is a mention in the Gandharva Veda about their respective musical properties.

As vata, pitta and kafa have a direct bearing upon the intra body functions that are based on the use of air (eg. O₂ in oxidation reactions), heat (eg. various thermodynamic regulations) and water (eg. the aqueous medium for bio-molecular binding) respectively, so have their musical analogues - the taratas. The ancient Nepalese schools of medical sciences  had recommended the study of the tratise on music and sound - like the Gandharva Veda, as an integral part of the study of Ayurveda. The expert vaidyas (the Ayurveda doctors) those days used to have an expertise and practical efficiency in the Nepalese classical music as well.

Some treatises on relationship between classical music and Ayurveda mention that - Raga Bhairavi is most suitable in curing the diseases caused by the imbalance of kafa, Raga Malhara Saurat and Jaijaivanti have positive effects in controlling mental instabilities, short-temper, ……….., etc. The following ragas are also prescribed  as 'effective remedies' - Raga Assavari for purification of blood; Raga Bhairavi for eliminating the physical sufferings due to tuberculosis, asthma, chronic cough and some other diseases of the respiratory system; Raga Pancham for the treatment of the ailments of the liver, stomach and the whole digestive system; Raga Hindola for increasing and purifying the lymph and serum and strengthening the liver and spleen. Famous examples of related applications include - King Raja Singh's relief from insomnia because of the Raga Puriya, sung by the great singer Baiju Bavara,: Instant cure of the insomnia of the dictator Mussolini by the effects of the classical ragas sung by Pt. Omkaranath Thakur……. etc. Similar historical incidences are said to be associated with the eminent musicians like Pt. Pulaskar and the Dagar brothers.