The primary area of the study will encompass the practice of dhrupad singing with references to Nada Yoga practices mentioned in a number of scriptures and ancient writings from India. In the retreat we will focus on the theoretical as well as experiential aspects of Dhrupad and Nada Yoga. This will include phonetic subtleties of mantra, melodic progression and raga.
Specifically the course will include:
Study about Nada: the definition, Nada-brahman, sentience of absolute bliss and intelligence, the process of manifestation of sound in human body, the derivation and four dimensions of Nada.
Metaphysical, physiological and psychophysical aspects of Nada.
Metaphysical aspects of Nada: the nature of Brahman and the subtle body- visualization of various aspects of Brahman– the features of pure being, pure intelligence and pure bliss leading to universal consciousness.
Physiological aspects of Nada: the six substances of the body, the five great elements, the constitution of the body, six organs of human body, sub-organs of human body, heart as the adobe of consciousness, various states of consciousness.
Psychophysical aspects of Nada: 10 psychophysical centers described by Sharangadeva in his musical treatise called SangeetaRatnakar; basic positioning and structural concept of Aadhaar Chakra, Swadhishtan Chakra, Manipur Chakra, Anaahat Chakra, Vishuddhi Chakra, Lalanaa Chakra, Agnaa Chakra, Maanas Chakra, Soma Chakra, Sahasrapatra Chakra; experiencing these Chakras by meditating on these them; listening and producing appropriate Chakra associated sound will follow after a conceptual study.
The practice of Dhrupad and Nada Yoga:
Listening exercise: concentrating on non linguistic sound – audible and inaudible (Aahat and Anaahat), discovering the perception of sound resonance in various Chakras and in the physical system (body and mind) i.e. inner hearing development, concentrating on musical sound and feeling resonance in the body and mind with the effect of melodic movements, intervals and melodic embellishments. Connecting the mind with sound waves, psycho-motor function with high/low pitch and intensity.
The retreat is specially designed for the professional and amateur musicians and music scholars; voice training, enhancing understanding about listening to subtle tonic shades, understanding of micro tones, concept of unfolding the raga, method of extempore exposition of the raga, concept of using linguistic and non-linguistic words for musical presentation, method of presenting Dhrupad-Dhamar composition, principle of extempore improvisation of the song-text, rhythmic variations of various Talas (time cycles), practicing compositions with the time cycle will be included in the practice sessions.
Vocal exercises: recitation of ‘Om’ or producing a humming sound with special emphasis on hearing, hearing the ‘after-sound’, feeling the vibration in body-mind and psychophysical centers, increasing concentration by muttering/repeating non-linguistic sound, sound with philosophical connotation and musical texts.