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How to Play a Musical Instrument in a Spiritual Way?

Tyagi Jayadev

Question from Amlan: I am learning to play the classical guitar and wish to invoke the blessings and guidance of the Divine in my pursuit. What should my approach be? I do say a small prayer after my daily meditation asking for help to play His sweet music. Are there any chants or prayers that I can include ? Any techniques that I…

Guidance from the Astral Plane

Nayaswami Maria

Question from Deus: I am 18 years old and want to make a life out of making music. Often I want to find more information, inspiration, and knowledge on how to find the right sounds, how to improve my skills, and how to make a path for myself to be one of the greatest to do what I do. I have recently heard…

Improving the Voice

Nayaswami Maria

Question from A: I recently saw a YouTube video by Swami Kriyanandaji on the importance of the voice and it got me thinking that maybe I can fix my voice too. Most of the time I croak (instead of speak) because I am tense and/or nervous. I have been trying some breathing/yoga techniques to fix my nervousness. However I wanted to know if…

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The Source of Inspiration

Nayaswami Hassi

Question from Natalie: I have been having a hard time doing anything creative like painting, or writing. It feels like I have lost motivation to do anything creative. Are there any prayers or meditation techniques to boost creative energy?

Clarity Magazine, Coping with Loss

Welcoming Death: A Conscious Transition

by Nayaswami Brindey

I am coming to the end of a lifetime in which it has become clear that God loves me and that together we have been victorious. Ending life on this note seems perfect. By the grace of God, I have been given the strength and clarity to take the next step.

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Why Is Rock, Pop, and Jazz Not Advisable For Yogis?

Tyagi Jayadev

Question from Rajat: Hello and a happy New Year to everyone at the Ananda family, I would like to know the reason why spirituality advises not to listen to rock/metal/pop/jazz music or songs. I am on a spiritual path and would like to ban anything which affects my journey. Currently, I listen to rock and metal songs which keep me motivated to do…

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Art and Divine Energy

Nayaswami Hriman

Question from Diana Barrett: I am curious about great works of art, writing, music… Are the artists channeling divine energy in this one aspect of their lives? (without knowing it?) I will say I am completely ignorant in regard to any of the works and the humans they came from. I don’t believe they were “spiritual” people, correct? So how do such enduring creations…

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Music that Raises – or Lowers – the Emotions

David Eby

Question from Alan: Why is it that I get easily moved by some secular music, like soft rock and others, but when I listen to spiritual hymns, chants and kirtans I don’t feel very moved by it? Does this mean that I am not really very spiritual?

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The Power of Uplifting Music

David Eby

Question from Billy: Did Yogananda ever say anything about music ? was he against people listening to music ?

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How to hit the right note

David Eby

Question from Jaya: I am an aspiring singer. I put in a lot of hardwork for my music. In addition, during meditation, I use the prayer demand from the whispers of eternity which says ” Every sound that I make let it have the vibration of Thy voice” to get the Lord’s grace. Will it help? Also whenever I am not able to…