When meditating, absolute silence should prevail, so the widespread opinion. To meditate without music seems to be the only option – but in fact, music can play a significant role during meditation. Here you can find out why this is so and what kind of meditation music fits Kundalini-Meditation and Co.
Meditation with or without music?
Some swear by it, others frown: meditation music is a very individual matter. This is simply because music uniquely appeals to each person. So it would be rather presumptuous to make sweeping judgments about whether music can be used for meditation or not.
Meditation aims at following one’s thoughts and living consciously in the moment. Only accepting what is happening and perceiving every state of mind is the highest maxim. And this is precisely where the right music can often help decisively. What is meant by “appropriate” depends, of course always on the chosen meditation technique?
Advantages of meditation music
Perhaps you are not yet wholly convinced of the musical accompaniment during meditation. This is entirely legitimate; after all, you often read that meditating should avoid any distractions. And however, there are a lot of arguments in favour of meditation music.
Easier to get in
Fade out all disturbing noises: This is often easier said than done, especially for meditation beginners. Also, the completely quiet room or harmonious garden, which theoretically would be the ideal place to meditate, is not available to everyone. So what to do in a turbulent shared flat or when meditating on the train? Very simple: Fade out the environment with meditative sounds.
Once you’ve found the right music for you, you can concentrate on the soundscape and make it your focal point, to which you can redirect your thoughts as soon as they drift away. In the end, it’s no different than if you set an image or mantra as this point.
Musical sounds can help to immerse you in the meditation practice. Especially beginners often find it easier to concentrate on music instead of delving into an abstract thought pattern. For example, meditation music that works with melodic chants can be helpful. We have compiled a selection for you on our vocal playlist.
Underline the Mood
Music can trigger intense feelings and is always associated with specific emotions. Why not use this fact for meditation? If you adapt the sounds to your mood, you can sink fully into introspection and influence your mind with appropriate music.
Whether calming or encouraging tones: Meditation music is a broad field in which, with a little experimentation, you will undoubtedly find something for your practice.
In addition to singing bowl tones without a fixed melody, there are, for example, soothing sounds of nature or panpipe songs with an Indian accent.
Testing is part of the process because it can take a while before you find the right music. Try it, for example, with our instrumental playlist!
The fascinating thing about it: We react automatically to music, whether we want to or not. In meditation, it can help us to perceive our thoughts more intensely and to dissolve inner barriers.
For example, feel inside yourself how you feel when listening to certain music: You will not experience this in absolute silence.
Intensify the Meditation Style
Music can also help to make the meditation experience even more intense. For example, if you use visualization techniques in meditation, music can help you to imagine the place even better. Are you spiritually located in a forest or by the sea? Excellent, there is plenty of background music for both scenarios! The principle: If it helps you, it makes sense.
As a bonus, music makes for a more intense meditation experience by releasing dopamine. This calms your heartbeat and lowers your blood pressure, which in turn reduces stress levels. As a result, you walk out of the meditation session relaxed and calmer.
Music for Meditation: Relaxation Guaranteed
Not every meditation music suits every style. A meditation style like Osho Kundalini, for example, consists partly of movement forms like shaking and dancing; here the music may be a bit more lively. In the second and third phase, however, this type of meditation becomes quieter, and the focus should be solely on perception. The Kundalini meditation music consists ideally of 3-4 different blocks, which underline the individual phases optimally.
In mantra meditation, on the other hand, the state of consciousness should be achieved by constantly repeating a mantra. Here, classical mantras like Om in chanted form can have a supporting effect. You can find examples on the singing mentioned above playlist. How you integrate the mantras into your practice is, of course up to you: You can sing along yourself or make the melodic repetitions the focus of your silent meditation.
There can be no fixed instruction on how to use music in meditation because everyone meditates differently. The individual experience is one of the factors that make reflection so unique.
Therefore we want to give you only a few fundamental principles for meditation with music: If possible, avoid very stimulating singing, songs with frequent changes of rhythm and loud music – because it is questionable whether you can find peace through this. And now? You only have to press play, and the meditation can begin!
Satvik Living 