For meditation and mindfulness, here is a selection of traditional Indian music for you to use listen to. Featuring the unmistakable tones of sitar, tabla, bamboo flutes and Indian chants and solo singing.
These beautiful, haunting melodies are perfect for:
- Deep relaxation
- Meditation practice
- Mindfulness exercises
- Visualisation
- Mood-lifting ambience
- Productivity and workflow
Let your awareness be transported to a far away place, allowing its calming harmonies and rhythms to create a sense of inner peace.
Let your stresses melt away as you clear all worries from your mind. Place your awareness fully onto the music and on the sensations and perceptions you feel in this moment. You can gently allow your thoughts to float on past your awareness, without judgement.
Enjoy!
Video 1: “Chants of India – Ravi Shankar”
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Chants of India by Ravi Shankar was produced by George Harrison and is an album I have enjoyed for most of my adult life, having first been introduced to it by my music teacher. It was referred to by Shankar as “one of the most difficult challenges in my life, as a composer and arranger”, and draws upon the sacred Sanskrit texts of the Vedas, Upanishads and other scriptures. According to Raviji, “The repetitive use of mantras invoke a special power within oneself and I have tried to imbibe this age-old tradition in this recording…. into which I have poured my heart and soul”.
Video 2: “Gurbachan Singh Sachdev – Golden Sun”
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This classic album features the bamboo flute and tabla, combined in a way that never fails to uplift. I have listened to this many, many times over the years. It was the soundtrack to my year and a half as I renovated my house. It kept me company over many early mornings and late nights!
Video 3: “Classical Indian Music”
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A relaxing collection of traditional Indian music from a variety of artists and albums. Great for when you want the musical flavour to change over the course of an hour.
Video 4: “Hariprasad Chaurasia – Raag Shivanjali”
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A late evening raag with a wonderful devotional mood. Perfect for meditation and mindfulness. This pentatonic scale raag is relatively new to the Hindustani tradition, being originally a Carnatic (or South Indian classical) raga, and its status remains somewhat low among the classical ragas. It is treated more as a semi-classical or light raga. It is sung from late evening to midnight and has a plaintive, hauntingly pretty melodic profile.
Video 5: “Classical Indian Music”
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Hindustani music style is mainly found in North India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It exists in four major forms: Dhrupad, Khyal (or Khayal), Tarana, and the semi-classical Thumri. Dhrupad is ancient, Khyal evolved from it, Thumri evolved from Khyal. Dhrupad (or Dhruvapad), the ancient form described in the Hindu text Natyashastra, is one of the core forms of classical music found all over the Indian subcontinent. The word comes from Dhruva which means immovable and permanent.
Video 6: “Kalyani’s Enchanting Raga: Soothing Indian Ambient Melodies”
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Immerse yourself in the divine serenity of Kalyani’s Enchanting Raga, a collection of soothing Indian ambient melodies that will transport you to a world of tranquillity and inner peace. Experience the rich tapestry of India’s musical heritage as these timeless tunes unfold, blending ancient traditions with contemporary sensibilities. Perfect for meditation, relaxation, or simply unwinding after a long day, this mesmerizing soundscape will become your go-to oasis for inner calm and reflection.
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