TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS VS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
The debate between using traditional old musical instruments as opposed to modern digital technology is an interesting one, and has advantages on both sides. Digital music, once one has mastered the process of the technology, can provide a myriad of interesting pleasant sounds which can be combined and used to great effect. I do feel, however, that when we use authentic ethnic musical instruments, some of whose origins go back many thousands of years, that we are drawing energy from the wealth of ancestral usage of those instruments through the ages. Their esoteric use has not survived for so long for no reason. They worked for the good in ancient times, and they work now! And I believe this can also apply to copies and modern versions of ancient instruments made today if the intention of the maker is in tune with the original intention for which they were crafted. I believe the healing energies that were created during the original playing of the gong, the singing bowl, the conch shell, the native American flute, to name a few, are passed on to us in a subtle energy form through the sound when we use those instruments in the same way as in ancient times - for healing and transformation.
When you enter a consecrated building – e.g. an old church or cathedral, or an ashram - the peace and stillness of the place is palpable from years of worship; you can feel the sacredness, the devotional energy, in the very walls and atmosphere. Most people intuitively lower their voices and speak in a respectful whisper in response to this. Likewise, when we play an instrument which has been in use for thousands of years for esoteric purposes, I believe we draw on ancestral memory which channels through the instrument and empowers our own healing ability. If you are at all sensitive and aware, you can feel the presence of the instrument even before you start to play it, due to the very nature of its healing energy. Gongs create their own sacred space, and their presence is very noticeable, even before playing. This is an instrument which has been used esoterically and in ceremony for well over 5000 years in linear time. Its healing power can be felt very strongly through the density and complex range of overtonal harmony which comes out when it is played well and with due respect. The sounds that are needed are brought forth for the benefit of all who are present.
Primitive musical instruments have been made and used within communities since ancient times for ceremony, celebration, initiation, healing and all manner of tribal rites. Now in these modern times we are rediscovering their esoteric use for Sound Healing, and I feel that we are linked in to that ancient wisdom when we utilise them for our therapy and healing work. Other Sound Healers in aeons before us have used them in similar ways – we are the modern pioneers of an ancient tradition which in the west, until fairly recently, has been largely lost in the mists of time. Not any more though, as we re-member our natural healing abilities and creative empowerment through these ancient healing ways and instruments. Digital music undoubtedly has its place and, skilfully created, can provide many wonderful sounds, and can combine with the old instruments to great effect. But for me, nothing can compare with the power of the sacred healing instruments of the ancient mystic traditions.
