Bhakti is the simplest of all the ways for the realisation of the Truth. Saints and sages have preached the path of Bhakti. Even Adi Shankara advocated this path to the seekers because He found out that the path of Bhakti is easier than the path of Knowledge.

Bhakti Marga makes use of Nada or Sound. The entire universe is immersed in Nada. There is Nada in everything around us. The birds, the wind, the rains, and even the buses plying the roads create Nada. There can be no movement without Nada. There is nothing which is free form the influence of Nada. The Lord Brahman created the Universe out of Nada. The supreme destroyer Maheshwara performs the Tandava with Nada. The saints have been bringing light to the multitudes from time immemorial by singing songs in praise of God. Tumburu and Narada in ancient times, Meerabai, Surdas, Thyagaraja, Purandaradasa, Chaitanya, Paramahamsa, Nanak and Kabir in recent times have all carried the Light Divine on the vehicle of Nada. Their messages have withstood the test of time and the songs composed by them have been sung from generation to generation. Bhakti and Nada cannot be separated from each other.

The seven Swaras, the seventy-two Melakartas and the numerous Shrutis are the component manifestations of Nada. From them are born the Ragas and Raginis. The Ragsa and Taginis are not mere combinations of notes. Each is a Devata or Devi, endowed with certain specific gunas and powers.

It is said that Tansen could light the lamps by singing a particular Raga and that it resulted in the temperature of his body rising as if a fire were burning in him it is also known that his body fires were quenched by a cloud-burst induced by another Raga. These are not just cock-and-bull stories. The Ragas have not lost their power.

Once a well known vocalist was to give a public performance. To his utter dismay he found that his throat had gone hoarse. He came to Swamiji and told Him of his predicament. Swamiji told him not to worry but to begin his performance with a particular Raga which has the quality of clearing a sore throat. He followed SwamijiÕs advice and could give his performance with ease. Singing a particular Raga with full devotion provides all the accompaniments of various instruments.

Our Ragas and Raginis are endowed with immense power. Sadhana on the right lines brings about beneficial results, whereas an improper understanding and non-appreciation of the qualities of the Ragas can lead to disastrous consequences.

There is an intimate relationship between music and God. This relationship is established only when Nada is approached with reverence and devotion. Pursuit of music in this way is Nadopasana which is distinct from music for mere enjoyment and recreation. Music charged with devotion brings one closer to God and that itself is Nadopasana.