Fruit of the Contemplative Life

Fruit of the contemplative life: => Art of the Mystic => : Jhanon August 12, 2014, 02:00:24 AM

: Dark Night Music
: Jhanon August 12, 2014, 02:00:24 AM
I created this thread separately because the genres are completely different, and it is my hope that mystics will find solace during their greatest need.

Music is something I've utilized extensively in my spiritual progression--I relied on it most extensively during the Dark Night or those downswings when you're barely hanging on by a thread because you're so utterly sick and tired of this insufferable existence, and there doesn't seem to be a soul out there that you can relate to deeply enough.

Despite what I just said, I'm happy right now, and in no way feeling "the burden" at the moment. However, I would never post these kinds of songs when I was in a Dark Night or a downswing, because I would be avoiding the world. So, I'm doing it now. The first song is the first and only song I've ever completed, and follows the general theme of songs I will be posting here.

It was at the conclusion of a Dark Night or SOMETHING where it seemed everything from the past had swelled up to a climax. It had to get out, and so despite having zero knowledge about making music, I picked up a music-making app and poured myself into it. I finished it in three days. I have no knowledge of "mastering" songs, and the app I used is basically for beginners; so it won't sound like a professional song. I would suggest some good headphones to compensate. It's a story of anger, patience, sorrow, and determination. Like nearing the finish line of a 12 hour running marathon--all you see is forward, and your legs barely pick themselves up.

Flowering Dirge (Doesn't stream online. Direct Download)
http://tinyurl.com/objdcm5

Do I think it's good? No. LOL. All I had was a first generation iPad, a $20 pair of headphones, a music app that only allowed 7 tracks, and the drive to express. But the experience of making it, and how much repressed emotion was flowing out was unreal. I was blasted by energy and tears for almost a week straight, and so to me it seemed really good.

And then we also have a song where I think some of the inspiration came from as I was listening to this kind of music a lot. It was like fuel and therapy directly from God.

Clubroot - "Comedown"
http://tinyurl.com/l7j5fkj

This following song I could argue was what started it all, the beginning of getting back on the path, as it was the first time in my life that I can remember experiencing energy blasts, being satisfied, and realizing something was happening. It told me a story, but I couldn't explain the story. I just knew it. It was also an inspiration for the song I made. I later listened closely to the song with my improved discernment, and realized how suggestive or foreshadowing it was--title included.

Distance - "Night Vision"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tpGz6YOVJQ

Needless to say; I was very angry back then, but I only ever let it out in the form of sadness--as I didn't want to hurt anyone.
: Re: Dark Night Music
: Jhanon August 12, 2014, 02:09:02 AM
Here's one that came a long much later when i was feeling more confident that I was onto something.

Datsik - "Annihilate"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI4IqYx0cEI

I used to feel like I was Annihilating everything that caused me suffering when I listened to it, but I would never consciously think of it that way. I know; I'm strange. But it worked.
: Re: Dark Night Music
: Alexander August 12, 2014, 03:16:57 AM
Hello Night - Zoe Keating

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nucWARdCOOg
: Re: Dark Night Music
: Jhanon August 12, 2014, 03:43:42 AM
Wow. Beautiful and sublime, yet sorrowful. I really enjoyed this. Hope I can get a pandora station of it.
: Re: Dark Night Music
: Jhanon August 12, 2014, 04:18:12 AM
I've just come across another that I think belongs here, although it came on my Energy/Drone station. I've found "Drone" genre to be very balanced in all elements and qualities. But this one is on the darker side of things. Let it play through at least half-way.

Old Apparatus - Zimmer
http://grooveshark.com/s/Zimmer/4KEQqc?src=5
: Re: Dark Night Music
: Alexander August 19, 2014, 05:05:11 AM
The Noose (String Cover) - A Perfect Circle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa1aow9RPmg
: Re: Dark Night Music
: stugandolf August 19, 2014, 06:49:11 PM
Some of us do not listen to music, background or otherwise - when asked what music are you listening right now - I usually answer the music of the spheres.  Personally I am at a cross roads - I do not listen to music while driving - even long trips - I am not sure what to do as formerly I loved classical music and some rock.  While in India I do continue to love live Indian classical.  I probably still like live performances of what I liked.  I attempt to do one and only thing at a time.  Jeffrey gave all of his CD's etc. away.  Some times I listen exclusively to my MP3 player.  Stu
: Re: Dark Night Music
: Alexander August 19, 2014, 07:33:15 PM
Music is so enriching. We take it for granted, but living in this age of the iPod is fantastic. Kings did not have the access to music we have now.
: Re: Dark Night Music
: Jhanon August 20, 2014, 12:50:08 AM
I agree, Alexander. Something interesting to note. I remember my first week-long solo retreat at the monastery near my home. On the third or fourth day, I caught the Abbot listening to Thai music really loud. This was interesting to me, because the Vinaya says something about no music.