Sufism and was bhakti inspired by poetry
The development of Hinduism and its sects has heavily been influenced by the presence of Sufism, a type of Islamic mysticism, in Northern India from the 12th century. It is said to be the source of what we today call the Bhakti Movement – a spiritual expression of devotion through music, poetry and dance. In particular, evidence suggests that Sufi poetry was a major source of inspiration for Hindus during the Bhakti era.
The Sufis of the 11th century arrived in North India with Islamic art, music and poetic forms. This new cultural wave slowly began to spread among local Hindus, slowly becoming a part of their own practices. The Sufis were also known to venerate their saints and the poetry they created was a beautiful expression of the love and devotion they felt.
This is not to say that poetry was absent from traditional Hindu cultures. In fact, the Vedas, the old and revered Hindu texts, contain beautiful verses, chants and hymns. Moreover, certain sects of Hinduism, such as the Shaivites, have their own form of poetry called the Mangal Stotra, which praises the gods Shiva and Vishnu.
However, it appears that the Sufi poets of the 11th century had a great influence on the development of Bhakti, as evidenced by the use of similar themes and techniques in their respective works. The themes of longing, love, devotion and mysticism, which were already present in Sufi poetry, were often echoed in Bhakti works. Likewise, the use of musical instruments and singing, believed to be initially introduced by the Sufis, were adopted by Bhakti devotees who often sang and played music while expressing their devotion.
It has also been suggested that Sufi poetry opened Hindus to the possibility of expressing faith in their own language, rather than just Sanskrit, which was the language of the Vedas. This allowed Hindus to access devotion in a more personal, direct way and some of the greatest Bhakti saints, such as Kabir and Tulsidas, used the language of the people in their devotional works.
The influence of Sufi poetry and devotion on the development of Bhakti cannot be denied. From the use of musical instruments to the adoption of mystical themes and new languages, it is clear that the Sufis played a significant role in the evolution of this spiritual expression.
The Influence of Poetry on Bhakti Lyrics
Bhakti lyrics refer to verses that express a Bengali sense of devotion. This can be seen in the devotional songs sung by Hindu worshippers throughout India.The lyrics of many these songs are heavily influenced by the poetic traditions of ancient India, namely, the prabandhas, ragamalas, khayals and bhajans. Each of these poetic forms contains its own particular set of themes, rhythms and tones, all of which serve to enhance the spiritual atmosphere created by the devotee.
Adding to this, many of these songs also contain verses that are rooted in Sufi teachings and traditions, in particular the genre of qawwali poetry, which is based on the works of Sufi greats such as Amir Khusro, Baba Farid and Nizamuddin Auliya. This type of poetry often contains a heightened sense of love for God and a deep longing for boons. Such subjects are often touched upon in bhakti lyrics, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere for the worshipper.
Apart from qawwali, poets such as Kabir, Meerabai and Surdas also inspired the development of Bhakti lyrics. These poets used the language of the people in their works, creating songs of devotion that anyone could understand and sing along to. This also allowed Bhakti to be accessible to more people, thus further popularizing it.
Lastly, Bhakti lyrics had great influence on the Islamic devotional works of the time, such as the Sufi lyrics and ghazals of Amir Khusro. The same spiritual themes and romantic longing shared between the two styles caused a unique blend of the two, creating a wholly new type of poetry.
The Role of Music in Bhakti Devotion
The use of poetry alone may not be enough to express the intensity of devotion felt by some Hindus. This is where music comes in. The incorporation of music into the acts of worshipping is seen as essential, as it is believed that it can open up one’s heart and soul to the divine. This is why most devotional songs sung by Bhakti devotees contain a strong musical element.
The melodies used in Bhakti songs are also believed to have their origins in Sufi music. This type of music incorporates the use of traditional instruments, such as the tabla and the sarangi, and employs specific ragas, or musical scales, which evoke various emotions in its listeners. Bhakti devotees often use these instruments and ragas in their own devotional songs, thus creating the spiritual atmosphere needed for their acts of worship.
Moreover, some Sufis made use of music as a tool for facilitating their own spiritual journeys. Such spiritual journeys were often referenced in Bhakti songs, which often highlighted the beauty of the soul’s connection to the divine. Such themes are still prevalent in Bhakti songs today and are a testament to the strong influence that Sufism had on the development of Bhakti.
The Relationship between Bhakti and Modern Music
The type of music that is associated with Bhakti is not limited to just devotional songs. In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of modern music that has been influenced by Bhakti. This type of music focuses on the same spiritual themes found in traditional Bhakti songs, but often pairs them with more contemporary genres, such as rock, reggae and hip-hop. Such music gives the listener a unique and exciting take on traditional Bhakti lyrics and melodies.
The influence of Bhakti and Sufi music can also be seen in other forms of contemporary music. For example, devotional ragas, such as raga bhairavi, have been adapted and used in various Bollywood films. Similarly, certain Sufi rhythms, such as qawwali, have made their way into modern pop and rock music.
This shows us that the influence of Bhakti and Sufi music is still prevalent today, even in popular music. This can be seen as a testament to the power of these ancient musical traditions, which continue to inspire and be appreciated by modern listeners.
The Impact of bhakti on Other Faiths
Lastly, the impact of Bhakti on other faiths cannot be overlooked. It has been said that many of the spiritual trends found within Islam, such as the popularization of Sufi poetry and music, were deeply influenced by Bhakti devotion. Furthermore, Hinduism has also positively affected the spiritual practices of Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists in the Indian subcontinent.
Some of the central themes found in Bhakti, such as love and longing for the divine, have become an integral part of many spiritual practices. Moreover, the use of music, poetry and simple language, which are a hallmark of Bhakti, have also been adopted in these practices.
Thus, it can be said that Bhakti has had a significant influence on spiritual devotion within the Indian subcontinent. From its influence on Islamic devotion to its adoption by other faiths, it is clear that Bhakti has had a lasting impact on the spiritual landscape of the region.
The Impact of Bhakti on Indian Culture and Society
The impact of Bhakti on Indian culture and society is far-reaching and cannot be understated. Over the centuries, many of its tenets and teachings, such as the refocusing on God and soul-fulfillment, have slowly woven themselves into the fabric of society. In particular, Bhakti has been central to the development of the bhakti-kal, or the age of bhakti, which has been seen as an important milestone in the devotional history of India.
Bhakti has also been seen as central to many Indian philosophical and social movements, such as the Renaissance, the Unification of South India, and the Push for a Fresh Interpretation of Indian Society. Such movements cite Bhakti as a source of inspiration and guidance, which serves to illustrate the great influence that this spiritual practice has had on Indian society.
Apart from that, Bhakti has also had a lasting impact on Indian art and literature. Bhakti has been a source of inspiration for many poets and musicians who look to its teachings as a means of expressing their devotion. Moreover, its themes and teachings can be seen in Indian plays, paintings and films, making it an integral part of Indian culture.
In conclusion, the influence of Bhakti on Indian culture and society is undeniable. From its influence on spiritual practices to its impact on art, literature and social reform, it is clear that Bhakti has had a profound effect on India’s historical and cultural legacy.
