The Sanskrit word ‘laya’ refers to a state of mental quietude in which we get absorbed in the object of meditation. The word conveys several meanings depending on the context in which it is employed: sticking, adherence, fusion, solution, disappearance, dissolution, destruction, absorption, deep concentration, exclusive devotion, rest, response, swoon, making the mind inactive or different, mental inactivity, the quick downward movement of an arrow, time or pause in music, combination of song, dance and instrumental music and so on and so forth.
Let us limit ourselves to the usage in the context of mind and music, as many of these meanings are not relevant in all contexts.
Laya is equated with a state of mind when one forgets all the objects of senses and gets absorbed in the object of meditation. Here, the mind remains like a waveless ocean, calm and serene, thus free from thoughts and hence ‘laya’ here refers to the point of disappearance of thoughts. Such an experience is known for its pleasantness and can be sought about by ‘deep concentration’ and/or breath regulation.
The experience is similar to what happens in sleep, ‘swoon’ (one of the definitions) and in any state of excessive emotions. However, these ‘mergers’, ‘dissolutions’ of the mind take place unconsciously, without one’s knowledge or volition. ‘Laya’ on the other hand is a state that occurs in the course of spiritual practice.
It happens, therefore, with one’s volition. It can be repeated by the practitioner and it can also equally be stopped if it is considered unnecessary or obstructive to further spiritual progress.
Laya in the context of music refers to the point of silence that intermingles with our sound experience. This stillness is brought about naturally when we make a sound – either consciously or unconsciously. We can perceive the laya content of a sound or tone, when we concentrate on the sound or tone, when we concentrate on the sound emanating from the ancient singing bowls made of seven metals known for long to the Himalayan Buddhism. Laya of this tonality can affect the laya in our mindscape.
This can synchronise with our mind by creating a suitable laya which is congenial to our health and happiness.
Laya in our mind can be stillness brought about by the application of an external force i.e. Laya in our musical experience.
This ‘force’ can also be a sudden upsurge of emotion of which one is unaware or the planned breath regulation of which one is aware.
In either case there is an external agency causing the thought vacuum. When the application of this force is withdrawn, the mind returns to its original state.
Thus, the presence of identity, of ego, of individuality remains undisturbed by laya experience. The individual is happy with the experience as there is a wish to repeat it.
Laya in music teaches us that the moment one experiences this, one must revive consciousness and enquire as to who it is that experiences this stillness.
By such self-enquiry, we drive the thought force deeper till it reaches its source and merges therein.
This article was published in Bhavan’s Journal – June 15, 2006 – Pages 63, 64
Edited by Geeta Shreedar, June 25, 2021