Soulfulness of Gamelan Music

Sri Chinmoy: When they play the gamelan, usually I like it very much. At the hotels when they play their music, I deeply appreciate it. I feel there is so much soulfulness and spirituality. Usually I get tremendous joy, like in India, at the temple in the evening, when they ring bells and all that. But yesterday’s performance at the University I could not appreciate. Unfortunately, I did not like it at all because the music was wild, absolutely wild.

There was no spirituality or sacredness involved yesterday when they were playing. Of course, there was also Balinese dancing. The music was, for me, not only loud, but something I could not appreciate. Other gamelan music I like very much. It is very charming, and it touches my heart. When they play, I can listen for a long time – I really enjoy it.