An idea for how the tradtional components of music are studied in the academy, as interpreted by the teachers of Eastern thought:

1. pulse/rhythm = lower chakra, body, sex, physical attributes of existence (e.g. dancing).

2. melody/monody = heart centered, emotional life, ‘soul’. When produced by a human voice with words, is associated with 5th chakra (creative expression of soul).

3. harmony  = the voice of God that replies to the entreaty of the heart. Mindful contemplation.

4. counterpoint = the intellect, a distillation of the work that melody and harmony does. Modal counterpoint prevailed until Western culture needed more clarity and reason, less floating and soaring of the spirit. Bach’s great achievement was to harness both.

5. color = the aesthetic, sensual world. Does not appear as a major feature until the 19C.