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Namaste. Welcome to the infinite world of music, arts and culture from India as well as its eternal wisdom, grace and wonder.
Whatever happens through the expression of this music, is the grace of the guides and masters in whose company I have learned and unlearned many aspects of life and music. And this journey goes on.
Manish Vyas
There is a type of music to come back home to our own self and that's what this music is about. Based on the richness of music from India, I compose and perform music that enables us to feel united with ourselves and with the whole
About the Music
genuine, timeless sounds embracing different musical flavors of India, merged with a touch of fusion. "My music is traditional and contemporary at the same time, accessible to all type of audiences." Bhakti, bhajan, mantra, kirtan, folk, Sufi, instrumental. Manish was born in Rajkot, India and lived in Rajkot, Pune and Mysore while in India for 45 years. He's currently residing in North-East Switzerland, while sharing his music and creations around the world.
"I have been listening to your music for years now. I have been introduced to the traditional Sanskrit chanting and mantras and there is so much to learn. Your music has helped me through so much, including the passing of a dear friend. I am deeply grateful to you, to your bhakti that flows through your music and touches my heart and atma. I just wanted to thank you from the depth of my being. May you always be blessed. In Gratitude." A.S. (Canada)
"I am huge fan of your music styles and it resonates with me a lot. It touches the soul and elevates to another level. I love all the songs, my personal favorite is "Secret of Love." God bless you and hope the universe bestows all wishes upon you, as you bring joy to thousands of people. Thank you for the wonderful music!" Abhishek (USA)
"Spiritual music is present in all cultures. When it is brought from the heart it touches the hearts of the people. That's the magic and art you bring too my friend. Thank you for all your super beautiful chants and music that makes me so silent and happy." john (Belgium)
"Although I often incorporate fusion elements in my compositions, the essence of Indian music remains firm, respecting the character, the Ragas, the rhythms, ornamentation and other key elements of Indian music. In this way, one is able to match the rasa (mood) of that which is being sung at its best, and this is a key aspect in Indian music. That is how the musical presentation of mantras, kirtan and sacred texts from India can always remain authentic and united in body, heart and soul." MV
a quick word about 'MANTRA'
If Music is used in presenting any mantra, one has to know firstly that this requires much more than just adding a Sanskrit text to a melody and play some chords into it... Actually, mantra does not need music! But if at all, one would like to have the honor to recite it in a musical way, it is a great responsibility to create music which can transmit its true essence and purpose, making the right call through the music. Mantra is a millenary science from India and needs a certain energy, and the knowledge of how to treat each mantra.
Classic and devotional music from india was born in ancient times and has its roots in spirituality and wisdom. So it deserves all the respect and appreciation of these traditions passed verbally from generation to generation. The practitioner must know that there are certain requirements for a mantra to work, and that going to a 'mantra concert' is beautiful but it's just entertainment. if not supported by a deeper vision, the faith in the deities and the right preparation and understanding, one should not be presenting this genre in public domain just for commercial purposes.
“If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered over the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions of some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant, I should point to India. And if I were to ask myself from what literature we may draw the corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human a life... again I should point to India.”
—from "India: what can it teach us" by Max Müller (1823-1900)
More about INDIA
The basic structures in which compositions of Indian music are made are called Ragas. The word Raga means 'that which charms' or 'that which colors'. The use of ragas is a key aspect when composing music for texts, poems, mantras and lyrics from this tradition.
press + audience reviews
Manish Vyas has an unmatched talent for rhythm, as he has for melody. Born in India but having traveled the globe, he shares his rare ability to bring you the authentic feel of meditative Indian music in such a unique way that it never makes you feel alien, but rather just at home.
Prem Joshua
Germany
Manish Vyas's musical talents place him at the forefront of a new generation of artists who have experienced an abiding and intimate connection with both their guru and the modern world. His music ranges far and wide - from the pulsing beats of the dance floor to music for relaxation and soaring imagination. But it always reflects his spiritual, Indian musical roots.
Lloyd Barde, for Common Ground Magazine
US
The multi-talented Vyas blends elements of Indian pop, folk music and poetry to create a lush sounscape, that's perfect for any occasion.
Yoga Magazine UK
UK
Beyond being such a gifted tabla player, his voice and his mantras lead the listeners to the depths of their hearts.
Spuren Magazine
Switzerland
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"A person does not hear sound only through the ears, he hears sound through every pore of his body - it permeates the entire being, and according to its particular influence either slows or quickens the rhythm of the blood circulation; it either wakens or soothes the nervous system. It arouses a person to greater passions or it calms him by bringing him peace." Hazrat I. Khan
learning indian music
an honest approach
I've learned indian music for 35 years (and still learning) from a few maestros in Rajkot, Pune and Mumbai, Bhārat (India) starting with the foundations of Indian classical music - Tabla being my first instrument - when i was about 10 years old. I also studied Sanskrit during my years at school, which I'm still studying. That's why I'm confident to humbly perform and share teachings with roots in Indian music, mantra and other styles which require a vast understanding of the eastern music style: scales, raga, rhythm, composition, rasa, cultural background and last but not least: the correct use of the language being presented.
In a 'new age' market where Indian music got populated with non-trained performers and even teachers without preparation, it is important not to get confused by wrong sources, making an effort in trying to distinguish what is what if one is interested in the real. Mantra and Kirtan are also no exception to this - they come from India, and should be performed connecting to the source, honoring this tradition and following a certain music frame... besides using the correct pronunciation. Beyond honoring the sacred texts, mantra is a sound which works as a call, therefore pronunciation is key, more than intention and meaning.
Indian music is much, much more that just adding a Sanskrit text to a melody and play an instrument on it. If one loves the arts and music from India and wishes to learn, one has to first know it requires a lot of patience, commitment, dedication, practice and very important, a teacher who had been trained in that culture, who can transmit it earnestly and guide the student to the right port. Any promises of shallow fast courses are misleading and will only compromise the true essence of this ancient tradition.
One must understand this is a millenary culture of more than ten thousand years, so ancient that it can really not be traced, and with strong roots in spirituality which was inspired by wise beings, who dedicated all their life to this and were able to touch spaces in the most hidden corners of sound, allowing to unfold its natural powers when rightly approached.
I have never compromised commercially nor do i give any false expectations. It has always been my view and responsibility to communicate with transparency while passing over whatever i little know about this tradition to those truly interested from the spiritual, creative, therapeutic and artistic points of view, knowing in the first place that I will always remain a student in this bottomless world of music, sciences and arts from India.
Manish Vyas
. . . . .
There are sounds that can awaken the higher potentials of the brain and change the flow of energy in the nervous system.
A sound has a unique pattern that sustains all we do, and allows our energies to move and grow, or stagnate and decline.
Unless we learn to harmonize our inner sound vibrations,
our lives will likely remain in disharmony.
"Please accept my heartfelt gratitude, for your music has truly touched my soul. It has helped me in my healing journey and has impacted positively in my life. I start my day with your music and it has bought peace and harmony and it has bought me closer to my God." Shubhanji
b l o g
“It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.” ― Rabindranath Tagore
To know or learn any foreign tradition, going to the source is the smartest choice and the shortest path.
PODCAST link
every life comes to the surface and again returns whence it came, as each note has its return to the ocean of sound
