PHET SINGING IN CHOD DBYANGS: MUSIC AS A REFLECTION OF MIND

Abstract

This study examines the intimate relationship between music and mind, based on a specific
research in Tibetan Buddhist Kagyu lineage vocal music, phet singing of chod dbyangs. Tibetan
Buddhists utilize the vocal music as a tool that purifies the mind. The word phets are sung mainly in
curtly accents noted with high volume and intensity or softly prolonged tones in a relaxed manner.
There is no pre-set tune or specific musical notation for phet singing. Moreover, the chants differ
from one performer and performance to another.
The research aims to look into the reasons why musical phenomena are claimed to be a
manifestation of mind in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This study discovers that diverse aspects of the
mind have collectively framed the musical natures of phet singing in chod dbyang. The study
discusses further on how various mental states of mind are reflected directly through the different
musical characteristics of phets. It also points out the music as a language code of mind, which
depicts the mental states and thoughts of the performers during their performances.
The study reveals the wisdom and essence underlying Tibetan Buddhist music, and it may
further lead towards the finding of the true nature of all music created by humans