Volume
Vol. 2, The Mysticism of Sound
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6. Rhythm
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Hindu Rhythms
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Vol. 2, The Mysticism of Sound
6. Rhythm
Hindu Rhythms
In the Hindu science of music there are five different rhythms which are generally derived from the study of nature:
1. Chatura, the rhythm of four beats which was invented by devas - divine men.
2. Tisra, the rhythm of three beats, invented by rishis - saints.
3. Khanda, the rhythm of five beats, invented by the rakshasas.
4. Misra, the rhythm of seven beats, invented by the people.
5. Sankrian, the rhythm of nine beats, invented by the commercial class.
Mahadeva, the great Lord of the Yogis, was the dancer of Tandeva Nrutya and his consort Parvati danced the Lassia Nrutya.
The traditions of the Hindus have as a most sacred record the mystical legend of their Lord Sri Krishna dancing with the gopis.
The story relates how Krishna, the charming youthful Lord of the Hindus, was moving among the dwelling of the cowherds, and every maiden, attracted by his beauty and charm, asked him to dance with her on the night of the full moon. On the night of the full moon there assembled sixteen hundred gopis, and the miracle of Krishna was performed when he appeared as a separate Krishna to each gopi, and all of them danced with their beloved Lord at one and the same time.
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