Saturday, July 12, 2014

Sounding like a Dervish? (like Michael Jackson?)

Yesterday, I made reference to a particular dancing style of Michael Jackson's in relation to that of whirling dervishes. Today, I am doing so in terms of a particular sound in his music.

A number of Michael Jackson's songs feature him singing "hoo" "which sounds somewhat similar to "hu") at or near the beginning or end as well as in the middle; "Man in the Mirror" is one of them. When you watch the video, notice at the 3:35 mark for about eight such repetitions as well as at the 4:10 mark and beyond.

(The link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTTgxq1JTqw&feature=player_detailpage.)

According to Raamayan Ananda, a Vancouver, BC author of Michael Jackson: Man Behind the Mirror, "The third step (in his [sic?] dynamic meditation) is a particular sound: HOOO. Not the word 'who,' just the sound hoo - meaningless." The sounds has definite implications that can, if turned inwards be a rebirth or spiritual transformation (http://manbehindthemirror.com/).

Similarly, according to the following beautiful video and music, "hu" - slightly different - was the sound of the out breath (i.e., exhale) which denotes "that which is, that which was, and that which will be" (at the 5:33 time mark):


HU - An Introduction to Sufi Zikr Meditation... by Gurumaa-Ashram

Again, Michael might have had his twist on the word "hu." Even though, if you recall from my post yesterday, Michael did read Sufi poetry, did he really have knowledge about the word? The following is what appears on the front of a business card on HU:
HU
A Love Song to God

Singing HU can:
Expand your awareness
Help you experience divine love
Heal a broken heart
Offer solace during times of grief
Bring peace and calm
After all, Michael Jackson didn't necessarily experience peace and calmness in his life, did he?

On the website regarding hu (www.hearhu.org), there is a short video clip (and featured below) where it declares at the 1:01 time indicator, "This word has been sung for thousands of years for spiritual upliftment" and further on, "It is an ancient name for God."

http://www.eckankar.org/Video/play.php?name=Miracles+in+Your+Life

Take a few moments to sing/chant the word 'hu'. What do you notice? How does it make you feel? If you prefer not to do this, then how do certain vowel sounds make you feel when you say them outstretched as in "aye" (for 'a'), "eeeeeh" for ('e), "eye" (for "i"), "oh" for 'o', and 'oooh' for 'u?'

NB: Please be advised that I am not endorsing any particular philosophy or religion in any of my blog postings. I am only informing or sharing that which I find of interest in my research as part of my writing. It is up to you to decipher what is best for you - what calls or draws you - and take responsibility for your own decisions. Namaste.

2 comments:

  1. Quite a lot of insight here Elly. I had no idea on the virtues of hu. And MJs affinity to Sufi poetry is also a new thing that I've got to know.

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  2. Thanks Vinodini, though the insight of MJ singing 'hoo' comes from Raamayan Ananda of the book I quote from above; the insight of 'hu' came from the business-looking card I was given some time ago. I have yet to do it though! ;) And yes, I too was surprised by MJ reading Sufi poetry. Is it a small world after all? ;)

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