The sound of the harp produces a feeling of tranquility. Sensual music produces rapture and abandon. The sound of scraping bricks sends shivers up the spine. The sound of drums makes the hair on the back of the neck stand up.
This is the way it is with the stimulation of feeling. If it is harmonious it evokes positive energy, which produces a benign influence that enlivens everything, If it is inharmonious it evokes negative energy, which produces a harsh influence that degrades everything.
The energy depends on the sound, the sound depends on the energy. When energy moves, sound is emitted, when sound comes forth, energy vibrates. When energy vibrates, influences are activated and things change. Therefor it is possible thereby to command wind and clouds, produce frost and hail, cause phoenixes to sing, get bears to dance, make friends with spiritual luminescences.
The science of the use of music is very great indeed.
From 'Transformational Writings' (Hua Shu) by T'ao Ch'iao (Tan Qiao), c.930CE
Trans. Thomas Cleary, Vitality, Energy, Spirit, (Boston: Shambhala 2009) p153.
