/consonance – harmony or agreement among components; correspondence or recurrence of sounds./
Upon observation, human existence seems to fear incoherence, it tends to be more lenient to a sense of order amidst the symphony of time. Consonance, the harmonious agreement of parts, offers a melody that guides individuals toward clarity, purpose, and perhaps, even peace.
Consonance manifests in various forms – the reassuring rhythm of daily routines, the shared laughter echoing among friends, or the profound connection felt within a community. Consider the communal experience of music when individual instruments and voices harmonize, a unified melody emerges, a testament to the power of systems to transcend differences and create a shared experience.
In this way, harmony can foster a sense of belonging, a comforting reminder that one is not alone in the vast expanse of existence.
Adi Shankara, in his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, argued for the underlying unity of all existence – Brahman [1]. While individuals perceive themselves as separate entities, they are ultimately part of the same indivisible reality. Consonance, in this light, becomes a reflection of this interconnectedness, a harmonious dance where individual notes contribute to the grand symphony of the universe.
However, the pursuit of perfect consonance can sometimes be a deceptive melody. The complexities of human experience resist a singular, harmonious narrative. There will be moments of dissonance – clashing desires, conflicting values, and the inevitable friction of human interaction. These dissonant notes, though unsettling, may be integral to existence. Denying them may also mean denying the richness of individuality and the dynamism of life itself.
The Japanese art of Kintsugi, the mending of broken pottery with precious metals, celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the history inscribed in cracks [2]. Similarly, consonance can coexist with dissonance, creating a more nuanced and profound harmony. Acknowledging the futility of clinging to a single, unchanging melody allows individuals to embrace the ever-evolving song of life.
Epiphanies of meaning often emerge at the intersection of consonance and dissonance. By confronting the inherent complexities of existence – the interconnectedness of all things alongside the struggle for individual expression – individuals can arrive at a deeper understanding of their place within the grand scheme. This acceptance, though bittersweet, paves the way for a more authentic and resilient approach to life.
Dr. Jose Rizal, in his novel Noli Me Tangere, captured this sentiment through the character of Crisóstomo Ibarra. Initially, Ibarra seeks to return to his homeland and achieve harmony through modernization and education. However, he encounters the harsh realities of social injustice and the dissonance between his idealistic vision and the entrenched power structures. Through his struggles, Ibarra embodies the human experience – the yearning for consonance and the inevitable encounters with dissonance that shape their understanding of the world and themselves.
The human dance with consonance is an intricate one. It offers a melody of guidance and belonging, yet acknowledges the inevitable dissonances. By embracing the melody in its entirety, with its harmonious crescendos and discordant interludes, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace amidst the complexities of existence.
At the end of the day, it may also be worth noting that consonance is subjective to those who are truly listening.
Who Truly Listens.
Citations:
[1] Adi Shankara, Advaita Vedanta, translated by Swami Prabhavananda (The Ramakrishna Mission, 1972).
[2] Leonard Koren, Mending the Broken: Kintsugi and the Art of Imperfection (Merrell Publishers Ltd, 1994).
Credits:
First Form Covert Art Commissioned from Zomtendo