Avataric level of musical inspiration

This is the subtlest of three levels of musical inspiration and has a historic function in addition to, or even surpassing, its intrinsic value. Like the visions of meditating saints, the works of those inspired in this way become the objects of musical contemplation for every subsequent composer. Insights from this level are sufficient to sustain and nourish whole epochs of creativity providing an aesthetic framework within which subsequent generations create according to their skills. Such inspiration provides the exemplars for those with less clearer vision. It gives forms to musical archetypes.

In responding to this level of inspiration, the listener ceases to listen as such and becomes engaged in a form of mystical or philosophic meditation of which musical forms may the prelude or the product.