IN THE CENTER OF THE CITY
©Lalita Arya
In the center of the noisy city is a tree, a big, spreading tree. Around the tree is a fence, an iron grill fence. It is triangular, isosceles in shape, the bottom half in concrete and the top iron, measuring about five feet high. The tree has heart shaped leaves and is considered sacred, it is actually a peepul tree. This beautiful tree is revered especially by unmarried women, because it is believed that the Lord himself had taken marriage vows with his Beloved, holding her hand while walking around this tree. The belief is that a tri-ambulation around it will grant anyone a partner for life.
Encircling its thick trunk, and at the base of the tree, someone had built a concrete seat about two feet high. Facing the street and near the bottom of the triangle fence, on this structure is seated a three-foot high statue of the Buddha. He is sitting in the classic lotus meditative posture. I have no idea what this statue is made of. It could be either cement, stone or even some kind of resin, but it has the usual pacific look of a Buddha statue.
I have to pass by there to drop off to, or pick up my kids from school. Every time I pass by there I look out of the car window and try to get a glimpse of the meditating Buddha under that tree. At times there is someone sprawled asleep on the clean, green grass lawn that is enclosed and guarded by the two sides of a gate tied together with a piece of string.
There is usually only one ugly sight and that is of an advertisement painted on a piece of wood, nailed to the tree, a commercial selling silk saris. Maybe, I consoled myself they are responsible for this oasis of peace in the midst of urban chaos, so they have a right to advertise. Surely they did not go to all this trouble simply to sell their delicate fineries. That is until recently. The sign was removed and replaced with another in favor of the Lions International, similarly nailed to the tree. The name of this mini park this commercial also announced is Himalaya Giri Buddha Park, the Park of the Mountain Buddha.
As I sit to do my meditative prayers at my own convenient time, the mundane worldly thoughts assail my peace and stillness. I think of that statue under the tree, I think of the stillness of the hands, the erectness of its back, the calmed externalization of inner feelings expressed in that half smile. My thoughts float on to other times and spaces to a living image under another tree. The form of the renounciate Prince Siddhartha comes in view.
He who sat in another time, in another age but with the usual clattering thought of karmas, thoughts of guilt, of temptations, of thoughts running into other thoughts, chain reaction of seeds of thoughts of all vrittis. His mind must have floated back to thoughts of his glorious regal past, of his uncertain present, what he was about to surrender, about the future and what it might be like, all mind stuff.
My mind struggles with the inner fights he must have had at first, fights we all go through. Sitting alone and still for forty-nine days and forty-nine nights, arguing, debating, analyzing, struggling day after day and night after night with the humdrum, ordinary problems of life and death. Slowly, if only slowly abandoning such confusions, moving on to more abstract ones above all physical and mental temptations, removing blocks, I see him not as a Prince, but as a struggling human being, somewhat like me.
In the end he decided to abandon the possessions of a beautiful wife and a dear son, to give up the pleasures and responsibilities of the luxury of a princely life. That tremendously impacting decision resonated through time to thousands of years after that sitting under the bodhi tree.
For forty nine days & nights he sat
In the unmeasured time that it takes to speed through thought and space, my agile mind races to that still form under the peepul tree, that is here and now. I am still, my spine straightens and peace envelopes …a peace absorbed from the aura of the image under the tree, the tree in the center of the noisy city.
*
Please see our updated KHEL link www.khelcharities.org
*
Sunday, January 6, 2008
WHY IS THIS POOR WOMAN SMILING?
WHY IS THIS POOR WOMAN SMILING?
© Lalita Arya
KHEL is a non-profit charity organization established by myself and Dr. Usharbudh Arya about 25 years ago in the city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. KHEL stands not only for Kids’ Health Education & Laughter, but also Kindness, Health, & Education for Leprosy Families.
We try to interact and help with the basic needs of the people affected by leprosy, who live in “colonies” which they have established themselves sometimes with donations and sometimes by merely squatting on the land, mainly on the fringes of urban dwellings.
We contribute food and medical supplies, help with home improvement, provide for medical and other emergencies, upgrade their sanitary facilities, send their kids (yes, they do have normal non-infected kids) to school, and also give moral support.
Since it is essential that visitors and donors see how their generous donations are used, I sometimes take them to visit these people. There are times I hesitate to take guests there, and before going I always try to orient them at to what they will see.
Once when I took a group to visit on seeing their bare but essential necessities, one of them remarked, “These people are so poor and handicapped (to be politically correct now referred to as physically challenged) how come they seem happy and are smiling?”
One of the reasons for their joy was that so-called “normal” people were visiting. And this is where we as a charity organization differ from many others in serving these people, We actually go to their homes, sit with them, listen to their woes, their health problems, and also share in their celebrations of life.
Leprosy is not an infectious disease. It is a disease of the nervous system of the extremities of the physical body. When the nerves die, they become insensitive to external injuries, which lead to results that cause a person suffering from leprosy to lose fingers, toes, nose etc.
When we go with our guests, the residents bring their treasured old drums, tambourines and cymbals, sit in a circle on the mud floor in front of their cement homes built by us (formerly mud and thatch huts), singing in chorus or sometimes singly. Everything is so spontaneous that we cannot help but join in the chanting and clapping. Sometimes one of them will start a dance, a gentle twirling, so graceful and full of hand movements, we forget that they have no toes or fingers. Their faces reflect a serenity and peace not often seen in other places. It is such a joy and celebration of life, so blithe and jubilant, we forget our sorrows, as they do, rejoicing with them for the honor shared.
They display their pleasure of our acknowledgement of them as “normal” human beings. They are glad that we accept them as part of the colorful social fabric of which they are a part, in spite of their having to live on the fringes of urban limits. They feel they have much to be thankful for in being able to survive and sing about it. We come away entranced with an experience, relaxed and inexplicable, enriched with their display of the simplicity and exuberance of life.
We do come away with an energy gifted by them to us, but may we never forget that they still live on the peripheries of societies that still shun them because of ignorance.
Fortunately due to health education publicly imparted by both NGO’s and government departments, leprosy is hopefully on the decline at least in India.
I feel I can safely say this since for the past few years or so these colonies have not had any new infected patients seeking residence.
At this time of feasts and celebrations, this season of Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Eid, I wish to thank all our wonderful supporters who give generously to help us help these beautiful people observe their own festivals and celebrate Life in their own unique ways.
The residents of RamMandir, Indresh, Shivpuri, and Rotary Club settlements join with me in giving thanks to you, our generous supporters so we can keep them all smiling by helping to provide not only their basic needs, but joining them in all their celebrations of living.
A Joyous Season of Peace and Inter Faiths Observances to All.
The Heart is Happiest When It Beats for Others.
Please visit our updated website www.khelcharities.org. Thanks to Saumya and Urban Haas for this important contribution to KHEL.
© Lalita Arya
KHEL is a non-profit charity organization established by myself and Dr. Usharbudh Arya about 25 years ago in the city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. KHEL stands not only for Kids’ Health Education & Laughter, but also Kindness, Health, & Education for Leprosy Families.
We try to interact and help with the basic needs of the people affected by leprosy, who live in “colonies” which they have established themselves sometimes with donations and sometimes by merely squatting on the land, mainly on the fringes of urban dwellings.
We contribute food and medical supplies, help with home improvement, provide for medical and other emergencies, upgrade their sanitary facilities, send their kids (yes, they do have normal non-infected kids) to school, and also give moral support.
Since it is essential that visitors and donors see how their generous donations are used, I sometimes take them to visit these people. There are times I hesitate to take guests there, and before going I always try to orient them at to what they will see.
Once when I took a group to visit on seeing their bare but essential necessities, one of them remarked, “These people are so poor and handicapped (to be politically correct now referred to as physically challenged) how come they seem happy and are smiling?”
One of the reasons for their joy was that so-called “normal” people were visiting. And this is where we as a charity organization differ from many others in serving these people, We actually go to their homes, sit with them, listen to their woes, their health problems, and also share in their celebrations of life.
Leprosy is not an infectious disease. It is a disease of the nervous system of the extremities of the physical body. When the nerves die, they become insensitive to external injuries, which lead to results that cause a person suffering from leprosy to lose fingers, toes, nose etc.
When we go with our guests, the residents bring their treasured old drums, tambourines and cymbals, sit in a circle on the mud floor in front of their cement homes built by us (formerly mud and thatch huts), singing in chorus or sometimes singly. Everything is so spontaneous that we cannot help but join in the chanting and clapping. Sometimes one of them will start a dance, a gentle twirling, so graceful and full of hand movements, we forget that they have no toes or fingers. Their faces reflect a serenity and peace not often seen in other places. It is such a joy and celebration of life, so blithe and jubilant, we forget our sorrows, as they do, rejoicing with them for the honor shared.
They display their pleasure of our acknowledgement of them as “normal” human beings. They are glad that we accept them as part of the colorful social fabric of which they are a part, in spite of their having to live on the fringes of urban limits. They feel they have much to be thankful for in being able to survive and sing about it. We come away entranced with an experience, relaxed and inexplicable, enriched with their display of the simplicity and exuberance of life.
We do come away with an energy gifted by them to us, but may we never forget that they still live on the peripheries of societies that still shun them because of ignorance.
Fortunately due to health education publicly imparted by both NGO’s and government departments, leprosy is hopefully on the decline at least in India.
I feel I can safely say this since for the past few years or so these colonies have not had any new infected patients seeking residence.
At this time of feasts and celebrations, this season of Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Eid, I wish to thank all our wonderful supporters who give generously to help us help these beautiful people observe their own festivals and celebrate Life in their own unique ways.
The residents of RamMandir, Indresh, Shivpuri, and Rotary Club settlements join with me in giving thanks to you, our generous supporters so we can keep them all smiling by helping to provide not only their basic needs, but joining them in all their celebrations of living.
A Joyous Season of Peace and Inter Faiths Observances to All.
The Heart is Happiest When It Beats for Others.
Please visit our updated website www.khelcharities.org. Thanks to Saumya and Urban Haas for this important contribution to KHEL.
TRIBUTES FOR A SWAMI
Compiled by Lalita Arya
This month I would like to feature some tributes that were submitted by children and teenagers whose lives have been touched and enhanced by Swami Veda. Swami Veda’s works are not limited to adults, and it will be seen from these writings that his teachings have enchanted both young and old.
These submissions are taken from the “Tributes for a Swami” yet unpublished book that was given as a gift to Swami Veda on his sixty years of teaching yoga and meditation in February 2007 at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram, Rishikesh.
Ganga Water and Roses by Kai Blilie
Swamiji does mantras, and that is really special. He blessed me with Ganga water and roses when I was a baby. Now I’m four and a half. Will he please bless me again with Ganga water. I draw pictures for him and walked with him on a path to the playground. Can we go to his house now, please?
Kai goes to a Montessori school and lives with his parents in Minnesota, USA. He gives part of his allowance to the poor children of the KHEL Project.
*
Thoughts on Swami Veda by Anjuli Naraine
I had been hearing the name Swamiji and seeing his photographs around our home for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory of him was when he visited our home when I was about seven years. I received initiation when I was nine. Swamiji always involves everyone with everything he is doing and in this way he is actually teaching all the time. I found that he is very interested in every single topic and deeply interested in the lives of his disciples. He showers silent affection and I always get the feeling as though he is protecting me.
It is always amazing to me that Swamiji travels all over the world with his heavy baggage in spite of all the trials at the airports. He does this very cheerfully and in a calm and serene state of mind. I enjoy being with him whether he is swimming with the dolphins, looking for creatures on the floor of the ocean, working on the computer, composing poetry, giving jokes, speaking to a large crowd, or meditating. Swamiji truly lives in our hearts and I wish him continued health and happiness.
Anjuli is 17 years old and lives with her parents in Florida, USA
*
The Many Faces of Swami Nana by Dharani Persaud
Peace is a dove and he is its lustrous wings.
Bliss is a thousand petaled-lotus and he is its fragrance.
Compassion is a knight and he is its white steed.
Love is the way and he is the signpost.
Life is a maze and he is the guide.
Dharani is 12 years old and lives with her parents in Minnesota, USA.
*
To Be a Swami by Shivani Arya
When I went to Swami Nana’s ashram I actually felt peace. We did not see him when we were there but we saw the people. My feelings to Swamiji are very strong. I respect him in all ways. I cannot believe how he gave up everything to be a Swami.
Shivani is 9 years old and lives with her parents in California, USA
A Superior Intellect by Krishan Arya
I have yet to meet a person of more superior intellect or generosity. Although my correspondence with him was not numerous, I clearly remember that each time I heard he was coming to visit I was overjoyed. His humility astounded me. In addition he seems to be the type of person who has his priorities set and who knows where he is headed. To conclude he impresses me with his ability to evince what I consider a nearly perfect human being.
Krishan is 17 years old and lives with his parents in California, USA.
*
A Great Man by Anirudha Bhatt
I have known Swami Veda from my childhood and I had the blessings to receive the sacred Gayatri Mantra from him. I consider him to be a great person, as he guides me what to do now as a student and what to do later in life. He has told me the good things about yoga. I was lucky to read some of his books as Uncle Aaron had them with him. I pray for his guidance to continue and I hope to be able to serve him as I grow older.
Anidrudha is 13 years old and lives with his parents in Dehradun, India.
*
Priya Dai Tuttle traveled recently with her Mom all the way from Minneapolis to Chicago to receive her initiation from Swami Veda. She was very excited to be blessed in this way and to be finally able to share some sacred thing that her Mom and her brother Tarik already had.
*
Dev Kumar, is 10 years old and visited the ashram with his twin five year old friends Kartavya and Pavni Sharma. Dev enjoyed walking in the gardens, where he said he was impressed with the signs that said, “Let the flowers Bloom”. He said Swamiji gave him chocolates.
Pavni who was visiting for the first time wondered who was the person in strange orange robes, but was very happy when Swamiji hugged and blessed them all.
These children live in Dehradun, India.
Swami Nana you are the Greatest - Shalini P
Shalini is 16 years old and lives with her parents in Minnesota, USA.
*
Children are God’s gifts to the world. When they are given the appropriate sanskaaras (life experiences) early in childhood, the foundation is laid for future responsible adults, who adopt the world from their parents. It is the duty of parents to expose their children to those invaluable influences gained in the company of great souls, and protect them from harmful ones that will tarnish or warp their personalities.
This does not mean that kids should not be exposed to the ills of the world. They will see these eventually, but the training received in early childhood should prepare them to sift the “good” from the “bad”. It is said that parents deserve the children they get and vice versa. Traditionally it is believed that the children (souls) chose their parents in the hope that those parents will aid whatever karma they need to work out in this life time, while adding positive new ones.
Children, whether biological or adopted, do not happen into our lives by accident. Even the relationships of brothers and sisters are not accidental. We need to understand that there is more to life than just being born and living. Awakening the “buddhi” the Purpose we are born to fulfill is also very important.
Love, guidance and the blessings of parents help to achieve this goal. The efforts of children take them on the path of fruition, success and happiness. Both these paths are needed to make life meaningful.
Children who develop beautiful minds are like fragrant flowers that leave a trail of their essences long after they have flown the nest of parental protection.
*
This month I would like to feature some tributes that were submitted by children and teenagers whose lives have been touched and enhanced by Swami Veda. Swami Veda’s works are not limited to adults, and it will be seen from these writings that his teachings have enchanted both young and old.
These submissions are taken from the “Tributes for a Swami” yet unpublished book that was given as a gift to Swami Veda on his sixty years of teaching yoga and meditation in February 2007 at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram, Rishikesh.
Ganga Water and Roses by Kai Blilie
Swamiji does mantras, and that is really special. He blessed me with Ganga water and roses when I was a baby. Now I’m four and a half. Will he please bless me again with Ganga water. I draw pictures for him and walked with him on a path to the playground. Can we go to his house now, please?
Kai goes to a Montessori school and lives with his parents in Minnesota, USA. He gives part of his allowance to the poor children of the KHEL Project.
*
Thoughts on Swami Veda by Anjuli Naraine
I had been hearing the name Swamiji and seeing his photographs around our home for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory of him was when he visited our home when I was about seven years. I received initiation when I was nine. Swamiji always involves everyone with everything he is doing and in this way he is actually teaching all the time. I found that he is very interested in every single topic and deeply interested in the lives of his disciples. He showers silent affection and I always get the feeling as though he is protecting me.
It is always amazing to me that Swamiji travels all over the world with his heavy baggage in spite of all the trials at the airports. He does this very cheerfully and in a calm and serene state of mind. I enjoy being with him whether he is swimming with the dolphins, looking for creatures on the floor of the ocean, working on the computer, composing poetry, giving jokes, speaking to a large crowd, or meditating. Swamiji truly lives in our hearts and I wish him continued health and happiness.
Anjuli is 17 years old and lives with her parents in Florida, USA
*
The Many Faces of Swami Nana by Dharani Persaud
Peace is a dove and he is its lustrous wings.
Bliss is a thousand petaled-lotus and he is its fragrance.
Compassion is a knight and he is its white steed.
Love is the way and he is the signpost.
Life is a maze and he is the guide.
Dharani is 12 years old and lives with her parents in Minnesota, USA.
*
To Be a Swami by Shivani Arya
When I went to Swami Nana’s ashram I actually felt peace. We did not see him when we were there but we saw the people. My feelings to Swamiji are very strong. I respect him in all ways. I cannot believe how he gave up everything to be a Swami.
Shivani is 9 years old and lives with her parents in California, USA
A Superior Intellect by Krishan Arya
I have yet to meet a person of more superior intellect or generosity. Although my correspondence with him was not numerous, I clearly remember that each time I heard he was coming to visit I was overjoyed. His humility astounded me. In addition he seems to be the type of person who has his priorities set and who knows where he is headed. To conclude he impresses me with his ability to evince what I consider a nearly perfect human being.
Krishan is 17 years old and lives with his parents in California, USA.
*
A Great Man by Anirudha Bhatt
I have known Swami Veda from my childhood and I had the blessings to receive the sacred Gayatri Mantra from him. I consider him to be a great person, as he guides me what to do now as a student and what to do later in life. He has told me the good things about yoga. I was lucky to read some of his books as Uncle Aaron had them with him. I pray for his guidance to continue and I hope to be able to serve him as I grow older.
Anidrudha is 13 years old and lives with his parents in Dehradun, India.
*
Priya Dai Tuttle traveled recently with her Mom all the way from Minneapolis to Chicago to receive her initiation from Swami Veda. She was very excited to be blessed in this way and to be finally able to share some sacred thing that her Mom and her brother Tarik already had.
*
Dev Kumar, is 10 years old and visited the ashram with his twin five year old friends Kartavya and Pavni Sharma. Dev enjoyed walking in the gardens, where he said he was impressed with the signs that said, “Let the flowers Bloom”. He said Swamiji gave him chocolates.
Pavni who was visiting for the first time wondered who was the person in strange orange robes, but was very happy when Swamiji hugged and blessed them all.
These children live in Dehradun, India.
Swami Nana you are the Greatest - Shalini P
Shalini is 16 years old and lives with her parents in Minnesota, USA.
*
Children are God’s gifts to the world. When they are given the appropriate sanskaaras (life experiences) early in childhood, the foundation is laid for future responsible adults, who adopt the world from their parents. It is the duty of parents to expose their children to those invaluable influences gained in the company of great souls, and protect them from harmful ones that will tarnish or warp their personalities.
This does not mean that kids should not be exposed to the ills of the world. They will see these eventually, but the training received in early childhood should prepare them to sift the “good” from the “bad”. It is said that parents deserve the children they get and vice versa. Traditionally it is believed that the children (souls) chose their parents in the hope that those parents will aid whatever karma they need to work out in this life time, while adding positive new ones.
Children, whether biological or adopted, do not happen into our lives by accident. Even the relationships of brothers and sisters are not accidental. We need to understand that there is more to life than just being born and living. Awakening the “buddhi” the Purpose we are born to fulfill is also very important.
Love, guidance and the blessings of parents help to achieve this goal. The efforts of children take them on the path of fruition, success and happiness. Both these paths are needed to make life meaningful.
Children who develop beautiful minds are like fragrant flowers that leave a trail of their essences long after they have flown the nest of parental protection.
*
NAADA - THE SOUND OF YOGA
NAADA – THE SOUND OF YOGA
c.By Shanta Sawh
Today most people are familiar with the word Yoga. You must have heard of all the varieties of yoga, hatha, kriya, bhakti, but are you familiar with Naada Yoga? Naada is a Sanskrit word meaning sound. Yoga as we all know means union. Now put these words together, we get Naada Yoga. It simply means union through sound. The use of sound plays an important role in the practice of Naada Yoga. This path is one of several yogic paths used for spiritual growth and awareness. In fact it uses sound to bridge two worlds - the internal and the external, also described as the subtle and the gross. Philosophically it is joining the subconscious with the conscious. This practice uses sound as a means of transformation. It is being aware of the quality of sound and observing the way it affects the individual.
External sounds are the ordinary audible sounds, for example, the sound of your voice, or the sound of an instrument. That is, it may be ‘gross’ or in Sanskrit ‘ahat’. To describe what internal sound is may be difficult in that it is outwardly silent, or “subtle” as coming from your core being, arising inwardly. The Sanskrit word is “anahat”. When a sound is produced, it happens through striking, but anahat is a sound which is not produced through any striking. It is spontaneous
However, to reach the superconscious or transcendent sound, the process has to start with the experience from the external sound.
Our mind easily becomes absorbed in music. To start an experience of this absorption listening to soothing or soft music should relax and calm the mind.
Soft instrumental music for example the flute, or the sitar or New Age music is the exposure that encourages the unwinding of the mind. At this stage it is better not to listen to voices and words as these are too specific and distracting.
Focusing on the music for about fifteen to twenty minutes gradually prepares the mental state for tuning into the refined field where those who are initiates automatically find that their given mantra would take over and continually repeat itself. Eventually the ahat or gross sounds become muted and the anahat or subtle sound rises within.
There is a gradual shift from listening to the music and without realizing attention has shifted more and more to finer and finer sounds within., thereby merging with sounds coming from the ‘Anahat Chakra’ which is found in the region of the heart. .
The journey itself is pleasant and truly great are the benefits of Naada Yoga in respect to our physical, emotional and mental health. Listening skills improve, as one becomes sensitive not only to music and sound, but to the subtle emotions and energies within oneself and in others as well. One learns the art of listening.
The great Sufi teacher Hazrat Inyat Khan said,
Creation is the music of God.
In other words, the universe arose out of the music of God
He who knows the secret of the sounds knows the mysteries of the whole universe. A feast of heavenly music awaits those who can tune in.
Krishna with his eternally enchanting flute, Shiva with his rhythmic drums sounding the vibrations of creation and sweet Sarasvati with her melodious veena are all symbols that remind us of the heavenly quality of music.
Shanta Sawh is a singer in the classical Indian raga style who has been studying music for the past ten years. She lives in Toronto with her husband and family. She is Ammaji’s younger sister, and Ammaji thanks her for taking time to write this informative article.
c.By Shanta Sawh
Today most people are familiar with the word Yoga. You must have heard of all the varieties of yoga, hatha, kriya, bhakti, but are you familiar with Naada Yoga? Naada is a Sanskrit word meaning sound. Yoga as we all know means union. Now put these words together, we get Naada Yoga. It simply means union through sound. The use of sound plays an important role in the practice of Naada Yoga. This path is one of several yogic paths used for spiritual growth and awareness. In fact it uses sound to bridge two worlds - the internal and the external, also described as the subtle and the gross. Philosophically it is joining the subconscious with the conscious. This practice uses sound as a means of transformation. It is being aware of the quality of sound and observing the way it affects the individual.
External sounds are the ordinary audible sounds, for example, the sound of your voice, or the sound of an instrument. That is, it may be ‘gross’ or in Sanskrit ‘ahat’. To describe what internal sound is may be difficult in that it is outwardly silent, or “subtle” as coming from your core being, arising inwardly. The Sanskrit word is “anahat”. When a sound is produced, it happens through striking, but anahat is a sound which is not produced through any striking. It is spontaneous
However, to reach the superconscious or transcendent sound, the process has to start with the experience from the external sound.
Our mind easily becomes absorbed in music. To start an experience of this absorption listening to soothing or soft music should relax and calm the mind.
Soft instrumental music for example the flute, or the sitar or New Age music is the exposure that encourages the unwinding of the mind. At this stage it is better not to listen to voices and words as these are too specific and distracting.
Focusing on the music for about fifteen to twenty minutes gradually prepares the mental state for tuning into the refined field where those who are initiates automatically find that their given mantra would take over and continually repeat itself. Eventually the ahat or gross sounds become muted and the anahat or subtle sound rises within.
There is a gradual shift from listening to the music and without realizing attention has shifted more and more to finer and finer sounds within., thereby merging with sounds coming from the ‘Anahat Chakra’ which is found in the region of the heart. .
The journey itself is pleasant and truly great are the benefits of Naada Yoga in respect to our physical, emotional and mental health. Listening skills improve, as one becomes sensitive not only to music and sound, but to the subtle emotions and energies within oneself and in others as well. One learns the art of listening.
The great Sufi teacher Hazrat Inyat Khan said,
Creation is the music of God.
In other words, the universe arose out of the music of God
He who knows the secret of the sounds knows the mysteries of the whole universe. A feast of heavenly music awaits those who can tune in.
Krishna with his eternally enchanting flute, Shiva with his rhythmic drums sounding the vibrations of creation and sweet Sarasvati with her melodious veena are all symbols that remind us of the heavenly quality of music.
Shanta Sawh is a singer in the classical Indian raga style who has been studying music for the past ten years. She lives in Toronto with her husband and family. She is Ammaji’s younger sister, and Ammaji thanks her for taking time to write this informative article.
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