Today, I received unfortunate news about the death of my friend and colleague Sri Ras Bihari Desai, whom I called Rasbhai.
When I heard the news, my mind immediately went back to a morning long ago when I received a phone call at 5am.
It was Rasbhai on the other end.
“Divyangbhai, please listen to this. I know I’ve woken you up, but you must listen to this. We’ll talk after,” he said. Before I could really say anything, I heard the sound of drumming on the line. The patterns were set in mishra jati.
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“I” is the Obstacle
/0 Comments/in Interpreting Mystic Poetry, Philosophy /by panditdivyangvakilWhat is the obstacle to discovering Ultimate Truth?
There is a beautiful Sufi poem in Hindi:
Ek Bastu, Ek Bimb Hai
Main Dono Ke Beech
Jab Main, Main Se Choot Gaya
Sahib Rahyo Samij
Translation:
Everything is one. All matter is the same. When we look behind all matter, still, existence is one.
Because I am here surrounded by all of the matter, when “I” look at it, every thing looks different.
But when I can come out from the grip of the “I” (ego)
Only God, pure existence, remains there in front of me.
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Swarupa – Your Inner Form
/0 Comments/in Philosophy /by panditdivyangvakilYour inner form is called Swarupa. Nothingness is the true form of our nature as a human being. Because it is nothingness, nothing is there. It is always in a very peaceful or paramashant state. Vices are all a result of thought. We need a tool that can help us manage the control of our thoughts. That is meditation. If we did not need to learn to control our thoughts we wouldn’t need meditation. Meditation is a system that helps you rediscover your true form; your true Swarupa. How can this be done? You unknowingly lost your Swarupa. This is because of ignorance. Let’s investigate this concept.
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In Memory of RasBhai
/0 Comments/in Anecdotes, Music /by panditdivyangvakilToday, I received unfortunate news about the death of my friend and colleague Sri Ras Bihari Desai, whom I called Rasbhai.
When I heard the news, my mind immediately went back to a morning long ago when I received a phone call at 5am.
It was Rasbhai on the other end.
“Divyangbhai, please listen to this. I know I’ve woken you up, but you must listen to this. We’ll talk after,” he said. Before I could really say anything, I heard the sound of drumming on the line. The patterns were set in mishra jati.
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What is Sadhna?
/0 Comments/in Music, Philosophy, Philosophy of Performing Arts /by panditdivyangvakilSadhna.
The word sadhna comes from the word sadhya, which means to achieve; or to aim or focus. Any intense practice that is done with 100% focus is called sadhna.
Sadhna is a long path. To do sadhna requires great patience. Sadhna can be done of any subject, be it music, yoga, archery or any other practical art. The goal of sadhna is to become one with the subject; to reach a point where there is no distinction between the subject and the practitioner. For this, you have to focus all your energy on the subject that is to be mastered or achieved.
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Death (Lecture Excerpt)
/0 Comments/in Death, Philosophy /by panditdivyangvakilDeath is a mystery for human beings. Man always tries his best to understand death. All religions, scriptures and philosophers always struggle to understand death. The failure to understand is the reason we fear death.
The man who believes in rebirth has a fear of death and the man who does not believe in rebirth also has a fear of death. Read more →
The Secret for Growth
/0 Comments/in Music, Philosophy /by panditdivyangvakilIt is always my wish and prayer that my students and all those that I know grow with each passing year. As we begin 2010, I would like to share a small story about speaks of the secret for growth, whether it be in your spiritual life, professional life or personal life.
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Mantra (Lecture Excerpt)
/0 Comments/in Philosophy /by panditdivyangvakilMantra is a sound formula. It is a vibratory composition. Commonly people understand stutis and shlokas as mantras, but real mantras do not carry any dictionary words.
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State of Today’s Indian Classical Music Concerts
/0 Comments/in Anecdotes, Music /by panditdivyangvakilA musician needs two types of people in the audience – those who really understand the depth of the music and those who may not understand its full depth, but offer financial support for the musician.
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Runa Mukti – A Beautiful Concept
/0 Comments/in Music, Philosophy, Philosophy of Performing Arts /by panditdivyangvakilIn Indian culture, the concept of indebtedness or obligation plays a strong role. As humans, we are being obliged by God, children have an obligation towards their parents, students are indebted to their teachers.
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Rhythm in Plants, Laya in Everything
/0 Comments/in Music /by panditdivyangvakilI always tell my students that music has to be digested. Laya (variations of rhythm) have to become a part of you. The experience that one gets when music becomes apart of your being is incredibly beautiful.
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