Smaran

(An extract from recent address to an educational institution)

There is an inspirational line from Gita:

abhyasa-yoga-yuktena cetasa nanya-gamina 

paramam purusam divyam yati parthanucintayan

By regular meditation, with the mind and intelligence remaining steadfast, and remaining in Constant Remembrance of Him, one achieves the Transcendental Supreme Person, O Arjuna!

We are well aware that yoga and meditation regulate and train the mind and prevent it from wandering. With the help of daily sadhana, it is a lot easier to fix the Supreme Lord in one’s mind at all times, in constant remembrance (smaran). When such dedicated practice gets reinforced, it also helps the sadhak to find answers for questions like who we really are, where we have descended from and so on.

The mind is fickle. It is therefore essential to engage the mind by force to think of the Divine. As is the case with the caterpillar which thinks of becoming a butterfly and so is transformed into a butterfly in the same life. Smaran of the divine is a hallmark of spirituality. Scriptures exhort us to stay connected with the Supreme Power every moment.  Through such continuous remembrance called satat smaran, we keep the mind employed so that it doesn’t stray here and there during our day long activities. This practice is a precious and powerful gift from the ancient wisdom, a boon both for the elders at work and the young ones in academics.

Blessed is your Institution offering such spiritual dimension blending with a scientific temper, to help the pupils “grow to glow”; transforming them into achievers in their chosen fields with strong values.

-Dr.Arun Madhavan

Dil churaliya …….

Indian music diva Asha Bhosle was the recipient of the Visalakshi Global Award today in the hands of Sri Sri at the inaugural of 6th International Women’s Conference, Bangalore. After the award ceremony, she kept the audience spell bound with words coming from the depth of her heart.

Born in a small hamlet into the musical family of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, she fondly recalled how her father initiated her and four other siblings from tender age. His very first session was a sweet, sonorous rendition of Om. Ashaji’s recall and rendition of this chant transported the audience to another realm altogether.

Difficult times followed with her father’s early demise but he left the children with words of wisdom and blessings that carried them through. Her musical career began far back in 1943 and today she is a most recognized face across continents. With a tinge of humor she said, at the age of 81, I am being told by a mere 4 year old ‘Ashaji,I am your fan!’

The most touching moment came when she recalled her father’s words:
“Life is like a stream and one has to flow irrespective of the obstacles that come in the path. Like a river, when the moment comes to merge with the ocean, just look up at the setting Sun that leaves an array of beautiful colors that is a feast to the eyes.” She too nurtures this wish that through the songs she has sung over several decades (a Guinness record) will leave such a rainbow of colors and harmony in the hearts of people. The international audience got a taste of it when she sang solo some foot tapping signature songs.

Though she has won many prestigious honors like Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Padma Vibhushan, she cherishes most the Award bestowed on her today.

Bangalore, 7th Feb 2014