Conference on Parapsychology

24 Nov 2017

Was invited to address the event at the Jain University. For long, the scientific community in the West has not been open-minded, rather sceptical, towards Para normal, on grounds that it lacked scientific credentials. However emergence of quantum physics, contemporary findings of physicists, testimonies of neurosurgeons like Dr. Eben Alexander (Proof of Heaven) have to a great extent lifted such reservations.

This field, however, has a niche in the Indian context thanks to the time honoured dictum ‘Vismaya yoga bhumika’ that one must be astonished in order to get into yoga!. In simple terms, when we feel the 'wow' in astonishment, we stay connected with the spirit that we are! The guided meditation that followed was enjoyed by those present.

Erode Satsang

22 November 2017

Visited Erode after a hiatus to lead a satsang in an artistic setting as seen in the backdrop! The city, once a quiet agri-textile hub and the largest source of turmeric, has today emerged a major producer of hand-loom and knitwear. 

Was curious to learn how it came to be called Erode. Here are two versions!  In the first version, the name is traced to ‘Iru- Odai ‘meaning two streams. The second version to the phrase "Eera Odu" meaning wet skull. Perhaps in reference to the popular legend revolving around Daksha, his daughter Dakshayini and her consort Shiva. When on one occasion, she saw her husband being belittled by her own father, she went into a deep state of trance and self immolated. When Shiva came to know about her end, he went into a rage. In the apocalypse that followed, the skulls were strewn over river Cauvery, one of the four rivers flowing in the area; the others being Amravati, Noyyal and Bhavani.

Addressing wellness aficionados :

18 November 2017
Bangalore

An engrossed audience received  the presentation well. The core message was that wellness matters as everything we do and every emotion we feel, relates to our well-being. Crucial and pragmatic therefore for everyone to achieve optimal wellness to help subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and facilitate healthy social interactions

Harikatha

Bangalore: 8th November 2017

Harikatha is a composite art form composed of storytelling, poetry and music. Literally refers to Stories of Hari-Narayana. By sowing seeds of devotion, it aims to impart truth and righteousness in the minds of people and show them the path of liberation. This traditional fine art requires mastery of varied skills, music, dance, drama, knowledge of languages, Puranas, Itihasas, the Vedas, Sastras & granthas.

Was invited to render a bouquet of sacred hymns and bhajans at the finale of Harikatha on Sri Krishna Katha Amrutham. Seen in pic with Kalyanpuram Sri Aaraavamudachari. Interestingly he chose to relinquish his prestigious official position in IBM to dedicate himself to divine service and to adorn the mantle of a Harikatha exponent!

In praise of Annakoot:

4 -11-2017

Last evening was at a ceremony of Annakoot. The name refers to a mountain of food; some fifty-six food items - chappan bhog, prepared afresh and offered to the deities. It has been part of our Sampradaya for ages. It relates to the incident described in Bhagavat Puran when Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to provide villagers of Brindavan shelter from torrential rains. Metaphorically how God will protect all devotees who take singular refuge in Him.

Returning home read news from the Capital that a team led by a celebrity chef, set a world record when they cooked 918 kg of khichdi at the World Food India event. Thankfully NGOs and Gurudwaras take over distribution of mega khichdi among orphans and 60,000 other people. The effort may gain recognition from Guinness but cannot perhaps take away the scale and pride of Annakoot of yore!