Saturday, February 28, 2009
Kalviyum Aanmeegamum - Shri Arunji at Tirupur
Photos courtesy Shri. Jothi Ramalingam, Coimbatore, Shri.Sundaresan and Shri.Aravindan Tirupur
The beautiful campus of Jayanthi Matriculation School , situated at the outskirts of the newly formed Tirupur District, hosted a memorable discourse titled “ Kalviyum Aanmeegamum” ( Education and Spirituality) by Shri. Arun Madhavanji, Founder Trustee, of the Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore.
A large gathering of students, teachers, eminent citizens from Tirupur and Coimbatore including our ever expanding art of living family enjoyed two hours of “Thean Amudham “ Bhajans and Timeless wisdom. The evening was specially intended for the students.
Shri. Arunji initiated the event with a “Bhajan” on Lord Ganesha and started his discourse saying “The educational system as it exists today gives students loads of information on various disciplines but not necessarily the skills to convert the knowledge into meeting the challenges of the world and in one’s personal life. There are increasing numbers of early burn out, failed relationships within family and in teams, all due to poor investment in emotional health.”
Further he said “Adding a spiritual dimension to education has become a dire necessity. Spiritual practices help sharpen one’s vision about life and facilitate the art of Self management well. It helps him to look backwards with gratitude, upwards with confidence and forward with hope. It wakes him up to deep reverence to the “Pancha bhutas” of Mother Nature and all its creations.”
Shri. Arunji added further “We need not look beyond the masterpiece ‘odi vilayadu paappa’ by Poet Subramaniya Bharathi. His words have been summed up below to prepare the spiritual foundation by getting connected to Nature and taking responsibility for the world.
Childhood and youth is the time:
• to play, to be active like a sparrow, learning to work together in teams.
• to appreciate the presence of birds and animals, they being our friends on
earth.
• to rise early, to read and to sing fulfilling songs.
• to engage into a sports and games in the evenings
• to adhere to satya
• to develop a firm faith that the Divine love and protection always exists
• to remain fearless in the face of evil and not feel disheartened
• to win over laziness and paying heed to good advices from parents
• to feel grateful for your birth in the land of great saints
• to feel proud being a citizen of India, the land of Vedas
• to eschew differences of caste and status
The ancient verse says “Let there be Peace on Earth but let it begin with me”. Spirituality helps students to achieve that inner peace, to make them dynamic and perform better in studies and in life without destroying their physical and emotional health in the process.”
He highlighted how the Art of Living Courses with the help of simple yoga asanas, Pranayama and Meditation helps the children gain emotional health and sustain the same.
He said the word “Bharatham” is a combination of “Bhavam” Raagam” and” Thaalam” and it is a great boon that we are born here.
Shri. Arunji in his inimitable style narrated how “Lord Hanuman” saved the Nine Planets from the clutches of Ravana and as a favour for saving them, the planets blessed him saying that whoever prays to Lord Hanuman will be able to avoid the malicious effects caused by the Nine Planets” This was followed by the song on “Lord Anjenya – Anjile ondru Petran” and it was really a treat to the ears.
Finally, he spoke on the present global economic slowdown and said it was time for Industrialists and business people to keep honing their skills in their respective field of expertise so that better opportunities shall dawn on them at an appropriate time. He gave a wonderful example from Mahabharata wherein the Pandavas used their hiding period to hone their skills and they prepared themselves fully for regaining their kingdom.
The discourse signed off with the popular Thean Amudham Bhajan “ Vettaliyle Malakattunga” on Lord Hanuman which kept the audience swinging and dancing till the end.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The flowers remained fresh and today our memories too..
The famed Bhadrachalam shrine in Andhra Pradesh alongside the holy Godavari river was witness to four days of deep meditations, silence and blissful satsangs of participants at the first ever Part II residential Course. It began with an expression of gratitude to our beloved Gurudev and honoring the presiding deity of the town - Vaikunta Rama. The garlands adorning the tall handsome deities at the campus Garden didn't fade one bit till the end and so our fond memories. We felt transported to Visalakshi mantap with the morning chants of the young pundits in- the -making at the Campus shrine Veda patashala, the presence of eminent Temple scholars at satsangs, not forgetting the flutter of pigeons atop the ceiling! The intervening solar eclipse gave many an opportunity for noble austerities and holy dip in the quiet flowing river just a stone throw away from the Meditation Hall.
Satsangs were very elevating with newly composed bhajans in Telugu and Tamil by the Course Director Shri.Arunji. Here is something very interesting.
On the evening of Day one, the vibrations of some of the new bhajans by Shri.Arunji reached the temple precincts some distance away and allured the Chief priest of the Temple to the AMC venue and enjoy the Satsang. The participants were not aware of this until the last day, when the Chief Priest revealed this and began sharing his unique experience.
He said to even to enter Bhadrachalam one needs to get the blessings of Lord Rama and anyone who stays in this holy place continuously for three days, will attain "Moksha". One should be very fortunate to have Darshan of Lord Vaikunta Rama and take bath in the holy Godavari River. The Temple was built by Shri. Kancharla Gopanna, a devotee of Lord Rama. He is infact hailed as Ramadasu. So far Ramadasu was the only person who had drunk the nectar of grace from the lotus called Bhadrachala Rama and today, he said "through your devotion filled Bhajans, you have been able to drink the same nectar of divine grace. We sit here and envy you!"
After the Suprabatham at the temple at 4.00 am, Shri.Arunji asked us to sit with our eyes closed and from the next moment to nearly an hour, we were elevated into a deep trance of meditation. The experience was something very amazing and beyond words. We then recalled Gurudev's inspiration to holding such programmes at such Holy places.
Morning yoga sessions with Sri.Asokanji were thoroughly appreciated by everybody. Participants were blown over by a mini ballet on Krishna by singer-dancer Smt.Gita at the finale. The experience will remain etched in our memory for ever.
Kudos for the extraordinary team work of teachers from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
For those who had missed Bhadrachalam, we are happy to announce the next part-II Advanced Meditation course at Thennangur, near Chennai with Shri. Arunji.
Course Dates: 5, 6, 7, & 8th March 2009
Venue : Satguru Gnananandhagiri Ashram, Thennangur.
Govindaraju
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Thirupavai Thiruvempavai Discourse by Sri Arunji
The Ayyappan Puja Sangham, Coimbatore started 58 years ago with the blessings of Lord Ayyappa has grown into a very big organisation and conducts spiritual programmes throughout the year. The Puja Mahotsavam and the Annual Day of the Sangham is celebrated during the last week of December every year. The daily programs includes homams, Rudra Poojas, Poornahuti, Vasordharai, Maha Deeparadhana, Cultural programmes, Annadhanams etc. Sri. Arunji Founding Trustee of the Art of Living Foundation was invited to give a Musical discourse on Thirupavai and Thiruvempavai and its relevance to the present day living.
On the 26th of December evening the Sangham hall was filled with people. The sacred heat radiated by the homams and poornahuti of the day got transformed into a cool and pleasant ambience by Sri.Arunji’s invocation on Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa. The discourse began with the significance of the Maargazhi maasam known as Dhanur maasya. It is usual that people tend to get into Tamo Guna during this month Thirupavai and Thiruvempavai gives ways and means to overcome it. Sri. Arunji then spoke about Thiruvempavai and its author Saint Manikavasgar and his devotion to Lord Siva.
This was followed by a melodious song,
“Ambalatharase, Arumarundhe Anandha Theane Arul Virunthee.
Podhunadatharase Punniyane Pulavarellam pugazh ganniyanae”
The powerful lyrics of Saint Vallalar’s Thiruarutpa blending so well with Sri.Arunji’s mellifluous voice created blissful vibrancy in the surroundings.
Then came the anecdote filled with humour taking the crowd to irresistible laughter as Sri Arunji referred to the recent rains in Chennai the Capital of Tamilnadu where it poured for 3 consecutive days creating hardship for the people and damaging property worth Crores of Rupees. He said no doubt Andal in her Thirupavai, had prayed for 3 rains every month without hindrance to people and property. But the prayer was for one day rain and nine days of sunshine to be repeated thrice every month. This was the wish but what happens now is the opposite. A picture can speak more than a thousand words enjoy Sri.Arunji’s narration captured in video
Sri.Arunji also explained what life is all about. A person fell into a well and in the midway he was able to get hold of a tree branch and was able to cling on it. When he looked below he saw a big python and adding to his misery were two rats biting the same tree branch on which he was hanging. While trying to escape his hand accidently touched a bee hive and the bees started stinging him all over. Bearing all the pain and agony he felt something sweet in his tongue. It was the honey dropping from the bee hive. He forgot the pain and agony for a moment enjoyed the sweetness. This is what life is all about. The python symbolises the diseases and illness, the tree branch the Medicare and the doctors, the two rats are symbols of Kalan and Mirthyu. The bee stings are the agony and insults showered on us by our family, relatives and the society and the few drops of honey are the moments of happiness. Everyone needs to enjoy such moments of happiness and forget the miseries in life.
There was not a single dull moment during the entire two and half hours of the discourse. From children to octogenarians the diverse crowd enjoyed the “Thean Amudham” Bhajans. With the vocal support singers and the musicians rendering able support Sri.Arunji was at his amazing best. The “ Vishamakara Kannan” and the Hanumath Jayanthi Special “Vettalayile Malakattunga” enthralled the crowd.
Our appreciations to the Sri Ayyappan Puja Sangham Coimbatore for making excellent arrangements.
We received some interesting feedback from the audience and here are a few:-
Ms.Sandya Ramesh wrote:
“Arunji was a great hit with his ready wit, humour and pun. ( DAWN - and not DON as he put it )
Seamless and spontaneous blending of the invocation number on Ganesha to fit the context of the Ayyappa Mahotsavam. Was well done and it set the mood immediately as people were looking forward for more music
His introduction to the great hymns of Thirupavai and Thiruvembavai and the message to drive out the thamogun in us, wake up early in the month of Dhanur maasya gave a fresh angle to it. I believed that there could be some serious meaning to Dhanur maasya and comes Arunji's googly. Don’t we sleep all cuddled up; and not to forget Kumbakarna.
Of course his anecdote on the recent flash floods in the Capital city with the lines “Boat maele thanni pona” was so well said and he linked it to Sri Andal’s memorable lines “Theengindri naadellaam thingal mum maari peidhu ".
Oomaiyo, Sevido, Ananthalo - Keeping mum to gossip, blind ear to others insults / harsh words and remaining COOL - indeed very aptly interpreted.
“Neiyunnom, Paallunom” - dietary control during this time of paavai noanbu.
He sang “Kaakai siraginiley” and highlighted being Eco-friendly, linking to Aandal who had sung about bio diversity in nature friendly lines, birds chirping, bees resting on flowers, trees, plants and fragrance. How well he blended “Siruthuli” the local eco movement of the city”
Smt.Rajam Mani Iyer. “ In my eighty odd years, I have not come across such an enlivening discourse full of soul lifting music intermingled with knowledge. Sri. Arunji, has explained in simple language how the message of Thirupavai and Thiruvempavai could be applied in our lives”
Sri.Venkat a resident of Singapore “ Sri.Arunji got the full involvement from the audience and it was a lively two and half hour session which I will cherish for a long time.”
Sri.Sundar
Yesterday, being my birthday I took the opportunity to visit my son in his school at Mettupalayam. The Principal of the school - a state awardee for best teacher - is a role model for the students. I had given him CDs of CN-1 & 5 earlier. He was profusely appreciating CN -5 and particularly the song "Vettalayile Maalai Kattu ..." which he has heard till now for nearly 500 times ! He had choreographed this song during the childrens' day celebrations. This song had made many teachers dance who had never even tapped their toes. The "thiruppavai .. tiruvempavai .." discourse has had a terrific impact on all. As you rightly said, if we bring smiles and happiness on all their faces, our job is done.
On the 26th of December evening the Sangham hall was filled with people. The sacred heat radiated by the homams and poornahuti of the day got transformed into a cool and pleasant ambience by Sri.Arunji’s invocation on Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa. The discourse began with the significance of the Maargazhi maasam known as Dhanur maasya. It is usual that people tend to get into Tamo Guna during this month Thirupavai and Thiruvempavai gives ways and means to overcome it. Sri. Arunji then spoke about Thiruvempavai and its author Saint Manikavasgar and his devotion to Lord Siva.
This was followed by a melodious song,
“Ambalatharase, Arumarundhe Anandha Theane Arul Virunthee.
Podhunadatharase Punniyane Pulavarellam pugazh ganniyanae”
The powerful lyrics of Saint Vallalar’s Thiruarutpa blending so well with Sri.Arunji’s mellifluous voice created blissful vibrancy in the surroundings.
Then came the anecdote filled with humour taking the crowd to irresistible laughter as Sri Arunji referred to the recent rains in Chennai the Capital of Tamilnadu where it poured for 3 consecutive days creating hardship for the people and damaging property worth Crores of Rupees. He said no doubt Andal in her Thirupavai, had prayed for 3 rains every month without hindrance to people and property. But the prayer was for one day rain and nine days of sunshine to be repeated thrice every month. This was the wish but what happens now is the opposite. A picture can speak more than a thousand words enjoy Sri.Arunji’s narration captured in video
Sri.Arunji also explained what life is all about. A person fell into a well and in the midway he was able to get hold of a tree branch and was able to cling on it. When he looked below he saw a big python and adding to his misery were two rats biting the same tree branch on which he was hanging. While trying to escape his hand accidently touched a bee hive and the bees started stinging him all over. Bearing all the pain and agony he felt something sweet in his tongue. It was the honey dropping from the bee hive. He forgot the pain and agony for a moment enjoyed the sweetness. This is what life is all about. The python symbolises the diseases and illness, the tree branch the Medicare and the doctors, the two rats are symbols of Kalan and Mirthyu. The bee stings are the agony and insults showered on us by our family, relatives and the society and the few drops of honey are the moments of happiness. Everyone needs to enjoy such moments of happiness and forget the miseries in life.
There was not a single dull moment during the entire two and half hours of the discourse. From children to octogenarians the diverse crowd enjoyed the “Thean Amudham” Bhajans. With the vocal support singers and the musicians rendering able support Sri.Arunji was at his amazing best. The “ Vishamakara Kannan” and the Hanumath Jayanthi Special “Vettalayile Malakattunga” enthralled the crowd.
Our appreciations to the Sri Ayyappan Puja Sangham Coimbatore for making excellent arrangements.
We received some interesting feedback from the audience and here are a few:-
Ms.Sandya Ramesh wrote:
“Arunji was a great hit with his ready wit, humour and pun. ( DAWN - and not DON as he put it )
Seamless and spontaneous blending of the invocation number on Ganesha to fit the context of the Ayyappa Mahotsavam. Was well done and it set the mood immediately as people were looking forward for more music
His introduction to the great hymns of Thirupavai and Thiruvembavai and the message to drive out the thamogun in us, wake up early in the month of Dhanur maasya gave a fresh angle to it. I believed that there could be some serious meaning to Dhanur maasya and comes Arunji's googly. Don’t we sleep all cuddled up; and not to forget Kumbakarna.
Of course his anecdote on the recent flash floods in the Capital city with the lines “Boat maele thanni pona” was so well said and he linked it to Sri Andal’s memorable lines “Theengindri naadellaam thingal mum maari peidhu ".
Oomaiyo, Sevido, Ananthalo - Keeping mum to gossip, blind ear to others insults / harsh words and remaining COOL - indeed very aptly interpreted.
“Neiyunnom, Paallunom” - dietary control during this time of paavai noanbu.
He sang “Kaakai siraginiley” and highlighted being Eco-friendly, linking to Aandal who had sung about bio diversity in nature friendly lines, birds chirping, bees resting on flowers, trees, plants and fragrance. How well he blended “Siruthuli” the local eco movement of the city”
Smt.Rajam Mani Iyer. “ In my eighty odd years, I have not come across such an enlivening discourse full of soul lifting music intermingled with knowledge. Sri. Arunji, has explained in simple language how the message of Thirupavai and Thiruvempavai could be applied in our lives”
Sri.Venkat a resident of Singapore “ Sri.Arunji got the full involvement from the audience and it was a lively two and half hour session which I will cherish for a long time.”
Sri.Sundar
Yesterday, being my birthday I took the opportunity to visit my son in his school at Mettupalayam. The Principal of the school - a state awardee for best teacher - is a role model for the students. I had given him CDs of CN-1 & 5 earlier. He was profusely appreciating CN -5 and particularly the song "Vettalayile Maalai Kattu ..." which he has heard till now for nearly 500 times ! He had choreographed this song during the childrens' day celebrations. This song had made many teachers dance who had never even tapped their toes. The "thiruppavai .. tiruvempavai .." discourse has had a terrific impact on all. As you rightly said, if we bring smiles and happiness on all their faces, our job is done.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
DINDIGUL AMC – AN ABSORBING EXPERIENCE
Almost after four years since I completed my basic course, the opportunity came my way to attend the AMC course conducted by Shri. Arunji at Sirumalai Hills area off Dindigul.I do not have words to express the amount of affinity the participants have on Arunji.The course started off with an inspiring invocatory bhajan from him and the sessions that made the participants get active and more involved in knowing each other. From the first day evening, we started observing silence. In the present times with mobiles ringing all the time and with long conversations, to remain silent!!!….no way, that is what I thought in the beginning. But I was proved wrong, because the participants including myself maintained absolute silence in the days following.
From the second day, our mornings started with Sookshma Vyayaam. Yoga faculty Shri.Ashokanji got the best stretches from our body. No pain No Gain was the simple mantra which he kept on telling while egging the participants to do better. Shri. Damotharanji took us through a refresher of Suryanamaskara and his reminder of “Short term pain, Long term Gain” lingers in our minds.
Shri. Arunji started teaching us the meditations from the second day. We were given meditations of varying durations. These meditations showed me how to understand oneself under different situations and to stay calm during turbulent times. In the end, these sessions helped the shift from our minds towards our hearts.
Evenings – Sweet evenings - that is what the entire audience felt. When you listen to Celestial Nectar on the audio system itself, it takes you to the heights of ultimate joy. But when the singer himself is singing for us live on all the three days, the joy knew no bounds. The pain and strains which we experienced during the day sessions got vanished instantly.
During the Satsangs, Arunji answered to the questions posed by the participants. All the answers given by Arunji enlightened our knowledge and took us to the next step in our search for excellence.
On the last day sharing of our experience was a moving experience. After attending this AMC,I felt that it was an absorbing and memorable experience for me. Thanks to the Course Director Shri.Arunji and his able team of AOL Teachers Shri.Damotharanji and Shri.Asokanji who together made it possible. Dindigul is known for its famous locks. The hosts literally locked us all in the space of warm hospitality and love.
-Arvind
-Arvind
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Govinda aala Re
Little did we know that an extra ordinary experience was awaiting us at Coutrallam falls retreat which began on 21st h August with a moving rendition by the Course Director Shri.Arunji invoking the blessings of our beloved Gurudev and Mother Nature.
For decades now the famous drizzle and waterfalls would come to a close by mid -August; but not so this year. It was a veritable boon for so many of us traveling to this most popular scenic spot from almost all districts of Tamil Nadu and some even from the neighboring State of Andhra Pradesh. We were blessed with the bounty of Mother Nature throughout.
Biggest surprise was awaiting us after we finished our satsang on the penultimate day when we were invited by a group of teachers to witness the Gokulashtami celebrations at the campus rekindling the spirit of Govinda aala re, aala zara matki sambhal Brijbala. It was a hit film song of the 60s picturised on Shammi Kapoor. Mythology has it that Lord Krishna, who was fond of yogurt and butter, used to steal them with the help of his friends – Govindas. The 'Dahi Handi' -- earthen pot filled with yogurt tied on a rope at a height -- is broken by groups of youngsters known as Govindas. Jubilant mood reverberated the air with 'Dahi Handi' chasers gearing up to grab the prize money.
Whenever we had a break, we seized the opportunity to dash across to the falls like kids. One night when we were in Five falls communicating in sign language, people around thought that we were deaf and dumb adding to the ambience of laughter. Right from the opening day when we went for nature walk in the Palace grounds in silence, we could experience the magnitude of silence of the high mountains and huge trees. The way nature expresses herself here in silence on the Agastiya Hills is great.
The flow of knowledge from Shri. Arunji, the satsangs, Janmashtami celebrations, meditation sessions, food and hospitality were beyond words. Everything flowed like the great Coutrallam Aruvi itself. This was my fourth Advanced Course. Memories of this Course will remain etched in my mind.
Kudos to the Tenkasi team - Asokanji, Naina govindraj and Murugan Raj for hosting such a memorable event.
Sarada
Sunday, August 17, 2008
'CELESTIAL NECTAR 5'
“ThaenAmudham” (Celestial Nectar)-5, begins with an eloquent preface titled “Isai Thoranam” in Shri. Arunji’s divine voice that exudes grace and serenity.
“Vedathinulle”- a Bhajan on Lord Ganesha rendered with melody and devotion by Divya Raghavan, a well known devotional singer from Karnataka.
Shri. Arunji with amazing fervor and intensity portrays the emotion of Saint Vallalar’s “Thiruarutpa” “Petra Thaaithanai magamaranthallum” and blends it with his own all time popular Bhajan “Sankara Chandrasekara” finally concluding it with a reverberating Shiva Thandavam.“Krishnam Vandhe Nandhakumaram” with a prelude from Andal’s “Thirupavai” Ongi ulagalanda uthaman paerpaadi” will lift the listener to meditative bliss.
“Achyuta Kesava Govinda Madhava Deenadayal Prabhu Deenadayal” will ignite the plenteous energy in the listeners. I just love to dance standing on my toes whenever I hear this song. He has combined Bharathiyar’s lyrics “Kannan mugam marandhupoanaal – indha kangalirundhu payanundoo” wonderfully.
“Narayana Namo Narayana” in Raag “Hindolam” is a sublime rendition with utmost devotion. This beautiful bhajan helps one delve deep within and feel the bliss.
“Vishamakara Kannan” with excellent lyrics and a touch of hilarity is sure to be popular with everyone irrespective of age. It is in his own unique way that Shri. Arunji brings before our eyes the mischievous Krishna and his childhood pranks in the form of an enjoya
ble song.
“Vetrilayile Mala Kattunga” - a Bhajan on Anjaneya was created in Sri Lanka and the Bhajan has become very popular in “Thaen Amudham Satsangs”. The lyrics narrate the amazing qualities of Anjaneya and his benevolence. Smt. Shoba Chandrasekhar, a well known devotional singer, has rendered this duet.
“Buddham Sharanam” is a melodious Bhajan, sure to lead the listener on to an odyssey of spiritual bliss.
The Music by Shri.Sharavan is brilliant and is complementing well with the vocal singing. The chorus singing by Ms.Chitra Sherman and group is fabulous. The recording is excellent.
Some of the listeners have shared their appreciation:
“Celestial Nectar-5 is simply delectable to the ears and effortlessly mesmerizes the soul. I get to listen to it at home, on the road and at work.” - Ashok B. Chairman, KG Institute of Technology, Coimbatore
“It was a very pleasant experience for me to hear the new CD -Thenamutham-5. This is a masterpiece I would say. I enjoyed each and every minute of listening to the music. Each song flows one after another graciously like a cool breeze in a hot summer day. It made me to hum in the beginning, and then I was singing along and dancing at the end. The voice is so soothing and shiva thandavam took me into meditative state. In short, I will say listening
to Thaen amudham is like seeing a Rainbow. It has got all the colours and flavours.” - Sabari R Kandasamy, IBM, Bangalore
“Iam an Engineer in Erode District. I was hooked on to the Tamil bhajans composed and rendered by Shri. Arunji for some years now. I am a lead singer of an orchestra and we do several concerts every month. In our last concert I sang a piece from Arunji’s just released album Thaen Amudham 5 and the reception from the audience was overwhelming. I felt truly blessed and at once called Shri. Arunji to convey my heartfelt feeling on the excellent team work including the duet with Smt. Shobha Chandrasekhar. This album deserves to reach out to thousands beyond the AOL family because each number has turned out a winner and as the expression goes in Tamil the whole experience is ‘janaranchakam’” - Ravikumar, Gobichettypalayam
“Your CD titled "Thaenamudham" was a real thaen, nectar for the Rasikas. With depth, you have used Divinity and sublimity, raising one from the mundane to a spiritual level of Bliss. Your enchanting voice, interesting mode of presentation together with your profound wisdom are the God given gifts.
The selected "sooladis" for each song are superb. Preparing you with rapt attention for what is in store to tickle your emotion to sore high.
"Ongi Ulagalantha" and "Shankara Chandrasekhara" are the perfect setting for goshti gaanam; "Deenadhayal Prabhu" and "Narayana Namo" are in class by themselves; "Buddham Sharanam" and Sree Rama Jaya Rama" – at which one is immersed in Bhakthi Rasa. Oh! Vishamakkara Kannan – at which you are next only to Gopis,
Rhythm and melody are the two facets of music that you have brought out excellently well, inspiring the listeners in the path of Bhakti.” - DR.J.K.K.Munirajahh
Chairman, JKK Group of Institutions, Kumarapalayam, T.N
Shri.Arunji has been raising bhajan singing from the level of a classical concert to a still higher musical genre through his “Thaen Amudham” series of Bhajan Albums. He has captured the attention of the new generation of listeners who were estranged by the rigidity of the classical approach. In his endeavor to bring exposure of Bhajan singing to the Tamil speaking populace Shri. Arunji has been successful in bringing an involvement in the listeners and with the blessings of Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, he has been able to bring a spiritual upsurge in Tamilnadu in his own humble ways. This is not an album that is heard once or twice and stored away. It caters to what people are looking for in terms of soothing melody and lyrics that sustains their eagerness for repeat listening, very importantly beyond any barrier of language.
JaigurudevM.Gopalakrishnan.
“Vedathinulle”- a Bhajan on Lord Ganesha rendered with melody and devotion by Divya Raghavan, a well known devotional singer from Karnataka.
Shri. Arunji with amazing fervor and intensity portrays the emotion of Saint Vallalar’s “Thiruarutpa” “Petra Thaaithanai magamaranthallum” and blends it with his own all time popular Bhajan “Sankara Chandrasekara” finally concluding it with a reverberating Shiva Thandavam.“Krishnam Vandhe Nandhakumaram” with a prelude from Andal’s “Thirupavai” Ongi ulagalanda uthaman paerpaadi” will lift the listener to meditative bliss.
“Achyuta Kesava Govinda Madhava Deenadayal Prabhu Deenadayal” will ignite the plenteous energy in the listeners. I just love to dance standing on my toes whenever I hear this song. He has combined Bharathiyar’s lyrics “Kannan mugam marandhupoanaal – indha kangalirundhu payanundoo” wonderfully.
“Narayana Namo Narayana” in Raag “Hindolam” is a sublime rendition with utmost devotion. This beautiful bhajan helps one delve deep within and feel the bliss.
“Vishamakara Kannan” with excellent lyrics and a touch of hilarity is sure to be popular with everyone irrespective of age. It is in his own unique way that Shri. Arunji brings before our eyes the mischievous Krishna and his childhood pranks in the form of an enjoya
ble song.“Vetrilayile Mala Kattunga” - a Bhajan on Anjaneya was created in Sri Lanka and the Bhajan has become very popular in “Thaen Amudham Satsangs”. The lyrics narrate the amazing qualities of Anjaneya and his benevolence. Smt. Shoba Chandrasekhar, a well known devotional singer, has rendered this duet.
“Buddham Sharanam” is a melodious Bhajan, sure to lead the listener on to an odyssey of spiritual bliss.
The Music by Shri.Sharavan is brilliant and is complementing well with the vocal singing. The chorus singing by Ms.Chitra Sherman and group is fabulous. The recording is excellent.
Some of the listeners have shared their appreciation:
“Celestial Nectar-5 is simply delectable to the ears and effortlessly mesmerizes the soul. I get to listen to it at home, on the road and at work.” - Ashok B. Chairman, KG Institute of Technology, Coimbatore
“It was a very pleasant experience for me to hear the new CD -Thenamutham-5. This is a masterpiece I would say. I enjoyed each and every minute of listening to the music. Each song flows one after another graciously like a cool breeze in a hot summer day. It made me to hum in the beginning, and then I was singing along and dancing at the end. The voice is so soothing and shiva thandavam took me into meditative state. In short, I will say listening
to Thaen amudham is like seeing a Rainbow. It has got all the colours and flavours.” - Sabari R Kandasamy, IBM, Bangalore“Iam an Engineer in Erode District. I was hooked on to the Tamil bhajans composed and rendered by Shri. Arunji for some years now. I am a lead singer of an orchestra and we do several concerts every month. In our last concert I sang a piece from Arunji’s just released album Thaen Amudham 5 and the reception from the audience was overwhelming. I felt truly blessed and at once called Shri. Arunji to convey my heartfelt feeling on the excellent team work including the duet with Smt. Shobha Chandrasekhar. This album deserves to reach out to thousands beyond the AOL family because each number has turned out a winner and as the expression goes in Tamil the whole experience is ‘janaranchakam’” - Ravikumar, Gobichettypalayam
“Your CD titled "Thaenamudham" was a real thaen, nectar for the Rasikas. With depth, you have used Divinity and sublimity, raising one from the mundane to a spiritual level of Bliss. Your enchanting voice, interesting mode of presentation together with your profound wisdom are the God given gifts.
The selected "sooladis" for each song are superb. Preparing you with rapt attention for what is in store to tickle your emotion to sore high.
"Ongi Ulagalantha" and "Shankara Chandrasekhara" are the perfect setting for goshti gaanam; "Deenadhayal Prabhu" and "Narayana Namo" are in class by themselves; "Buddham Sharanam" and Sree Rama Jaya Rama" – at which one is immersed in Bhakthi Rasa. Oh! Vishamakkara Kannan – at which you are next only to Gopis,
Rhythm and melody are the two facets of music that you have brought out excellently well, inspiring the listeners in the path of Bhakti.” - DR.J.K.K.Munirajahh
Chairman, JKK Group of Institutions, Kumarapalayam, T.N
Shri.Arunji has been raising bhajan singing from the level of a classical concert to a still higher musical genre through his “Thaen Amudham” series of Bhajan Albums. He has captured the attention of the new generation of listeners who were estranged by the rigidity of the classical approach. In his endeavor to bring exposure of Bhajan singing to the Tamil speaking populace Shri. Arunji has been successful in bringing an involvement in the listeners and with the blessings of Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, he has been able to bring a spiritual upsurge in Tamilnadu in his own humble ways. This is not an album that is heard once or twice and stored away. It caters to what people are looking for in terms of soothing melody and lyrics that sustains their eagerness for repeat listening, very importantly beyond any barrier of language.
JaigurudevM.Gopalakrishnan.
Friday, August 1, 2008
“Isai Sorpozhivhu” (Musical Discourse) by Sri.Arunji at Coimbatore
The movement of the
Sun to the southern path is called “Dakshinayanam” and starts with the month of Aadi (16th July to 16th August). The month of Aadi is considered an auspicious month for poojas, prayers, listening to spiritual discourses etc. Marriages, house warming and other family functions are not conducted during the month and hence people find enough time and use it to spend on spiritual pursuits. Most of the temples and religious organizations conduct discourses, satsangs and Bhajans to bring people together in spiritual knowledge and devotion.Every year Sri Ayyappan Pooja Sangam, Coimbatore conducts “Aadi Utsav” a month long celebration of bhajans, discourses, and religious programmes. This year’s celebration began with Sri. Arunji’s “Isai Sorpozhivu” (Musical Discourse) on 16th and 17th of July and the topic was “Iraivan Koduthavaram Neengatha Selvam” (God’s grace is the everlasting wealth).A large audience both young and old generations thoroughly enjoyed two memorable evenings in the midst of knowledge, lively bhajans and blissful meditations.For th
e first time in an “Isai Sorpozhivu” the audience were spell bound by a Power Point presentation. It took everyone on a journey from the molecules present in the DNA of a plant to the Galaxy and the Milky Way. Sri.Arunji said that it is amazing to note that the human body is made of the same five elements of nature that are present in this universe. He took the opportunity to explain that deficiency diseases in the body like diabetes are caused by the high carbon content in the atmosphere. Deforestation has destroyed the natural habitat of wild animals and they are slowly encroaching human territory and he jokingly added that some of them had even taken human form. He requested everyone to join the Green Earth Movement and plant as many trees as possible to protect nature.
On the second day it was another wonderful power point presentation on the right attitudes one should inculcate. He gave some useful tips to couples to enhance their marital relationship at home. At this juncture he also highlighted the harm caused by the radiation from the cell phone towers. There are so many instances of domestic disharmony and discord and they were caused by the radiations emanating from the nearby Cell Phone Towers. He said even birds were well aware of the effects of the radiation that they avoid sitting on the Cell Phone Towers.Sri.Arunji said “Sathullathu than Swasam” (Breath is nutritious) Breath is energy and if it ceases life cease to exist. He spoke about the importance of “Pranayama” Meditations and “Sudarshan Kriya”. As it was Gurupurnima Sri.Arunji paid tributes to the Guru and mentioned about the significance of Gurupurnima. He also guided the audience to a blissful Full Moon Meditation.In between his speech he rendered Bhajans from “Thean Amudham” albums. When he sang “Ongi ulagalanda uthaman per paadi Naangal nam paavaiku chaatri neeradinaal” in his melodious voice, we felt that we were in a hea
venly atmosphere. His “Naryayana Namo narayana” was very pleasing to the ears. Some of the Bhajans like “Dheenadayal prabho dheenadayal” and “ Vishamakara Kannan” made the audience dance in their seats. On the second day they could not resist the urge to dance and we saw many of them dance for the song “ Anandam Anandam” at the conclusion of the wonderful program.Earlier his 5th Bhajan Album under the “Thean Amudham” (Celestial Nectar) series was released in the presence of Sri.C.G.Venkataramanan, Sri.N.V.Nagasubramaniam, and Sri.Ramani Shankar, of the Ayyappan Puja Sangam., Dr.G.Bakthavatsalam Chairman of K.G. Hospitals received the first CD.This programme gave a right introduction to Art of Living amongst the population of learned audience consisting of Chartered Accountants, Advocates, Architects, Doctors,Engineers, Corporate Executives and Educationists. Here is a sharing from a Corporate Executive “The aadi month opening programme organised by Sree Ayya
ppan Pooja Sangam was very special to all devotees since it started with a wonderful discourse by Sri.Arun Madhavanji. His performance was something indescribable in words. He had mesmerized the gathering with his eloquent speech and sang bhajans with ease and involvement. He has a divine voice and exudes love and affection. S.Natarajan /Senior Manager- Public Relations. LMW Ltd, Coimbatore.”
Finally as to the title of the discourse “
Iraivan Koduthavaram Neengatha Selvam” Sri. Arunji said “Neengatha Selvam” is not the material wealth which does not remain with any one for a longer time. The perpetual wealth god has bestowed on us is the smile, good health and the Attitude of Gratitude.
Sun to the southern path is called “Dakshinayanam” and starts with the month of Aadi (16th July to 16th August). The month of Aadi is considered an auspicious month for poojas, prayers, listening to spiritual discourses etc. Marriages, house warming and other family functions are not conducted during the month and hence people find enough time and use it to spend on spiritual pursuits. Most of the temples and religious organizations conduct discourses, satsangs and Bhajans to bring people together in spiritual knowledge and devotion.Every year Sri Ayyappan Pooja Sangam, Coimbatore conducts “Aadi Utsav” a month long celebration of bhajans, discourses, and religious programmes. This year’s celebration began with Sri. Arunji’s “Isai Sorpozhivu” (Musical Discourse) on 16th and 17th of July and the topic was “Iraivan Koduthavaram Neengatha Selvam” (God’s grace is the everlasting wealth).A large audience both young and old generations thoroughly enjoyed two memorable evenings in the midst of knowledge, lively bhajans and blissful meditations.For th
e first time in an “Isai Sorpozhivu” the audience were spell bound by a Power Point presentation. It took everyone on a journey from the molecules present in the DNA of a plant to the Galaxy and the Milky Way. Sri.Arunji said that it is amazing to note that the human body is made of the same five elements of nature that are present in this universe. He took the opportunity to explain that deficiency diseases in the body like diabetes are caused by the high carbon content in the atmosphere. Deforestation has destroyed the natural habitat of wild animals and they are slowly encroaching human territory and he jokingly added that some of them had even taken human form. He requested everyone to join the Green Earth Movement and plant as many trees as possible to protect nature.On the second day it was another wonderful power point presentation on the right attitudes one should inculcate. He gave some useful tips to couples to enhance their marital relationship at home. At this juncture he also highlighted the harm caused by the radiation from the cell phone towers. There are so many instances of domestic disharmony and discord and they were caused by the radiations emanating from the nearby Cell Phone Towers. He said even birds were well aware of the effects of the radiation that they avoid sitting on the Cell Phone Towers.Sri.Arunji said “Sathullathu than Swasam” (Breath is nutritious) Breath is energy and if it ceases life cease to exist. He spoke about the importance of “Pranayama” Meditations and “Sudarshan Kriya”. As it was Gurupurnima Sri.Arunji paid tributes to the Guru and mentioned about the significance of Gurupurnima. He also guided the audience to a blissful Full Moon Meditation.In between his speech he rendered Bhajans from “Thean Amudham” albums. When he sang “Ongi ulagalanda uthaman per paadi Naangal nam paavaiku chaatri neeradinaal” in his melodious voice, we felt that we were in a hea
venly atmosphere. His “Naryayana Namo narayana” was very pleasing to the ears. Some of the Bhajans like “Dheenadayal prabho dheenadayal” and “ Vishamakara Kannan” made the audience dance in their seats. On the second day they could not resist the urge to dance and we saw many of them dance for the song “ Anandam Anandam” at the conclusion of the wonderful program.Earlier his 5th Bhajan Album under the “Thean Amudham” (Celestial Nectar) series was released in the presence of Sri.C.G.Venkataramanan, Sri.N.V.Nagasubramaniam, and Sri.Ramani Shankar, of the Ayyappan Puja Sangam., Dr.G.Bakthavatsalam Chairman of K.G. Hospitals received the first CD.This programme gave a right introduction to Art of Living amongst the population of learned audience consisting of Chartered Accountants, Advocates, Architects, Doctors,Engineers, Corporate Executives and Educationists. Here is a sharing from a Corporate Executive “The aadi month opening programme organised by Sree Ayya
ppan Pooja Sangam was very special to all devotees since it started with a wonderful discourse by Sri.Arun Madhavanji. His performance was something indescribable in words. He had mesmerized the gathering with his eloquent speech and sang bhajans with ease and involvement. He has a divine voice and exudes love and affection. S.Natarajan /Senior Manager- Public Relations. LMW Ltd, Coimbatore.”Finally as to the title of the discourse “
Iraivan Koduthavaram Neengatha Selvam” Sri. Arunji said “Neengatha Selvam” is not the material wealth which does not remain with any one for a longer time. The perpetual wealth god has bestowed on us is the smile, good health and the Attitude of Gratitude.Jaigurudev
M.Gopalakrishnan.
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