Ilayaraja's impact in my life

Ilayaraja, my all time favorite music composers ever... its really difficult for me to express my love for his music. I don't remember when I was introduced to his music, but his catchy melodies always captivated me.

When I was a child, I observed songs on hero's names like "Chiranjeevi's song", "Nagarjuna's" or "Venkatesh", later I understood the face behind such an alluring composition. I am immensely fond of that earthiness, encapsulated with typical south Indian native hymn, in his music. I am endeared anything that is grounded and also being a south Indian, I effortlessly get jolted by his music. Perfect harmony and balance between the music and lyrics is the typical mark I behold and relish the most of his compositions.

Ilayaraja

 His compositions touch almost all emotions we could ever feel. His music and background score certainly elevates the movie to the next level. He is one of the finest musicians and so consistently affluent boon to the filmmakers to showcase nativity, romance and freshness in their movies and that fascinates me a lot. Geethanjali, Rudraveena, Sindhu Bhairavi, Vasantha Kokila, Swathi Muthyam, Nayakudu, Aradana, Dalapathi.. many such irreplaceable and incredible movies came out with his combination. Out of all, somehow I always get mesmerized by Raja's "Mouna Ragam" movie(directed by Mani Ratnam). I think, along with an elite story content and actors, compelling back ground music has made me to watch that movie countless times since my college days. I still do :)

I feel Ilayaraja's music is like celebrating in solitude, pure music that restores sanity, sanctum of emotion's amalgamation. I enjoy the pleasure of listening to his music to the core, while watching rain or moonlight and stars in the sky. I know it sounds a bit fantasy and quite unlike to the city folks! Its fact too, but I try to make it possible occasionally, of course nature's cooperation indeed. 

Some of my all time favorite Ilayaraja songs that stir my soul:

1. "Maaterani chinnadani.." song from "O papa lali" movie.

2. "Karpoora bommavu nuvve" song from "O papa lali" movie.

3."Lalitha priya kamalam.. " song from "Rudraveena" movie.

4. "Kathala kalpanala.." song from "Vasantha kokila" movie.

5. "Neelala kanullo.." song from "Nayakudu" movie.

6. "Mallepoola challa gaali.." song from "Mouna ragam" movie.

7. "Singarala pairullona.." song from "Dalapathi" movie.

8. "Alupannadi vunda.." song from "Gaayam" movie.

9. "Challa gaali.." song from "Yevade Subramanyam" movie.

10. "Ma papalu tholaginchu.." song from "Shirdi Sai Baba Mahatyam" movie.

" Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. " ~ Plato

Connection between the lines - SOLITUDE

Everyone knows what solitude is, but I try to put my point here: It's a state of being alone not lonely. Though it looks similar to the outside world, there is a huge difference between the both. Enjoying our own company without external entertainments and dependencies is solitude whereas missing someone else's company or depending on other stuff is loneliness. In brief, solitude is a choice and loneliness is by force.

Sometimes I like to be in solitude. At that point of time, I practice meditation or just sit in silence or I talk to myself as if I am my own best friend or have a cup of coffee. It helps me to connect with my inner self. Our inner self is what we actually are, not the personality we carry. Personality means a mask, we choose to project to the outside world and it depends upon our ego. Inner self depends on our consciousness. Connection with inner self favors me to understand my being better and aids to improve my perceptions. That makes me feel and experience the true joy. This refreshment forges me to align with life, radiate love and peace.

" You are born alone. You die alone. The value of the space in between is trust and love."

~ Louise Bourgeois 

           

The WAIT with patience

Nothing worth having comes easy, no matter how much the struggle might be. This has always been a tough time with me. If the wait is inevitable, then its our choice to perceive the phase in optimistic way or pessimistic way. In case of optimism, patience and faith are the virtues that strengthen us and retain to our inner self. Patience controls the impulses and boosts the self control whereas impatience shoots up irritation and temper.

My artwork

It's really hard to maintain patience all the time and isn't always easy, as we want things to happen according to our own plan. But God's timing is always perfect, better and higher than our own. God just tests our perseverance. Having patience for whatever we are waiting for without give up, is the key I count on.

" All good comes to those who wait.. " ~ Sri B

As everything happens for a reason, it's wise to utilize the waiting period for good. Because every moment and situation we face in our life, favors to understand the Self, our purpose and to grow as a person, which indirectly helps us to radiate more love and peace.

" Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty.. I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great people who led difficult lives and led them well. " ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Gratitude mindset makes us to live life the way it is, instead of thinking about the future or what we don't have now. The present is what we have in our hands, not past or future. It's our option to create heaven or hell out of it. Once Swami Rama asked a mantra for "Happiness" to his Master. His Master smiled at him and said, "Create your own happiness wherever you are and whatever your circumstances might be. If this is what you are, you can walk even hell as though its heaven! This is Happiness mantra my son."

" Sita, wife of Lord Rama, an important character from a famous Indian epic Ramayana, has been given the highest respect in Indian mythology and she was one of the "Panchakanyas". It's all because of her patience, faith and commitment. 

She not only undergone a lot with patience during the exile period, but unveiled the extreme patience and steadiness during her abducted period by demon Ravana. The strength behind her is, faith on her husband Lord Rama. She believed that Rama would come and save her from that tantrum. Finally, what she believed came true!! "

So rather than thinking about our petty disappointments and  impatience, its beautiful to handle the present as joyful as possible with what we have and what we can do, to make the waiting period a sensible journey.

" The fruit falls from the tree when it gets ripe. So wait for the time to come. Do not hurry. Moreover, no one has the right to make others miserable by his foolish acts. Wait, have patience, everything will come right in time. "  ~ Swami Vivekananda  

Conversation between Guru and Shishya - Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda

" A guru is an amalgamation of two words GU and RU. GU means darkness and RU means light: that which dispels the darkness of ignorance is called guru. He has no other desires but teaching those aspirants who are prepared without expecting anything in return. Guru and shishya is such a pure relationship that no other relationship is even comparable. " ~ Swami Rama

Narendra, later took renunciation and named as Swami Vivekanada was an extraordinary intelligent man with curiosity to see God. As a part of his search, he met many preachers and God followers, but he did not convince by anyone.

After a quite long time, he was informed about yogi Ramakrishna Paramahamsa by one of his lecturers. Then he met Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in Dakshineswar and raised his inner quest to him. Ramakrishna told Vivekananda that he could not only see god, touch and talk to her as close as he was talking to Vivekananda. But he did not believe Ramakrishna and thought that he might be suffering from mental hallucinations, that made him to imagine so. But Vivekananda was not able to resist not to meet Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna too showered lots of love and affection over Vivekananda, whenever he met him.

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda

Once a rare conversation happened between Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda:

• Swami Vivekananda: I can't find free time. Life has become hectic.
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Activity gets you busy, but productivity gets you free.

• Swami Vivekananda: Why life has become complicated now?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Stop analyzing life that makes complicated. Just live it.

• Swami Vivekananda: Why are we then constantly unhappy?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.

• Swami Vivekananda: Why do good people always suffer?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trails, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.

• Swami Vivekananda: You mean to say such experience is useful?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Yes. In every term, experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons later.

• Swami Vivekananda: Because of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading..
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside, eyes provide sight and heart provides the way.

• Swami Vivekananda: Does failure hurts more than moving in the right direction?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.

• Swami Vivekananda: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessings, not what you are missing.

• Swami Vivekananda: What surprises you about people?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: When they suffer, they ask, "why me?". When they prosper, they never ask, "Why me?"

• Swami Vivekananda: How can I get the best out of life?
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

• Swami Vivekananda: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: There are no unanswered prayers. Keep faith and drop the fear. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.

Vivekananda, was still in an uncertain state of mind even after multiple meetings with Ramakrishna. Then to dispel Vivekananda's dilemmas and confusions, Ramakrishna placed his feet on Vivekananda's chest and revealed him a brief insight of the power of his inner self which had left Vivekananda in a trance. Then he decided to renounce and started his journey as a monk. 

" All that I am, all that the world itself will someday be, is owning to my Master, Shri Ramakrishna. " ~ Swami Vivekananda

Image source: http://adhyatmikta.com/author/admin/page/5/

Shirdi Sai miraculous prevention of cholera epidemic

It's a truth by evidence that Shirdi Sai Baba is a miraculous healer. There were many people of his time who got healed from stubborn deadly diseases. One of such cases was the prevention of a cholera epidemic.

Shirdi suffered from cholera epidemic in 1910 AD. The administration of those days tried and did everything to control the people's sufferings, but the efforts were not sufficient. Later, some people approached Sai Baba and pleaded for help. Then Baba picked up a grinding stone and began to grind wheat. His devotees surprised by his acts, as Baba was a person who possess nothing, store nothing and live on alms. The villagers came to see Baba's act, once the new spread in the village. Four women, absolute devotees of Baba, came forward from the crowd, pushed Baba aside and started grinding. At first Baba was angry at them, but on seeing the women's love and devotion, he was pleased and began to smile.

While grinding, those women thought, Baba's will was to distribute the grounded flour among them. Because he was renounced man, had no house to store, live on alms. Once the grinding work was finished, they started dividing the flour into four portions. Baba, who was quiet and calm till now, started scolding them and ordered them to sprinkle the flour on the village borders. Those four women obeyed Baba's orders. Miraculously from then, the cholera epidemic started to subside, patients recovered and Shirdi village was completely free from cholera.

" The sages find pleasure in suffering to help others. This is beyond the conception of an ordinary mind. Human history has provided many instances of spiritual leaders who healed people and suffered for them. When individual consciousness expands itself to cosmic consciousness, it becomes easy to feel delight in suffering for the sake of others.

Pain and pleasure are a pair of opposites experienced when the senses contact objects of the world.  Those whose consciousness has expanded beyond the sensory level get freedom from this pair of opposites. All such healing powers flow through the human being from the one source of consciousness. The moment the healer becomes conscious of his individuality, that spontaneous flow of healing power stops.
  
Healing is a natural power in man. A human being is fully equipped with all necessary healing powers, but does not know their usage. The moment he comes in touch with the healing potentials within, he can heal himself. All the powers belong only to one God. A human being is only an instrument. " 
~ Swami Rama

Referring to the current scenario, the whole world is suffering from COVID-19 now. I am desiderating and how astonishing it could be, if such miraculous healing is done! But I believe miracles may not always be visible, they could be done by bright beings beyond this physical sensory world.

So our part as a responsible citizen is self quarantine till the pandemic and epidemic is under control. Because it's not deadly to young people, but the sheer risk to older people. Youngsters may become carriers of the virus and older people the victims. However, I pray God from the bottom of my heart, to calm down the pandemic as early as possible.

Minimalist living - a way of life

Recently I came to know about a concept, Minimalist living. It's a life style based on the quote "Less is more".

Origin of the word Minimalism:
Minimalism was a movement in the visual arts and music, originated in America in the late 1960s. Its aim was to explore the essential objective and pure visual elements of an art form by stripping away gestural and personal elements. 

My sister's living space

Minimalist living is purposefully living with the things that are really needed. A minimalist's core philosophy is choosing the things they value most and removing the unnecessary stuff that distracts them. It is believed that materialistic possession is directly related to the mind. Removal of excess possessions makes mind focused on those things that really matter the most. So the mind will be more clear and focused.

Minimalist life is against an ideology that good and happy life is all about possessing and accumulating more and more things. They believe happiness lies within, not in needless possessions. Once the outer mess has been removed, there will be a space to emphasis on and spend time with the self. It makes to value relationships and life experiences rather than a marathon to consume as much things as possible. They apply the same concept in all aspects of their life like finances etc. It gives content and abundance in life.

A minimalist life is free from a modern race as they keep only the essentials. They aspire for the commodities that add value to their life. Their lifestyle works in all situations and circumstances.

Clean and clutter free space, more confidence, fearlessness, more happy and content, more peace of mind, good health, better relationships, more freedom and focus on important things are the advantages of being a minimalist.

Most of the highly successful and productive people are minimalists.

Example:
The late Steve Jobs who was a Zen Buddhist, self made billionaire, creative genius lead a minimalist lifestyle. He lived with his wealth like a water droplet on the lotus leaf.

"Deciding what not to do is as important as what to do."
~ Steve Jobs

"Simplicity, clarity, singleness: These are the attributes that give our lives power and vividness and joy as they are also the marks of great art." ~ Richard Holloway

Though I am not a minimalist, I believe in "Live simple and think high". As a point of fact and based on my limited experience, minimalism concept makes sense to me. Because whenever I clear unnecessary things, clean and organize my space as a part of my daily routine, I instantly feel positive vibes like refreshment, relaxation and ease. It truly impacts mind.

Oneness love

This is one of the beautiful pictures I have come across that depicts Oneness love!!

Oneness love is a highest of love that includes peace, harmony with no fear and equality with all forms of life around us.

" How deeply you touch another life is how rich your life is. " 

~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Image source: https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/fj1h1k/this_is_what_true_love_looks_like/