ABANDONMENT

An abandoned person feels jealous of an orphan. Orphan knows no relations. Orphan knows no pain. Orphan doesn't go through the hell of abandonment and loneliness.

Person depends on even an abusive relationship only for the sake of 'belonging'. Even if the relationship is abusive, when the person is abandoned he goes through hell...because he has nobody to call his own.......

JUST VIBING......

 How we feel in someone's presence is the way they think of us!! I made this startling discovery a few years ago. We often wonder about other's true feelings about ourselves. By studying my inner reactions while in the presence of different people, it dawned on me that they actually make me feel what they feel about myself. They may sweet-talk all they want, but if you feel uneasy through it all.... that means they are faking all the goodness!!

If you squirm or feel uncomfortable or embarrassed in someone's company, it's a clear indication of falsehood from the other person. And a clear warning of an oncoming toxic relationship of any kind.

The other person may not say much, but when you are totally relaxed and feel like you are with yourself...this means ideal friendship and goodwill.

A woman when she discovers herself and is made aware of the wonders of her God-given feminine features and qualities in the presence of someone, that means she has met her right mate.....

A VERSATILE PURIST....

 

Versatility is a precious quality, a gift from God. It's an internationally celebrated word in the field of music and arts. Versatility originates from imagination and is by all means an offshoot of creativity. 

When musicians try various genres, their versatility is tested in their true representation of whichever genre they are handling.

Loyalty to a particular genre doesn't make one a purist. A purist is one who doesn't mix matters in genres and is able to present any genre in its purest form.......

Will resume blog soon....

 Blogging is laid back, away from social media traffic, like a hill resort. Missing the peace and quiet of blogging....want to get back to blogging...

RADHASHTAMI - 23rd September, 2023

RADHA MUKHA KAMALA - PAPANASAM SIVAN - KAPI - ADI

HAPPY VINAYAKA CHAVITHI!!

 

Sri. T. M. Thyagarajan Centenary Year

NARENDRAN AND MYSELF-CONCERT TOUR, US IN 1985, FIRST PHOTO- WITH SRI.TMT

 1985, US TOUR-

I was relieved to see my good friend Narendran (Trichur Narendran) walk into the house with his luggage and mridangam. The concert had to begin in an hour's time and we had to rush to the venue.

I asked him anxiously, "What happened? Why so much delay?!"

He replied tiredly, "As you know this concert was a last minute inclusion and all flights are full, being weekend. At least I managed to get a ticket by a late morning flight. Pittsburg to L.A is a long flight too."

I nodded sympathetically. We rushed to the venue and finished our concert.

Post concert buffet was a nice spread of home cooked South Indian vegetarian food. Caught up with tuning my Veena and preparing for the concert I could not eat anything after an early brunch. My stomach growled midway of the lengthy 3-hours concert. I was ravenous and glanced eagerly at the tempting spread.

The organisers led Narendran and me to the buffet table. I helped myself generously and was about to taste my first mouthful of aromatic avial, my favourite dish.

"At which age did you start learning Veena?" A lady standing next to me asked me eagerly, her eyes shining with adoration.

Trying to swallow quickly I answered, "At 5 or 6. I don't remember."

I eagerly lifted the second spoonful.

"Who are your Gurus?"

I answered patiently, trying to ignore my protesting stomach, "My parents."

Her eyes widened in delight, "How nice!!"

"Gayathri!! Can you remember me? Tell me who I am?"

A voice asked from behind me.

Placing the spoon on the plate I turned around to see an old man. He looked familiar and I looked at him puzzled.

"What was the song you played after Kalyani?" Plate in hand one lady from the other side was asking me ardently.

Next to her was another lady who held my right hand tightly, "Do you remember Uma, your mother's student? I am her Aunt. I live here in L.A." She said, beaming.

I spotted another group of people approaching me, plates in their hands. Gazing longingly at my plate I heaved a sigh of despair.

Narendran was next to me, "I want you to meet somebody."

He led me to a far corner which had 2 chairs and we sat down with our plates.

I asked curiously, "Who did you want me to meet?"

"Nobody! I lied just to make you escape from that group, so that you could have your dinner in peace. Even I am too tired and hungry."

I laughed in relief. "Thanks so much! Really, I'll tell you,  I was about to faint with hunger. Last thing I needed was to be bombarded by questions. My goodness!!" I rolled my eyes.

We ate in silence. We started our conversation after the initial hunger pangs started to subside.

"Narendran, I feel very stagnated. Feeling stuck in my mind musically. You know I was away from music for nearly 5 years. I went sailing with my husband for 2 years and after that my daughters were born. I became too busy with my personal life. I somehow feel my link has been cut off from music. I am feeling inadequate, I am unable to feel fully satisfied with what I am playing."

Narendran listened attentively. He ate a few spoonfuls in silence.

Lifting his head he said, "I think you must go to TMT."

My brows knit in puzzlement. "TMT?"

"T.M.Thyagarajan." He added, "I feel TMT is the only musician who can tap your creativity and release you from the stagnation."

My eyes grew big, "You mean learn from him?!"

"Ya, that's what I meant." He nodded .

My mind worked on the idea, and it began to grow in my thoughts. Even before the end of my concert tour I found myself impatient to reach India to meet the great legend-TMT.

Incredible Cello......

CELLIST SHEKHAR

My good friend and colleague in the film industry, Cellist, Shekhar (son of legendary Kunnakudi Sri. Vaidyanathan) is one of the senior most, topranking and highly sought after Cellists in the cine field. We both recorded our respective instruments together as part of many orchestras for innumerable film recordings and re-recordings for many years. While I branched out into the field of Carnatic music Shekhar continues to play the Cello for leading music directors in the South Indian film industry even today.

In the above clipping he has rendered 'Manasa Sancharare' on the Cello. It's an unheard of feat. Performing the main melody, and that too a Carnatic piece and so aesthetically!!!  I am baffled and speechless to say the least. Mind-blowing!!

CELLO

 

Blissful Seva

This blessed couple and their sweet baby Aindra lead a blissful life of 'seva' in my most favourite place in the whole world-Vrindavan. This Russian gentleman and his wife, previously a Ukrainian model lead a life filled with golden moments of service to Krishna devotees and cows and other animals. Watching their 'seva' is absolutely blissful...... (courtesy- Krishna's Food&Travel). 

MARS IN ARDRA ( 27TH MARCH TO 22ND APRIL, 2023)- RUDRA THANDAVAM

RUDRA THANDAVAM

The fiery planet Mars entered Gemini (owned by enemy Mercury) on the 13th of March, 2023. Bracing for the entry of Mars into all the 4 padas of Ardra nakshatra (owned by Rahu) from 27th March to 22nd April, hardly 2 weeks away from now. Period of turbulence. Unexpected events, certainly not of a pleasant kind can be anticipated. One may recall Mars transit in Ardra nakshatra between 24th April to 17th May 2021 when people's lives were tossed and turned due to the nightmarish second wave of Corona.

With the threat of H3N2 and H1N1 looming large, precautions in general and in personal matters (nature of problems depends on Gemini's position from one's moon sign or ascendant. The placement of one's natal Mars, or its Lordship of Dasa- Bhukthi also have to be taken into account). Prayers to Lord Subramanya or Lord Narasimha can help to some extent.

Ardra being the nakshatra of Lord Rudra, parayanam (chanting) of Shiva Kavacham is highly recommended. 

In the meantime the planet of communication Mercury enters Aries (owned by Mars) in a parivartana yoga (exchange yaga) with Mars. Mercury remains in Aries between 31st of March to the 14th of May. Prior to its retrograde movement Mercury becomes stationary around the 21st of April just as Mars prepares to leave Ardra. The movement and condition of the planet of speed and communication Mercury has to be tracked for its significant impact on Mars and vice versa.

Om Aim Hreem Shreem Shashaankasekhara Praana Vallabhaayai Namo Namaha.......

          HANDWRITTEN BY SMT. KOORMANAYAKI

(Mobile recording at home, Chennai on 11th February, 2023)

This ghazal-style-romantic devotional song is penned by Sri. Basavaraju Apparao.

Music is by the legendary Sri. Voleti Venkateswarulu and originally sung by melody queen Smt. Vedavathi Prabhakar and broadcast by All India Radio, Vijayawada in the 60s.

This haunting melody tempted me to me to try it out on Veena (impromptu) during my practice which I casually recorded on my mobile phone. The melody brought visions of love between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in Sri. Kalidasa's Kumarasambhava.

Kumarasambhavam-

Upaathavarne Charithe Pinaakinaha Savaashpakanthaskhalithaihi

Aneykashaha Kinnararaajakanyaka Vanaanthasangeethasakheerarodayath.

Meaning- Parvathi was going to the woods for learning music with Kinnara maidens who are famous for their sweet voices and knowledge of music. There they all used to sing in praise of the heroic deeds of Shiva. The songs used to make a powerful impression on Parvathi, that she often wept and could utter only faltering words, her voice being choked with tears. The princesses of Kinnara, sympathising with the lovelorn Parvathi wept along with her.