'In the world, but not of it'

By Madhu Patel - India Post News Service -Chicago,IL,U.S.A.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

The Anila Sinha Foundation through its 'Kathak Nrityakala Kendra' in collaboration with "Katha Dance Theatre" of Minneapolis presented two part stories in Indian performing arts "Kathak tradition". The venue was Triton College Auditorium in River Grove, IL.

The five-part sequence program started with the famous Mantra "Aham Brahmasmi" (Sanskrit "I am God") which is the often repeated phrase in the Upanishads. In this ecstatic statement of enlightenment, "I" does not refer to the individuality or outer nature, but to the essence of the soul which is ever identical to the Supreme Being, God Siva or Brahman, as Satchidananda and Parasiva, one of four Upanishadic "great sayings," mahavakya. Opening was with the Prayer to the supreme source of eternal bliss, happiness and true wisdom.

Next, all uncontrollable human experiences, i.e. suffering, anger, jealousy passion, lust and how one tries to run away was told. Liberation of above experiences through self realization was delivered with a series of Shlokas. Showing the self struggle and ultimately winning over oneself attaining "Aham Brahmasmi" was depicted. Hinduism, using Sanskrit media, is a like a Banyan tree and scholars have credited it for spreading knowledge and influencing world religions. The Mantra "Aham Brahmasmi" is understood by Sufis.

As Junayd said, "Sufism is that you should be with God--without any attachment." Ruwaym ibn Ahmad said, "Sufism consists of abandoning oneself to God in accordance with what God wills." Sufism is similar to the "Bhakti Marg" of Hinduism, which is being followed by numerous devotees in India and famous personalities of past such as Narasinh Mehta, Shabari and Meerabai to name a few. After interval, "Sufism Remembered" started.

'In the world, but not of it' is the Sufi's ideal. Free from ambition, greed, pride and blind obedience to custom, the Sufi's heart abounds with love and laughter. "Sufis are essentially mystics who recognize an all-pervading reality above and beyond this material world and human understanding. The concept of "Aham Brahmasmi" is the ancient sages' gift to the world and humanity. The world famous poets like, Rabia al Basri, Meerabai, Lalon Fakir, Kabir, Amir Khusrau, Seyyed Hossein Nasr through their selfless love for the Almighty were presented in the Kathak Dances. 'Ab Lagan laagi', "Sahib mere ek hai", "Chaap Tilak" were really mesmerizing.

The program provided the harmonious combination of lyric, music and dance which, if one soaks up and really fine tune with the Almighty, gives the feeling that you can get high without drugs and alcohol. It was a wonderful evening for connectivity with peace. Though it was bitter cold outside, over 75 dedicated art lovers and devotees fought the weather to enjoy the peace. Choreographer Kiran Chauhan and her associate Rita Mustaphi were part of performing group of eight artists. Jaikishan Maharaj provided the music.