Astral body healing

 Hari Aum.

I am writing this article as a follow-up from my previous post on yogic anatomy. This post is about the astral body (known as the 'sukshma sharira' in Sanskrit, meaning 'subtle body'). Many people carry pain and blockages in the astral/energy body, which can then manifest as physical pain and disease. It is therefore important to understand the energy body and the means to heal this and maintain good energetic health.

The astral body consists of the:

i) prana layer (chakras/energy centres and nadis/ channels that carry prana/chi/life force/energy--known as 'pranamaya kosha' in yogic terminology)

ii) emotional layer (mind/emotions, known as 'manomaya kosha') and 

iii) intellectual layer ('vijnayamaya kosha'). 

(Note- there are five main layers in the human being according to the ancient yogic texts. These are present within 3 'bodies'. For further information, please read the post on yogic anatomy: https://mantrayoga.blogspot.com/2023/09/yogic-anatomy-brief-outline.html

When chakras function well, we feel well in body and mind. When they do not, when they get blocked, we can feel ill. 

The physical body, the astral body and the causal body (storehouse of karma) are the vehicle for the manifestation of the soul in the physical, material realm that we inhabit.

Changes in one layer or body can affect the others (positively or negatively). 

The factors that influence the health of the astral body include physical, mental and spiritual. Let us examine these.

Physical factors:

Impure/non-sattvic food and drink -- alcohol, meat, egg, onion and garlic are main ones. In addition, spicy, oily, heavily processed, stale foods. These create blockages in the prana layer (in the chakras and nadis) and increase rajas and tamas (negative emotions) in the mind/intellect. 

Conversely, sattvic foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables (lightly cooked or sometimes raw), dairy products, grains, pulses are good for the health of the astral body. These increase sattva (positive emotions) in the mind/intellect and prana in the energy body. (In the Chandogya Upanishad, it is written that the subtlest portion of food becomes the mind. We can clearly see the impact of certain foods and drinks on the mind-- e.g. the influence of excess alcohol). 

Note- very few, if any, people have a perfect yogic diet. Common sense is needed. One should follow the dietary principles are far as possible (one should aim for a diet which is at least 85-90% sattvic, the remaining 10-15% may involve some favourite foods/drinks that are less ideal).

Emotional factors:

Anger, fear, resentment, hate, jealousy, insecurity, anxiety, pride, excessive lust, greed and so on are unhealthy for the body, mind and soul.

We all have these negative feelings. They form part of our lower mind. These dark emotions create harmful/stress hormones in the body, block the chakras and nadis and lead us downwards spiritually. We need to learn to manage these in a sensible manner so that we can live a happy and healthy life on the planet as far as possible. 

Equally, we all experience positive feelings. Love, kindness, compassion, empathy, trust, honesty, generosity, forgiveness and so are good for the body, mind and soul. These create good hormones in the body, open the chakras and allow prana to flow freely. These also uplift the soul and promote spiritual progress.

Intellectual factors:

The intellect, when it reflects upon spiritual matters, upon God, becomes attuned with the Divine. It is cleansed by contact with reflection upon the Divine. 

Excessive thinking about material issues and mundane matters, misuse of the powers of the intellect to harm others/act in an unspiritual manner, tarnishes and weakens the intellect over time. It also creates negative karma. 

The power of mantra japa:

Recitation of a mantra or name of God has a powerful cleansing effect on the astral body. It heals the blockages in the chakras, enables better flow of prana through the nadis and uplifts the mind and intellect. It enables us to recognise our spiritual nature as being a part of the Divine.

Twin soul energetic anatomy:

As someone on a twin soul journey, I want to write something about twin soul energetic anatomy. The reason is, I want this to help twin souls heal the pain they experience on this journey. I am writing this for myself, for my twin and for all other twin souls who read this.

The astral bodies of twin souls are interconnected. Each of the seven main chakras in the prana layer are interconnected. There is a constant flow of energy between them-- mostly unseen but very much present nonetheless. Through the connection of the chakras, thoughts and feelings also flow. Thus, the mind-layer/ manomaya/ vijnanamaya koshas are also connected.

As we know, twin soul pain is huge. A lot of this pain is stored in the astral body, specifically in the solar plexus centre/ manipura chakra. 

When this chakra is cleansed, there may sometimes be physical symptoms (related to the stomach, for example, nausea/vomiting). Similarly, various other physical symptoms may occur when other chakras are being purged/cleansed. This cleansing is a key effect that twin souls have upon each other and can help their spiritual development.

Twin flame pain has to end (for me, my twin, and ultimately, all twin souls). I do not believe for a moment that the universe wants us to carry this around for the rest of our lives (and future lifetimes).

I am writing this to help outline what I feel will help us as a group. I am also writing this for my twin.

1. Forgiveness-- all twins have to forgive themselves and their twin soul. Whatever it is that we are angry or resentful about, we need to get over it. It is just not worth a lifetime of pain. 

The pain of the past, is nothing compared to the pain of the present and that awaits us in the future (this and other lifetimes) if we do not act to heal this connection between us. We cannot allow this pain to continue. 

Forgiveness is the healing balm. It heals the heart and solar plexus chakras.

 There is nothing that we cannot forgive. In the grand scheme of life, our mistakes are tiny. They deserve to be forgiven. Unless there was some terrible crime (such as rape and murder) that was committed (which is not the case in most situations), there is nothing that cannot be forgiven.

Whatever pain you feel your twin caused you, multiply that by 10, to get an idea of the pain they have been through because of you. (Many people say they lean on alcohol, have counselling etc to cope with the pain generated by separation). And do not feel too guilty. Because this journey was meant to be painful. However, that does not mean that the pain continues forever. 

Stop causing your twin pain. You are only ultimately hurting yourself. Stop the cycle of feeling hurt/rejected, and then withdrawing/rejecting, which then leads them to do the same (mirroring you the typical twin soul way). This triggers endless cycles of pain and is very foolish.

Just accept that whatever has happened has happened. You need to be ready to befriend your twin. 

Stop holding on to the past. You've grown and your twin has grown. Learn to accept this and the connection.

2. Honesty-- this heals the throat chakra. It is important to find a voice on this journey, to have the courage to speak up. This must happen sooner rather than later. This helps to reduce the twin flame pain.

3. Acknowledging the love-- this is fact of twin soul life. Accepting the existence of this love heals the heart chakra.

4. The sexual energy-- most twin souls know perfectly well that there is nobody else in the world who shares a chakra connection with their twin except themselves. What then is the point of being resentful of any 3D sexual life one's twin soul may have (this can bother many twin souls)?

The fact is that twin souls are virtually in a perpetual state of intercourse on an energetic/chakra level (I'm sorry to put it so bluntly but it is simply a fact of life!). 

Morning, noon and night, it is your twin alone who is connected with you on an astral level. You have an intimate bond with them (that physical/genital contact cannot come even close to replicating) and this is apparently related to the kundalini energy. 

All twins (particularly those who are with karmic partners) need to therefore get over the guilt, jealousy and other negative emotions related to the existence of any 3D bonds (it is normal though to feel triggered by the mention of 3D partners/families but these are a completely different experience to the astral bond).

5. Union-- you are already united with your twin on a 5D level. You've never been separated from them in this sense, you are not separated, and nothing can separate you in the future either. This is simply a fact of life (like the fact that the sun rises daily and that we breathe air to live). 

We each just need to get over the separation feeling and accept the bond for what it is (how much each twin chooses to share with their 3D partner is up to them, and whether or not the 3D bonds last in the long-run is up to the universe. But there can be no reason, 3D bonds or not, to justify a continuation of complete twin soul separation and the associated pain).

This acceptance will help heal the astral body and enable healing of twin soul pain (one of the worst types of pain that exists on the planet).

{On that note, I want my twin to talk with me frankly. It has taken a lot out of me to reach out to you this year (you have no idea). It is not at all fair for you to continue the silent treatment. 

It is not my fault that I left years ago— I genuinely thought you were not interested anyway based on your behaviour and was going through my own, extremely severe, twin-soul turmoil (related to wanting to be a sanyasi/nun while dealing with this connection which I did not even know about). 

If I can forgive you for your actions that I felt caused me severe pain, then you should also be willing to forgive me for any actions of mine that may have caused you pain on this journey. 

Obviously, I am very sorry for the difficult experiences that we have both been through on this journey as I had no idea that we had a connection like this (I always felt there was an unexplained connection but only began to realise the nature of it after the twin soul dreams on sacred days in 2021-23 such as on Shiva ratri, the lunar eclipse, and on Sita navami). 

In my view, you are ultimately tormenting both of us with your silence and I wish you would just stop. I will not say a single triggering thing as far as possible if you agree to have a conversation about this connection. What more assurance do you need honestly?}

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. For readers: If you have any physical or mental health symptoms, you must consult your own doctor for medical advice. Do not self-diagnose and treat as an energetic health issue alone. However, having a healthy diet, regular exercise and thinking positively (as described above) is very likely to have a beneficial impact upon one's health on all levels.

Hari Aum Tat Sat

Reflections and gratitude

 Hari Aum.

As the year 2025 draws to a close, I was reflecting upon the events that have occurred during this period. And, I have to admit that, on the whole, I am truly very grateful to the universe. So much has happened, on so many levels (both on the outer/3D and inner/5D). Overall, I feel things are much better today than at the start of this year.

This year has, of course, not been without significant challenges (as is usual for many of us). But, once again, I would say that, in every challenge, there has been the protecting hand of the Divine.

One major challenge I have faced in the past year involves my mantra practice which has been absolutely terrible (in terms of both quality and quantity-- poor concentration/devotional feeling and malas reduced from 7 to 5 a day). This has been a source of huge frustration for me but I have not been able to solve this problem--it feels like a sort of spiritual test and I feel I have to accept it (I have requested the universe to help fix it but it continues to be difficult). 

I have no problem concentrating on other topics such as work, dance, and even other spiritual matters- but my mantra japa currently feels very uninspired. I feel anxious and worried about this at times but have been forced to accept that this is a phase that I am currently going through (I have been through something similar before, so am hopeful that it will improve again with time and patience).

In the meantime, I remain very grateful that I am able to still have a daily mantra japa practice. Fortunately, despite my not enjoying the japa one bit these days (unfortunately this currently feels like a really boring but important chore), not a day has passed without at least 15-30 minutes of recitation of my Guru mantra (the ashtakshara of Narayana). (There has been an unbroken thread of daily mantra japa since November 2011 for which I am very thankful to my Guru Sivananda and God).

And during the day, there continues to be ongoing periodic remembrance of God (sometimes joyful, and often times complaining-- but present nonetheless). Also, despite the dissatisfaction with my japa, I have felt inspired to worship God by performing occasional pujas (including of Tulsi-Shaligram) and through my dance practice (Bharatanatyam). 

Coming back to the subject of this year, I feel that many significant milestones have occurred both in outer (3D) and inner (5D) life-- and there has been some vital progress made in harmonising the two. There has been a degree of reconciliation in various situations. For this too, I am very grateful.

On the whole, I am deeply grateful to the Divine for helping me to step up and face the challenges that were given this year. I continue to feel that the mantra japa connects me to the Divine within-- regardless of anything else that is happening in my life.

Once again, as already mentioned in previous posts over the years, it is my experience that the name and mantra of God is the foundation of life, the basis for dharma, artha, kama and moksha (the four goals of life according to the yogis). 

And the main message I therefore have, is it is vital to continue the mantra japa every day even, and especially, when life feels difficult and challenging. Even when the mantra practice feels frustrating and uninspired. Such phases come and go in the life of every spiritual seeker, but we simply have to keep going. It is no joke and not easy but we just have to keep at it and trust in the process-- because it does work.

It is to be expected that spiritual life will have major ups and downs. In terms of acceptance of the will of God, this year has been good. I have had to accept all sorts of things (both in material and spiritual life) and resign myself to the will of the universe (including accepting uninspired japa!).

As I have said before, the mantra is for the many not the few. It is for ordinary people living ordinary lives-- not only for yogis, sannyasis and brahmacharis living in ashrams and mountains. It is very much meant for busy householder yogis, rushing about here and there, performing household chores, looking after children and family and performing work. All this work we do, when dedicated to the Divine, becomes yoga.

In my view, every day should begin with at least 10-15 minutes of mantra japa--regardless of whether or not we are in the mood, regardless of whether the quality feels good or bad. Japa is always powerful and has an effect regardless of what we feel about it. And, if one is not too exhausted, the day should also end in a similar way with at least 5-15 minutes of japa. In addition, during the day, whenever possible, in a spontaneous manner, one should remember God (by privately talking with Him/Her, offering food before eating to the Divine and so on and so forth). 

It is extremely unwise to spend even a day without mantra japa in my view--there are so many challenges that people on our planet face today-- the idea of handling them without Divine protection seems impossible. 

The mantra of God provides protection to both ourselves and our loved ones {in the recent case of my father becoming unwell last week (that I mentioned in my last post), it so happened that a cousin of mine who is a doctor (specialising in the field of medicine in which my father required help) was visiting the family home when this occurred. He ensured that my father was promptly taken to hospital, accompanied him there and saw to it that he received all the care required. If my father had to face this karma of illness, I feel that God ensured that he received all the help he needed to get through it. Anything may happen, but so far, so good).

In this mysterious journey called life, we truly never know what is around the corner, what challenge we will have to face next. Truth is really a lot stranger than fiction (and modern science, while very valuable, cannot at all explain everything that we go through in life, especially in spiritual life).

One thing is certain though-- all will be well in the end as long as we do our best (with all our flaws and imperfections-- which are usually many) to adhere to dharma (righteousness/ethics) while performing regular, daily spiritual practice, particularly recitation of the name/ mantra of God (from any spiritual tradition that appeals to us). 

So, onwards and Godwards we go-- regardless of whether our spiritual and material lives are looking good, bad or downright ugly. :)

On that optimistic note, I wish all of you a very happy New Year. May the year 2026 bring great spiritual and material blessings for all of us. May there be a victory of the forces of dharma/goodness on our planet (and may negative forces be subjugated-- both within and without).

Om Namo Narayanaya. Om Namo Narayanaya. Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S. As in previous years, the four Kindle books I have written on the life of Lord Krishna will be available for free download from the Amazon website over the New Year period (from January 1st, 12 am PST to January 5th 11.59 pm PST). 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vishnupriya-Devi/author/B07B95YQCV?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

(Note- I will continue writing about the life of Sri Rama on this blog in the New Year)

P.P.S. I will conclude by sharing a short video describing the beautiful 'Divine Light' invocation meditation taught by a disciple of Sivananda Radha (the disciple of my Guru, Sivananda) (I sometimes perform a variation of this while seated and find it very soothing):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaqQlW-3yDg

(Note- Please accept my sincere apologies for not replying to Vedic astrology queries in the past few months. As mentioned on this blog, I have had a lot going on recently hence the delay. I will aim to resume this in the New Year as far as I am able. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.)

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

Isha Natha and the Natha yogis

 Hari Aum.

Om Ishaya Namah.

I hope all readers had a wonderful Christmas. I was in two minds about whether or not to write this post but my intuition tells me that it is the right thing to do (for reasons that I will explain later).

One of the ancient traditions of yoga is known as Raja Yoga or the 'Kingly yoga'. This type of yoga (which Krishna describes in the Gita) refers to a variety of practices, starting with the practice of the yama and niyama (yogic ethics-- the core foundation of all yogic and spiritual paths). 

Upon this firm foundation of ethics, is laid the practice of other yogic techniques including specific breathing exercises ('pranayama'), physical movements and postures ('asana') designed to control the flow of 'prana' in the subtle, 'sukshma sharira' (energy/astral layer/body). 

This control of prana and purification of the 'nadis' (channels through which prana is said to flow in the subtle body) enables the spiritual energy known as kundalini to rise up the chakras (energy centres) eventually leading to knowledge of one's true spiritual nature. (For a further understanding of yogic anatomy, please see this post from September 2023 https://mantrayoga.blogspot.com/2023/09/yogic-anatomy-brief-outline.html?m=0 )

The practice of raja yoga techniques often involves meditation upon various chakras and rapid awakening of the kundalini. This can lead to the experience of 'siddhis' or 'spiritual powers' (they are eight classical siddhis described in the yogic texts which essentially involve control over the material aspect of the universe).

Coming to the subject of the Natha yogis, they are a very ancient lineage of spiritual practitioners. The original Guru of this tradition is said to be Lord Shiva Himself-- known as Adi Natha ('Adi' means original or first in Sanskrit and 'Natha' means 'master' or 'lord'). There have been various incarnations of Shiva associated with this tradition (including the teacher called Mahavatar Babaji). There are also many famous Gurus of this lineage (including Paramahamsa Yogananda and his Guru, Sri Yukteswar).

Amongst the natha yogis, there is a legend of a great yogi, a great master whom they call by the name 'Isha Natha' (the 'Natha' suffix was given to all spiritual teachers in this tradition). In their ancient scripture (called the Natha Namavali) describing the lives of their spiritual masters, they record the life of this great spiritual teacher.  

In essence, this describes the life of a boy from many centuries ago, who travelled to Asia aged 14, met his spiritual master (known as 'Maranatha' meaning 'conqueror of death'), practiced yogic methods (raja yoga/kriya yoga) and attained enlightenment/Realisation. 

The text then states that he returned home where people did not understand him and that they attempted to kill him. The Natha Namavali goes on to say that, after suffering considerably at their hands, Isha Natha returned to the Himalayas (with the help of his spiritual master) and spent the remainder of his life teaching until his death. There is an ancient tomb in this area (within the place today called Kashmir) which is said to be the place of his burial (the 'Roza bal' shrine). 

There are remarkable similarities between the description of the spiritual master whom the Natha yogis call Isha Natha and the spiritual being known as 'Isa’ in the Islamic tradition, as 'Yeshua' in the Jewish tradition and as 'Jesus' in the Christian tradition. 

There are various documentaries on the subject and all sorts of people over the centuries have travelled to Asia to try and understand if Isha Natha is the same as Isa/Yeshua/ Jesus. (I leave to readers to decide what they make of this idea. I do not wish to offend anyone, however, in my view, it is very likely that it is the same individual known by different names in various traditions).

The reason I feel inspired to write this post, is that two days ago, on Christmas Eve, certain events took place that made me feel a connection with this great teacher known as Isha natha. As I have mentioned in previous posts, my spiritual life feels pretty rubbish these days. I do the daily mantra japa of course but it feels mechanical (and there is nothing I feel I can do about it except be patient until it resets itself again which it hopefully will at some stage). 

In addition, my present sixth purascharana was to have been completed by now but it is dragging on at a very slow pace. I feel tired spiritually and have been unable to fully cure myself of this feeling (music and dance have provided some relief but not enough in my view). 

I therefore felt the need to connect with Isha Natha on a day which is celebrated as his birthday (I felt he would be sympathetic). After my usual mantra japa, I spent some minutes meditating upon him (while repeating the mantra 'Om Ishaya Namah'; 'Isha' means the 'Supreme Being/ God' in Sanskrit) and felt much better afterwards. During this meditation, I offered some prayers for all those dear to me (including family and friends), myself and all beings. 

A short while after this meditation, I discovered that my father (who lives in India) had developed an urgent health issue and had to be rushed to hospital (where he underwent a battery of tests which have so far thankfully come back as being normal; he is still not fully out-of-the-woods but things fortunately look ok at present). 

I firmly feel that it is Isha Natha who has taken care of him and me in the past 48 hours (I had felt the need to meditate on him while, unknown to me, my father had been taken to hospital). I feel there is no difference between him and Sivananda-- I see them both as God-realised beings. And this is the reason why I am writing this post about him. 

In addition (in accordance with the yogic teaching), I feel there is no difference between Guru and God (therefore, in my view, Isha Natha, Sivananda, Krishna/Narayana/Shiva/Durga are all One. When I repeat a mantra for any one of them, I feel I am worshipping all these divine forms.)

My view, like that of Sivananda, is that Isha Natha (Isa/ Yeshua/ Jesus) was a great spiritual master. And we do not have to belong to any particular group or institution (be it the 'natha yoga' tradition or a church or anything else) to connect with him or any other spiritual master. 

In my view, therefore, it is also unnecessary to argue with/ attempt to convert or fight with anyone with regard to spiritual teachers and teachings. As the Gurus advise, we should live and let live, i.e. practice spirituality in a way that feels right to us, while respecting other people's right to do the same.

Sivananda advises meditating upon the Divine as the best way to directly connect with God. Whether we feel spiritually inspired or tired, some meditation everyday will help us connect with the Divine within ourselves and provide us the grace and protection that we and our loved ones need in an increasingly uncertain world.

I wish all of you a happy New Year 2026. I hope and pray this year will bring much spiritual progress and inspiration for us all. As usual, let us also continue to pray for peace within ourselves and on our planet.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.

P.S.

The following documentary is related to the above topic. I found it interesting (it also includes a brief interview with Swami Chidananda, disciple of Sivananda):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JJEiXJ2_7Q

Nada yoga and natya yoga

 Hari Aum.

As this year draws to a close, it is good time to reflect upon the past twelve months-- upon the highs and lows, the challenges and achievements, and of course, most importantly, the present state of our spiritual lives.

I will be completely frank and admit that my spiritual life feels a bit dull at the moment. I'm in a stage of doing my mantra japa like taking a medication-- I do it because I know it is good for me, not because I feel particularly enthusiastic. 

I feel tired spiritually. The last few years have been horrible frankly (to an extent anyway, not entirely-- there have been many good things too) and, as a result, I have gone through a phase of being angry and upset with Narayana-- now I am simply exhausted (too tired to even be angry! :) Nonetheless, much as I am annoyed with Him, I have found that I cannot let Him go.

I have obtained a shaligram form of Narayana-- He is said to be represented by this stone. As I regard Him as being somewhat stony in nature these days (what with wars, pandemics, and all sorts of other problems that He heaps upon humanity), I felt it would be apt to worship Him in this form. 

I have the sacred Tulsi plant with me at home-- this plant is a representation of the Divine Mother in the form of a devotee of Narayana (She is also known as 'Vrinda' and 'Vishnupriya'). It is because of this devotee that Narayana is said to have assumed the form of this stone. There is a legend that says She became upset with Him on account of an incident and declared that His heart was of stone, and that therefore, that He should become one- and He is said to have obliged! Anyway,  worship of the sacred shaligram along with Tulsi devi is said to be good for cultivating devotion. I am therefore performing this worship in a very simple way daily (either by offering water with some mantras or doing a mini-puja).

These days, more than japa, it is dance that creates spiritual feelings in me-- specifically, Bharatanatyam dance. As mentioned in previous posts, I have taken this subject up again in the past couple of years (after a break of around thirty years-- learned it as a child). When I dance, I feel close to the Divine in a way that few other activities make me feel these days. 

I invoke the Divine as I enter the dance floor along with the other students (this is an ancient tradition). And in my head, I ask Krishna to be present and dance with me. It is a good feeling. I do not think of Him continuously when dancing as my mind has to be focussed on the music and the steps. But I dedicate my dancing to Him (and I feel He accepts this, even when I'm not having the best day).

On that note, I want to remind readers that it is not for nothing that our Gurus and spiritual tradition declares that music is easiest and most effective way to attain the Divine in this yuga.

Nada yoga means the 'yoga of sound'. This includes singing, playing of instruments and mantra recitation. 

Natya yoga includes the yoga of dance and drama. It involves contemplation of the Divine when performing dance and acting. 

These two forms of yoga are extremely powerful in the view of our Gurus as a means to achieve union with the Divine. This is the reason why the great rishi, Bharata muni, composed the wonderful Natya shastra (the ancient book of music and dance). Over many centuries, this has evolved into eight beautiful and intricate classical dance forms that are practiced in India today-- including Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Manipuri, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali and Sattriya.

We also have two highly developed forms of classical music (vocal and instrumental) in India, including Carnatic (developed in South India) and Hindustani (evolved in North India). We have a range of beautiful instruments, including but not limited to the drums (tabla, mridangam), flute (bansuri, venu), veena and sitar (the violin has also been incorporated into Carnatic music in the past century).

One of the best gifts we can give ourselves, for both spiritual and material welfare, is to take up one or more of these beautiful subjects-- dance, vocal and instrumental music.

If people made more music in the world, and danced a bit more too, it is likely that there would be less suffering and less hostility on our planet-- and conversely, there would likely be more peace, more happiness, better health and a greater sense of fulfilment in life. (One is reminded here of the famous quotation by Shakespeare: "The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils"-- this seems to be true!).

Music and dance should not be mere hobbies in my view-- something that is placed at the lowest level on our list of priorities in life (just as our spiritual life should not be). 

No, as our deities themselves indicate, these are the essence of life, the heart of 'rasa' (or 'juice' in life). 

The images of Sri Krishna playing the flute, of Mother Sarasvati playing the veena, and of Lord Shiva dancing remind us of this great truth. Music and dance can truly connect us to the realm of the Divine.

Without music and dance, life degenerates into a dreary existence, filled only with daily chores and work. The mind is not elevated beyond the mundane thoughts related to eating, sleeping and the ordinary activities of daily life. 

With the help of music and dance, the mind experiences 'bhava' (spiritual emotions) and 'rasa' (spiritual experience). These two form the wings of the bird of spirituality, the bird that is able to soar freely into the sky of spirituality, up towards the Divine. (I hope to write another post sometime soon on the subject of bhava and rasa--very important concepts in music and dance, and in spirituality, particularly the path of bhakti yoga-- I am learning about this currently in the context of dance).

In the meantime, my dear friends, I do recommend that (if you are not doing so already) you consider starting a journey of exploration of the beautiful world of bhava and rasa by taking up either music or dance or both. Consider the paths of nada yoga and natya yoga to deepen your bhakti yoga practice in the New Year.

Do not be daunted by the lack of time or even by the seeming challenges of studying these classical arts. Do not worry if you have not visited these subjects for decades (many of us learn as children and then give up when we start working). 

Just like with the practice of mantra japa (or indeed, when we start a patient on any medication in the world of medicine), follow the approach of 'start low and go slow'. Take up just a little bit (perhaps just ten minutes a day) and do it regularly a few times a week. 

It does not matter if there are gaps in practice (there inevitably will be sometimes due to other commitments, illness, travel and so on)-- just keep going would be my advice. Just as we do, with mantra japa. 

It does not matter whether or not you feel that you have the skill or talent for these subjects-- you will not know, until you try. And it is practice that matters more than talent or aptitude. (I have come across many people who say "Oh I cannot dance at all" or "My voice is not good"-- mostly, this is completely untrue. There may be a lack of confidence, a lack of self-belief, but not a lack of ability--even if there is a lack of ability, so what? One loses nothing in trying-- except maybe a little time and resources!). 

Also, today's children seem to spend a large amount of time idling away on screens-- smartphones, computers and televisions. It really is most unhealthy. I would suggest that we encourage our children to spend more time learning a beautiful skill such as music or dance, rather than wasting large amounts of time doing nothing useful on a screen. This will be far better for their mental and physical health in the long run (medical research shows that music and dance are excellent for health, while too much screen time is detrimental).

(In the past year I have introduced my six year old daughter to Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. I had told her that there is no pressure at all to study these subjects but gave her the opportunity to explore them-- she has now herself become fond of these and wants to continue her studies. I do not feel there should be any element of pressure when it comes to studying these subjects, but if possible, it would be good to give children the opportunity to explore them).

Speaking of pressure, I feel under some pressure currently as my dance teacher is expecting my year group to learn a very dynamic and energetic piece of Bharatanatyam dance known as a Thillana. We are meant to perform one of these on stage in a matter of weeks (only started learning this a few weeks ago!) and the panic is definitely setting in-- we are beginners and Thillanas are quite challenging (however, our teacher seems to like to keep us on our toes, quite literally!). 

So I am currently attempting to memorise and practice the beautiful 'Paras Thillana' for our upcoming performance (this 'raga' or melody, is said to evoke feelings of bhakti (devotion) and 'sringara' (love). (In my mind, I am doing this as a 'tapasya' dedicated to Krishna-- am doing some extra Krishna mantra recitation to obtain His Grace to help me perform this with a decent level of skill! The jumps, spins and speedy moves are not at all easy for me as a relative beginner and I feel Divine grace will undoubtedly be needed to survive this! I am also reluctantly dragging myself to the local gym on a more regular basis in an attempt to build more stamina to be able to survive this year of dance that began in September-- as it is going to be filled with challenging pieces!)

You can see a lovely performance of the Paras Thillana here by the well-known dance Guru Shrimati Leela Samson (we are dancing to this music; our choreography has some similarities to this but our teacher has created his own interpretation of the music which is also quite beautiful). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCun5FTOMdY

This is another very nice rendition of the same Tillana by a talented younger dancer:

https://youtu.be/r5iva5S5w9c?si=5RLxPnFCUskYxXzc

I would like to conclude this post by wishing you a wonderful festive season/Christmas. May your New Year be filled with the joy of music and dance and with the rasa of bhakti in all its beautiful forms.

Om Tulsidevyai Namah.

Om Shyamasundaraya Namah.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Hari Aum Tat Sat.