Installation of statues at new Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine

The upcoming Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine is planning to install statues of Ganesha, Murgan and White Nandi on September 10, 2021 the day of Ganesha Chaturthi. The Nandi statue has been created in the same white marble stone as the statue of Shirdi Sai Baba.

The photographs below were taken on August 23. First the statues are immersed in water, next the statues will be kept in individual boxes and fully covered in 9 types of grain. Finally the statues will be immersed in milk.

Facing the Shrine, Ganesha will be installed at left, Murugan at right and White Nandi on plinth in front of Shrine 

Lord Ganesha immersed in water

Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan

Power of Sound—The Solfeggio Frequencies

“Concerning matter, we have been all wrong. What we have called matter is energy, whose vibration has been so lowered as to be perceptible to the senses. There is no matter.”

[Albert Einstein]

Solfeggio Frequencies are a collection of musical sounds that originated from the historical Gregorian Monks who chanted different frequency tones during religious practices.

The chanting is named after St. Gregory the Great, who was Pope from 590—604 A.D. The melodic sounds of the Gregorian era are unique with no patterns of rhyme or instrumentals. The tones range high and low and there is often no structure to how they are performed by choirs.

In 1974 Dr. Joseph Puleo studied the Solfeggio Frequencies and said the music penetrates the conscious and subconscious mind. He used a numerological technique to decipher repeating codes that were present throughout the music. The Solfeggio Frequencies are used in the present day in many forms of healing practices across the world. Each frequency tone is said to raise vibration.

The different Solfeggio Frequencies are:-
174 Hz: For the relief of Pain and Stress
285 Hz: Heals Tissues and Organs
UT 396 Hz: Eliminates Fear
RE 417 Hz: Wipes out Negativity
MI 528 Hz: Repairs DNA and Brings Positive Transformation
FA 639 Hz: Brings Love and Compassion
SOL 741 Hz: Repairs Cells and Organs
852 Hz: Awakens Intuition and Raises Energy at Cellular Level
963 Hz: Connects to Higher Self


All Solfeggio Frequencies are said to have a positive outcome by eliminating negativity and promoting higher connections to the Self.


Below is a video of all 9 Solfeggio Frequencies that promote emotional and physical healing. Wishing all the Blessings of Arunachala Grace and Light.

2018 Kathiri Veyil at Siva Temples, Tiruvannamalai

Kathiri Veyil is the period when the Sun or Surya passes through the star Krittika. The period is considered to be the peak summer season. In 2018, Kathiri Veyil in the Tamil Calendar started at 11.05 a.m.,  May 4, 2018 and will continue until May 28, 2018. As its the peak summer season the period is considered inauspicious and therefore some refer to it as Agni Nakshathra dosha. 

The passing of the sun through 3rd and 4th quarter of Bharani Nakshatra and the four quarters of Krittika and the first quarter of Rohini Star is the period of Agni Nakshatram.

Popular superstitions for this 21 day dosha (inauspicious period) are;  journeys made through this time will be unsuccessful, money given will not be returned and disease/illness will not be easily cured.

Some believe it better to avoid the observance of auspicious events during this period. In addition, things to be avoided are the construction of; new ponds or wells. The making of new gardens, cultivation of fields and the planting of trees, bushes and saplings. 

When the peak of the summer season, better known as kathiri veyil or agni nakshatram commenced at 11.05 a.m. 4th May, 2018. a thara pathiram (vessel) filled with rose water was set on top of the linga at Temples dedicated to Lord Siva to reduce the intensity of the sun rays and heat in the sanctum sanctorums.

The Lingam with thara parthiram in the below photos are that of the Temple of Lord Thondareeswarar at Tiruvannamalai. 

The Day Sri Seshadri Swamigal left Tiruvannamalai

In his 40 years at Tiruvannamalai, there was only one occasion that Sri Seshadri left this place, and that was only for just one hour. The story goes like this:

In the village of Seelaippandal, a Dikshidhar was doing puja in the house of one T.S. Jagadeesa Iyer.  He was considered as a “Guru” and the people in the house showed immense affection and regard for him. But because of his past karma, the thought of dishonesty grew in him. On two occasions he stole a hundred rupee note and a gold necklace weighing 8 sovereigns from the house and buried the same beneath the sanctum of the village deity. Three months elapsed. Even though a thorough search was conducted in the house, the lost articles could not be found.

Jagadeesa Iyer used to reside at Sannidhi street in Tiruvannamalai and when he had work visited Seelaippandal by horse drawn cart six miles distant. Once when he was on his way to the village, Sri Seshadri Swamigal asked if He could accompany him in the cart. Jagadeesa Iyer replied “This is Your vehicle. Please get in and we shall go”.

On the way Jagadeesa Iyer mentioned to Swamiji about the theft in his house. Swamiji replied that the stolen articles would be found that day. As soon as they reached Seelaippandal, Swamigal said, “The thief is in your house. The thief is in your house. There is a dog. I am leaving” and with these words He hastily left the house and returned to Tiruvannamalai on foot.

After Sri Seshadri Swamigal left Seelaipandal, the village officials gathered at Jagadeesa Iyer’s house and disclosed that the Dikshidhar had been seen digging at the sanctum of the village deity and it looked suspicious.Then they persuaded the Dikshidhar to come and made him confess.

The entire village crowded near the temple of the village deity. The Dikshidhar called, “O! Goddess! Even though I had taken refuge under You, You betrayed me! See what I will do to You”. He then tore the idol from its foundation and retrieved the cash and jewellery that had been buried underneath. Jagadeesa Iyer was content that his stolen property had been returned.

Young Sri Seshadri Swamigal

Western Pilgrims at Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar Ashram

The below video is of group from Russia visiting Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar's Ashram. 

After individual interaction with each member of the Group, Swami distributes prasad. The video ends with the Group Leader feeding cake to participants. 

November 2016 Supermoon -- special Poornima

The largest, brightest full moon in nearly seven decades will be on display in the coming days, promising Earth-bound sky-watchers a celestial "supermoon" spectacle. 

The full moon will come nearer to Earth than at any time since 1948. At closest approach, the moon will pass within 216,486 miles (348,400 km) of Earth's surface, about 22,000 miles (35,400 km) closer than average. 

The moon's distance from Earth varies because it is in an elliptical (egg shape), not circular, orbit around the planet. 

A supermoon will seem even larger if viewed on the horizon

If skies are clear, the upcoming full moon will appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual, making it what is called a supermoon. A supermoon occurs when the timing of a full moon overlaps with the point in the moon's 28-day orbit that is closest to Earth. About every 14th full moon is a supermoon. The next time a full moon comes as close to Earth will be in 2034. 

Moon spotters here in India are perhaps the best placed to catch the moon at its absolute largest, with full moon on November 14, 2016 and occurring at 7:22 p.m. 

To find out more about Supermoons, go to this link for 5 suprising facts about this phenomenon.

The Dasha Lingams: Surya Lingam

The arrangement of the Asta Lingams around the octagonal perimeter of Arunachala reflects the geometry of a Cosmogram. The octagonal shape is surrounded by a total of eight Lingam Temples (Asta Lingams). Each of these Temples are located at the four cardinal and four inter-cardinal points. This was also believed by the ancients who originally constructed the Lingams at their eight cardinal and inter-cardinal points to represent, characterise and vitalise certain aspects and qualities of life in relation to specific fields of energy and influence. 

For more information about the asta lingams, go to this link here: 

The guardians of the four cardinal directions are called the Lokapalas and are the deities who rule the specific directions of space. The name for the eight deities, four of the cardinal and four of the intercardinal directions is 'Asta-Dikpalas.’ 

Asta Lingams: 

Indra Lingam (East) 

Agni Lingam (South East) 

Yama Lingam (South) 

Niruthi Lingam (South West) 

Varuna Lingam (West) 

Vayu Lingam (North West) 

Kubera Lingam (North) 

Esanya Lingam (North East) 

The Lingams have the dominant Navagraha of the God to whom they are associated. It is believed that placating a specific Lingam will bring various benefits that are associated with the respective Navagraha. 

As well as the Asta Lingams which I have given details of in the above link, there are two additional Lingams on the girivalam roadway which according to the oral tradition of the region are part of what is considered the “Dasha Lingams” of Arunachala. 

Those two additional Lingams are the Chandra Lingam and the Surya Lingam. My previous post gave information and photographs of the Chandra Lingam, and this posting is about the Surya Lingam located on the Arunachala Girivalam Roadway.

Surya-Arunachala Mythology 

There is a vast amount of mythology in connection with Lord Surya at Arunachala which I have written about in my Arunachala Grace Blog. In ths regard to view a fascinating post of the Surya-Arunachala mythology, go to this link here. 

Surya and Chandra Lingams at gateway of Arunachala Lingam

Its interesting to note the juxtaposition of Chandra and Surya Lingams in the map (above) of the Pradakshina Shrines to the map (below) of Arunachaleswarar Temple’s Moolasthanam, where the lingams are next to the Pradosha Nandi at the entrance to the inner shrine. 

Oral tradition reports that the similarity of the juxtaposition of Surya and Chandra Lingams at the gateway of the Lingam of Arunachala Hill and the Shiva Lingam at Arunachaleswarar Temple’s Moolasthanam, was created intentionally.

 Surya and Chandra Lingams at gateway of Shiva Moolasthanam

Lord Surya 

Surya, the Sun, is God incarnate in solar form, a glorious, shining golden visible every day. He is Astamurthi, one of the eight forms of Shiva. The Sun alone is the pivot of the entire Universe, the dispeller of darkness, and root cause of the three worlds. He is the deity of great brilliance and is considered the Supreme Soul. There are many names of Lord Surya and each name refers to a quality of consciousness; Aditya, Savita, Surya, Mihira, Arka, Prabhakara, Martanda, Bhaskara, Bhanu, Chitrabhanu, Divakara and Ravi. 

Surya is the chief of the Navagrahas and is often depicted riding a chariot harnessed by seven horses which represent the seven solar rays, the seven chakras of the body and the seven days of the week. 

Lord Surya on his Chariot

Surya's sons, Shani and Yama are responsible for the judgment of human life. Shani provides the results of one's deeds during one's life through appropriate punishments and rewards while Yama grants the results of one's deeds after death. 

In Vedic astrology Surya is considered a malefic on account of His hot, dry nature. Surya represents soul, will-power, fame, the eyes, general vitality, courage, kingship, father, authority figures, benevolence, generosity, grandeur, dignity, and friendliness. 

Surya has the following associations: 

Animals: Deer, Tiger, Lion 

Bird: Goose 

Gem: Ruby 

Metals: Copper and Gold 

Direction: East 

Food: Wheat 

Sign: Leo 

Day: Sunday 

In Tantra yoga, Surya, the planetary deity of the Sun, represents the universal male principal, while Chandra, the Moon, represents the universal female or shakti principle. Surya is also associated with Agni, the god of fire. 

The Surya Lingam 

Darshan of Arunachala from Lingam

Entrance to Surya Lingam

Moopanar Swamigal who was responsible for the restoration of the Ashta Lingams at Arunachala, did not have anything to do with restoration work at either the Surya or Chandra Lingams. 

Ancient carvings inside doorway to Lingam compound

Number of carvings at doorway

Surya Lingam in newly renovated compound

Surya Lingam is located after Gautama Ashram and before Varuna Lingam on the leftside of the Girivalam Roadway. Including two buildings connected to Lingam priests, the area on which Surya Lingam is situated on less than 1/2 an acre. In 2016 renovation work financed by a family in Chennai, was completed at the Lingam. 

Surya Lingam with Nandi in front

I hope to post more information about this Lingam shortly on my Arunachala Samudra website.

Muniswaran Statues at Pachaiamman Temple: Tiruvannamalai

One of the most interesting aspects of the Pachaiamman Temple at Tiruvannamalai is of the 14 magnificient statues set in the front of the Compound. The same statues are represented inside the Artha Mandapam of the Temple. 

A regional legend of Pachaiamman (an aspect of Parvati) has it that after completing her penance at Kanchi, the Goddess started off for Arunachala. She travelled with 7 Rishis and 7 virgins (Sapta Kanniyars) as part of a protective entourage. Halfway from Kanchi to Arunachala, the entourage stopped and made camp at the village Vazhapanthal. At that place the local king tried to molest the Goddess, and the 7 Rishis became as Muniswarans (guardians) and killed the king. 

Another story passed down orally for generations is that the Muniswarans were created to protect the Goddess Pachaiamman against seven Arakar Veerars (demonic warriors—Asuras). It is also mentioned that the demons were actually 8 in number. After killing them, Vaal (knife) Muniswaran gave the head of the demons, one to each of his brothers and kept two for himself. 

The Muniswarans are usually represented as 7 brothers. They are called as Sapta Muniswarans. In the Pachaiamman Compound there are 14 statues of Pachaiamman’s warrior guardians set out in two lines, with two representations of each warrior. 

Sapta Munishwarans at Pachaiamman Temple, Tiruvannamalai

The warrior guardians from left to right are: 

Vaalmuniswaran (knife) 

Karumuniswaran (dark) 

Ladamuniswaran (playful) 

Vedamuniswaran (book) 

Jadamuniswaran (red) 

Muthumuniswaran (pearls) 

Veeramuniswaran (strength) 

Muniswarans are a class of powerful spirits. These spirits are also known as Siva Ganas. They are considered to be servants of Siva and his female half Sakthi. Due to their nature, the Munis are classified as guardian deities. 

They can be former warriors, kings or sages who achieved the status of a Muniswaran after their human death. Some of the Muniswarans worshipped were created as Muniswarans and are not of human origin. 

Muniswarans are worshipped in various ways including tree and stone worship. At Pachaiamman Temple they are worshipped in the form of Statues (Uruvam Vallipadu). According to the Rig Veda, the Muniswarans are trained in various magic arts and believed to be capable of supernatural feats. 

Since Muniswarans are spirits, it is common to have animal sacrifice as part of the worship. However, animal sacrifice is not done for each Muniswaran. It occurs usually on new moon day. 

In this Pachiamman Temple compound there are also statues of Lord Muniswaran’s vahanas (vehicles) in the form of an elephant, a dog and five horses 

Sri Nanngaru Summer Visit to Arunachala

Recently Sri Nannagaru visited his Ashram at Tiruvannamalai and stayed for around 10 days. As always his darshan was sought by the many who accompanied him from Andhra Pradesh. The name Nanna Garu given to him by his devotees can be translated from the Telegu to mean “Respectable Father”. 

Sri Nannagaru was born Sri Bhupathiraju Venkata Lakshmi Narasimharaju on 23rd September 1934 at his grandparents’ house in the village of Kommara, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. He was to later settle at Jinnuru of the same District—at which place he continues to reside. 

As his father died when he was a child, he was brought up under the care of his mother and grandmother. In 1957 at the age of 23 years he had a dream of Ramana Maharshi which was to transform his life. 

Looking at Arunachala backgroud from Sri Nannagaru Ashram

Andhra Pradesh devotees waiting under Shamian

Sri Nannagaru with his Devotees

Preparing to give Discourse in Telegu to Devotees

Sri Nanngaru with Devotees at his Ashram

Below are selected teachings of Sri Nannagaru. To learn more about him, visit his website at this link here.

SELF

There is only Self and Self alone. It is Reality. It is Pure Consciousness. The world manifest is not real. Self is its substratum. It is Immortal It is Knowledge. It is Eternal Peace. It is Bliss. It is Light. It is Omnipotent, Omniscient. There are no divisions in the Self. It is Non-Dual. It is Indefinable. Water cannot wet it. Fire cannot burn it. It has no birth, no death. It shines in Our Heart. What the Jnani calls Self, a devotee calls as God. Silence alone is the best way of expounding it.

The nature of Self is Existence, Knowledge, and Bliss. That is the way we aspire for happiness, love, beauty. It does not depend upon any other object. Our fondness for independence is an offshoot of it. Just as the screen is the base on which figures are projected, so also this variegated world is a projection of It. The sense of ego masquerades as the Self. Our selfish nature covers it.

To know the Self is our goal. Constant hearing of it. Remembrance of it, and establishment in it snaps our egoistic ties. The seer of the Self alone gets himself extricated from entanglements.

EGOISM

The ‘I’ thought, which emanates from the source, is egoism. Only after its emergence, the rest of the thoughts emerge. The world is seen only when one is egoistic. As long as ego subsists body is taken as real, world is taken as real. God is taken as real. When ego is erased, body, world and God vanish. As long as the idea that ‘I am the body’ persists egoism does not leave us. It alone results in restlessness. Ego has no form, but it exists catching hold of a form. It is neither male nor female, but assumes such a role. 

The entire maya or illusion is a creation of the ego. Real Self is like the vast sea, whereas ego is like a bubble. There can be the sea without a bubble, but there cannot be a bubble without the sea. Identification with the little self is the cause of grief. When one identifies with the vast waters of the sea, the tiny bubbles cease to exist and with them worldly sorrows also. The figure underneath the temple Gopuram (figure sculptured at the base of a tower) feels that it is carrying the entire structure; so also, the man of ego feels that he is helping the entire world. As long as the ego and the consequent ideas of doership continue, ignorance also continues. If one enquires wherefrom the ‘I’ thought has arisen, then his look centres round the origin and then only egoism drops out.

MIND

After the rise of the ‘I’ thought the rest of thoughts originate. Mind is a bundle of thoughts, and is also termed as ‘Jiva’. Jiva does not get extinct with the death of the body. It takes up a new body. In deep sleep we do not have thoughts, and hence, mind is also absent there. There is no body, no worlds in deep sleep. When we awake, the first thought, the ‘I’ thought arises, and the rest of the thoughts follow it. Wife and children alone do not constitute ‘samsara’. Your mind is your samsara. It does not leave you if you run away from your house, wife and children. 

Mind has no form or name, but it always adheres to a form or name. Food serves as source for the mind. The world is nothing, but the mind. Just as a spider spreads its own web and gets entangled therein, and ultimately dies, so also the mind creates samsara and one gets entangled in that samsara and gets subjected to death. The mind, which has created this world, has also the power to destroy it.

The brain is like a tape recorder and the mind is the tape. Sense organs are speakers. That which is recorded in the tape is heard through speakers; likewise the latent tendencies of the mind spread and are felt through our sense organs. A true Guru pulls out the thoughts and destroys the Mind.

Previous actions constitute latent tendencies, and remain in seed form in the heart. They spread to the brain and evolve as thoughts. If the thoughts are removed one by one, there remains nothing like a mind. If the wood is removed the fire gets extinct. Without purification of the mind, knowledge cannot be had.

Mind and prana (life force) have got their origin in the same place – the heart. If the life breath is controlled, Mind gets controlled. That is why pranayama is recommended. As long as one thinks of things external, the mind oscillates. As long as the mind is externalised, the original sin remains.

God’s Grace controls the unruly elephant called ‘mind’. Surrender confers energy to the mind by a single unified attention and a purified mind turns inwards and such a purified mind merges in its source, the heart, then that mind becomes Self itself.

That is the essence of yoga.

DESTINY

Destiny is confined only to the body and has nothing to do with the Self. Identification with the body results in grief. Men are conferred liberty not to identify with the body. By practice identification with the body can be overcome. The body drops after the exhaustion of destiny. Don't give scope for vain thoughts, useless deeds and unnecessary desires. Utilize the freedom conferred by God. Restrain vain thoughts, and abide in the Self. Then new tendencies will not be generated, and you will be extricated from all sorts of bondage. If identification with the body is not overcome, grief results; unless the latent tendencies are dropped away, the state of happiness cannot be enjoyed. For One who abides in the Self there is nothing like destiny.

RELIGION

Religion is a creation of the mind. There are several religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam etc. In fact, there are as many religions as there are minds. Creeds and religions are only creating feuds, dissensions and wars, resulting in bloodshed. Religion is acting as opium instead of making people wise. Men are becoming slaves to religion. The Self is there even prior to the birth of religions. The purpose of religion is to show the path to the realization of the Self.

If the welfare of society is not the goal of a religion, such a religion is not worth its name. One may worship his own God; but his love of religion and his love of God should not make him hate others. There is no God without the Self. In the name of religion and personal Gods, men are fighting with each other, only for their own aggrandizement. Religions create narrow domestic walls. Our concepts and precepts are standing in our way of finding the Truth. There is no God higher than Truth. Change of religion does not release one, but on the other hand a change of mind does.

Sri Nannagaru visits Arunachala Christmas 2015

One of the best known spiritual Masters who visit Arunachala is Sri Nannagaru. He is currently residing at his Ashram at Tiruvannamalai. He arrived on December 23, and will be leaving and returning to his native place in Andhra Pradesh, in the morning of December 29, 2015. 

Below is a short extract of his narrative about a “pure mind.”

Sri Nannagaru is now 80 years of age

“One must have the grace of God to attain the highest state or the complete bliss state. Ishwara’s (God) grace is of utmost importance to reach the highest state. If his grace is not there, then all efforts may not be successful. The mind is the creation of God. A mind free from desires, greed and jealously, and which neither sees good nor bad, such a mind is known as ‘bangara manasu’ (a mind that is pure). Such a mind is given by Maha Vishnu.

Followed by his Andhra devotees to Arunachala

All the sadhana or spiritual practice that we are doing is to attain that ‘bangara manasu’. Our actions in the past affect us in this birth in two ways: the body suffers from disease;and the mind gets trapped in grief. Both disease and grief are fruits of previous actions (done in past births). So, in this life you must not keep recalling issues that have affected you. Leave them, forget them and move forward. In this life, do not be bothered about the past and the future. Future actions will take place as they have to. Thinking about them and disturbing the mind is not correct. Each one must learn to dwell in solitude (Ekanta Vasa) at least for an hour each day.

Giving Speech at Ashram, December 2015

If you face all events in life happily, slowly the result of the past actions decreases. Gradually you will gain supreme knowledge. Each task or work assigned by God to you must be performed in a righteous way. If it is not possible, then do not do it. As far as possible do not jump into other people’s issues. This again leads to ignorance. But you can do tasks for the welfare of others. 

View of Arunachala from Ashram

  

Feed and take care of old people and animals in the house. Think that the Lord has come in their form. This process is called seva or selfless service. Then the work does not become a burden. Through work you are glorifying God.” 

Jerzy Grotowski's Journey to Arunachala

Recently Viktor Adorján emailed me requesting permission to use a number of Arunachala photographs from my website Arunachala Samudra for a book he is writing in Hungarian about the famed Polish Theatre Director Jerzy Grotowski. I was happy to give the required permission but was interested in how Arunachala related to the Director’s life. It was then that Viktor Adorján explained the special connection Jerzy Grotowski had with India and in particular with Arunachala. So much so that on his death, his ashes were brought to this place and scattered on the Arunachala Hill. 

Viktor Adorján kindly supplied biographical information on Jerzy Grotowski, tracing the development of his theatre work with his search for a deeper understanding of human values. 

 --- oOo ---

Jerzy Grotowski was a Polish theatre director and a leading figure of theatrical avant garde of the 20th century. He was born on August 11 1933 in Rzeszów, Poland. When the war came in 1939 his father enlisted and his mother, brother and himself moved to the small village of Nienadówka. 

His mother was of of great influence in shaping the personality of the child with her strong opinions on unity and community. She was a Catholic but she thought of herself as “the most ecumenical amongst Catholics”. She sometimes brought books to the boys and it was amongst them that Grotowski found two favourites: “The life of Jesus” by Ernst Renan, and “Search in Secret India” by Paul Brunton. This was to develop in him an interest in different religions and he went on to read “The Old Testament”, the “Book of Zohar” and the “Koran”. But he wasn’t as interested in the religious contents of the books as much as in the personalities of the protagonists of the stories. 

In 1955 Grotowski graduated from the State Higher School of Theatre in Krakow with a degree in acting. After graduation Grotowski began his work in the development of experimental theatre. One of his central ideas was the notion of the 'poor' theatre. 'Poor' means the stripping away of all that was unnecessary and leaving a 'stripped' and vulnerable actor. To this concept of 'poor theatre' Jerzy Grotowski added the concept of the 'priesthood' or sacredness of the actor. When the actor enters the sanctity of the performance space, then a special event occurs, much like Mass in the Catholic Church. It was in this space, in the holy relationship between the actor and the audience, that an audience is challenged to think and be transformed by theatre. 

 

Jerzy Grotowski

In 1970 Grotowski finished his work and went and lived in India for some time. He travelled anonymously, not keeping in touch with his theatrical ensemble or friends. On his return he was unrecognisable as he had lost 40 kg in weight, and his body and face had been transformed. During his time overseas he had compiled notes developing ideas for a new work on the road to para-theatrical activity. This was to lead him to further experimental work concentrating on: “let us touch the state of the human being where one is not divided into body and soul, thoughts and feelings, active creator and passive receptor thereby giving the possibility for all to drop the masks of everyday life.” 

In the period of his life often termed, “Theatre of Sources,” Grotowski traveled extensively through India, Mexico, Haiti and elsewhere, seeking to identify elements of technique in the traditional practices of various cultures that could have a precise and discernible effect on participants. In 1980 he worked in Khardataka (near Calcuatta) and in village called Kendali with Baul Gaur Khep and Dibyendu Gangali and the actors Prabir Guh, Ramakrisna Dhar and Abani Biswart. 

In 1983 Grotowski was invited by Professor Robert Cohen to the University of California Irvine, where he began a course of work known as 'Objective Drama'. Which defined a search for something above “subjective art” (the art mirroring the world by a human subject), a kind of art having its point of view in objective (transcendent) perspectives. This search led into his last programme known as “Ritual Arts” or “Art as Vehicle”. This type of art is not for an audience but is a method, a tool for the “doer” to lift themself into a higher spiritual region and make contact with one’s elevated being. 

The work of Jerzy Grotowski in experimental theatre continued at Pontadera, Italy from 1986 until his death in 1999. 

*********************** 

“So, you can see his work as a theatre director became step-by-step a search for higher human values or – we can say – a search for different methods: 

(1) viewing a theatre performance 

(2) making a theatre performance as an actor, not giving any other person a role but giving pure myself without any “daily masks” 

(3) handling the act as a form of human exchanges 

(4) searching for something common, something that is ancient and “universal” 

(5) searching for something higher and, finally 

(6) searching for a method to make “myself” more spiritual and better by art 

The road leading from the book of his childhood “In Search of Secret India,” to his “Art as Vehicle” program shows that Grotowski’s connection to India was not only by events (lectures and visits) but it was also pivotal in the develoment of his personality. 

So it is understandable, I think, that his last wish and will was that his ashes should be scattered on Arunachala, where the old man (in the book “In Search of Secret India” -- Ramana Maharshi) was wandering and asking himself: “Who am I?” 

And it was done.” [Adorján Viktor] 

For more information about Jerzy Grotowski please visit the official website at this link here.

A Meeting with Mookupodi Swamiyar

A reader of this blog has submitted the below narrative describing his own meeting and experience with Mokkupodi Samiyar. There is now a Facebook page dedicated to this siddhar at this link here.

"For the benefit of devotees, I wish to record the following events"

Basically I am a human with all sorts of desires, but struggling to gain inner peace. In that process – almost for the past twenty years, I read many books and followed the advices of many saints. In my pursuit of inner happiness, unfortunately, I could not have any living saints as my Guru. Further, the earthly things would also not allow me to proceed in my pursuit continuously. In short, I am an average human being, but have the desire to seek Atma or sprit. Another problem is that I always question things and won’t accept anything unless proven. May be, that’s why Children and innocent people always have good faith and chosen by God (as Jesus said those who believe in Father without seeing are blessed). 

Three years back, on seeing my quest, one of my friends introduced the name of Sri Ramana Maharishi of Tiruvannamalai and gave two volumes of Ramana Vazhi (The Path of Ramana by Sadhu Ohm). Those books and initial visit to Ramanashram wiped out most of my doubts (If I have any little more, it is purely due to my ignorance). Sri Ramana simply said to look inner and there is no other magic way to see God. 

So far, I took Girivalam about twelve times or more and I always choose a date other than full moon to avoid rush. I had many interesting events to narrate my experiences (or encounters) with GOD. But the following one, I wish to share the most. 

Mokkupodi Swami

On 07.09.2014, by 06.45 Hrs, I started my Girivalam and after paying respect to Sheshadri Swamigal (first time) I proceeded further with a silent prayer of AUM (as taught in the Isha Centre). About 08.00 Hrs (after 6th Km), while passing the Ner Annamalai Temple, I saw 15-20 people were either politely standing with folded hands or sitting on the floor near Navagragha area or lying down (Shastanga Namaskaram) seeking the blessings of someone whom I could not view because of a pillar. 

As it drew my attention, I stopped and returned few steps back to the see the incidents. Watching from the platform across the road, I had a view of a thin hand giving some signs and one umbrella stick projecting from someone’s lap. I also saw a person standing nearby (he actually talked over mobile communicating as “athu ingathan irukku”- meaning that is here). 

Curiosity overwhelmed, I asked the person “what is happening here?” 

He replied “It is Mokkupodi Samiyar. Everyone seeks Its dharshan. Sometimes It uses to scare people with stick. Even one VIP took It to her house for three days for getting ashirwad. It wandered around the hill for almost thirty years. It would not speak to anyone. Forest people moved It from the Arunachala Hill. Now It is staying in a nearby school and often comes out”. 

I was wondering whether it is publicity stunt by some beggar. Then suddenly that person stood up and rushed to beat a person (he was holding a baby on his shoulder and seeking his blessings). Everyone run off. It walked back to the temple wielding the stick vigorously. 

Another person standing nearby said it is his kind punishment to ward of past evil doings. I could not laugh because of the humbleness shown by the people. Though run away, people started to follow It wherever It goes. After two minutes, It retuned back to the pillar and sat down. 

Now acting upon my sixth sense, I prayed to God and Ramana – If that is really a saint or siddhar, then I could possibly communicate in spirit or telepathy. So I crossed the road, and from about 40 feet distance (to avoid any beating) watched Its side posture. Till this time, I did not see Its face. I kept my heart calm and didn’t think of anything. I didn’t offer any prayer to that. In fact I wanted as this my spiritual test and thought that if It is an enlightened person, It would give me a dharshan. 

After 2-4 minutes, It slowly turned and gave a sign (hand sign shooing away). I suspected whether it is for me or I have to go away. So I continued to stand there itself. Suddenly, It stood up again and moved away from me to the Temple side. Abruptly It stopped and turned back. It saw people around in a half circular movement of its head (180 degree). Then It directly looked at me. Though there were people (on sideways), that look was directed to me. I could not believe myself. The distance was now about 50-60 feet, I was on Its direct vision line and no one stood in between. May be somebody was standing behind me and probably It could have watched him – was my thought. 

Slowly, It lifted its right hand and kept above his eyes as if seeing or identifying someone in distance standing in sunlight. 

Now I could experience that all the people were looking at me. It is a direct Dharshan. But foolishly, I was inactive. I could not bow my head or pranam as I tried to keep my mind silent. Then It moved towards me. Suddenly I feared that I have to move to avoid any beating. My eyes were moved with him. It halted five feet away from my left side and turned Its head and looked at me. It gave hand sign of waving or go away. Then It walked further without turning back. A woman with a son followed It. 

The person earlier answered me came and said that It blessed you. I asked for meaning of the hand sign. He replied that It indicates that there is no problem in your life and not that telling you to go away. 

Moved by Heart, I also followed It for about half a kilometre. I wanted to offer my pranam and wanted to touch Its Feet. But It went straight into a school without turning back. Standing opposite to the school gate, I watched him till It moved away from my sight. 

On my return to Trichy, I browsed google and came to know about this enlightened Mahan. I called him as It – as he was initially introduced to me like that. I am happy that I had the dharshan and blessings of a Siddhar. But I also worried about the way he leads his life. While the so called saints and pseudo-enlightened people are moving in luxury cars and have all comforts, a real saint (you should watch his thejas - glowing face and powerful eyes in You Tube released by one Shri Megaraj). May be penance requires no comfort. 

Now I grieve that I should have behaved well in front of MPS. But by recording this, I could compensate in a way so that someone may notice it or write it – in the way people now remembers Shridi Sai." 

[By J. Ilango Jayaraman]