This writer is utterly ignorant of the intricacies of music theory, sometimes ignorance is a great benefit; it deliberately robs you of the silly egotistic pride. He approaches each song mainly through “its emotional content, meaning, and the underlying subtle ideas, rather insights”. Basically we can approach all arts through a receptive “sensitive heart” while keeping all the senses alert, focusing on a particular object (theme or a particular shade of emotion). This is what we mean when we say the barrier vanishes - between the art piece and ourselves. Some had commented (ex: Jiddu Krishnamurti) that was the reason behind the pull (attraction) of mind-altering chemical substances.
In life, every person must have the humility to voluntarily bend (gently drop the ego, let it disappear like camphor) and listen to others (especially learned elders). It is very important - this cardinal rule must be learnt and obeyed just like a traffic rule. When we violate this important dictum, we are taught severe, stern lessons. Per se, the writer has nothing against the young, but one thing I’ve noticed over time – some of the youth (probably it occurs/repeats in different colors and guises in every generation) erroneously go about as though they’ve created this universe; as if all the generations that came before them were stupid, ignorant, or did not make money. Or they assume the earlier generations did not produce anything worthwhile. Such vapid generalizations do not stand up to rigorous scrutiny. Historical facts and records point to many great individuals who accomplished stunning discoveries, created musical compositions under the most trying circumstances. Just to name some major transformative creative works - from frequency modulation (FM radio), tomography (CAT), Raman effect, the iterative formula for pi, to thousands of musical compositions. They were all created under the most difficult circumstances, often with meager financial resources. They were not produced in fancy air-conditioned labs nor were they the outcomes of billions of dollars of venture capital, or precious company capital. A sense of proportion and perspective is needed to really appreciate the creative output of our previous generations and civilizations. We tend to take things for granted. We fly on jet engine airplanes and live in air-conditioned houses without ever thinking about the underlying principles of Newton’s laws or thermodynamics. What marvelous discoveries were those? Just imagine the inner workings of lasers and holography.
Now, let’s come to the present song. Why bother listening to the elders or the old fogies as they say in Britain. Because they went through the consequences of silly mistakes, the elders had already committed blunders, or in some instances they yielded to the whims of (unwholesome) instincts, and had to pay dearly for their unsound judgments. Do you want to repeat all that and waste precious life by going after false objects? Or, do you want to utilize your limited time and energies for better things? Everyone is free to make the choice/mistakes, but no one is free from the consequences (i.e., karma). So, in the long run, just for our own benefit, we should be a little humble and nicely listen to the elders’ advice. Please listen, reflect, and think about it. It is lucky to have some well-wishers in our life and particularly we should value good-natured elders.
One may complete many degree courses and diplomas. But one will not learn to be humble. It has to come by itself, we must assiduously learn to let go off the silly ‘ego’ and try to listen to others, animals, birds, and the beautiful nature. Go out and see how many trees patiently bear the scars of tragic incidents. A furious ice storm may rip a lovely branch from the pine tree. It is almost like losing a hand and yet, it accepts such punishments bravely and learns to be happy. In life, we too must be very patient and accept certain things. Skills and knowledge we must have to progress in life; but every degree or skill earned will also make the ‘ego bubble’ inflate more. And this happens also with the learning of scriptures. The innocent sincere aspirant soon finds himself burdened with the enormous knowledge of Upanishads, canonical texts, and commentaries. We have to skillfully avoid such pitfalls. We can perhaps watch some of the finest scientists and artists and learn humility from them. This is where Sri Ramakrishna has repeatedly insisted on putting away bookish knowledge; we must put greater emphasis on sincere practice. This humility is a byproduct of putting trust in a ‘guru’. Then the guru will take over the entire burden of the humble devotee.
Yoga (not the version you see on TV!) is very powerful in keeping the body healthy and aiding the mind to cleanse all the unnecessary rubbish, getting unburdened. Still, yoga by itself is not the end. Some aspirants are more tuned towards yoga (the real one is beyond the contorted asanas and holding breath!) and some others are tilted towards bhakti. Who knows perhaps there are many more ways to guide (help) us; only the ‘guru’ knows such finer details. Luxuries or creature comforts are of course necessary. For example, even the compassionate Jillelamudi Amma has recognized the devotee’s need for a relaxing morning hot water bath. No harm in indulging in a little comfort. But all these are used to pave way, to give us a little peace of mind or some leisure. And that small window (of opportunity) can be fruitfully utilized to pray and know Rama.
But is there a better way or surer path for saving ourselves? Save one must because the next janma (incarnation) is almost here and there is no guarantee that it would be any better, less sorrowful. Only guru or the devotees of Rama can help us. In real life we are really alone, despite companions, children, etc. There is no one on this earth who can assist us without ulterior motive, except the good-hearted kind “Rama-dasu”. The sooner we find such person(s) the lighter our troubles become. No, you don’t have to reinvent everything. Let the person get over the stubborn prickly ego, destructive habits, and start listening to the essence of this beautiful instructive song. Once Sri Ramakrishna was asked by an accomplished singer thus: “Sir, could you please suggest a method to approach God (Eswara)?” Just a little while ago the Master had listened to several heart moving devotional songs by the same accomplished singer. Sri Ramakrishna could only comment further like this: “You have just found a beautiful palatial building in this Kolkata city. Yet you go around asking for an apartment to rent.” Those few words encapsulate meaningful advice with rare insight into bhakti. Music is one of the most efficient paths to keep a steady mind focused on a particular form (for meditation). In that rare one or two seconds of pure molten emotional state, one can reach and feel the remotest inner corner. An exceptional peace descends on the conflict-ridden mind. It is said that the dark cloud colored Krishna used to wander in the gardens following a maid during the times of Bhakta Jayadeva. The maid would go around the bushes picking fragrant flowers while singing the compositions of Jayadeva (Ashtapadi). The only way He could a get a feel and taste of the sweet compositions was to follow that maid or follow the footsteps of Padmavati in her dance steps. So, it seems the singer-disciple (of Sri Ramakrishna) was almost there and he needed to continue on the path with steadiness and steadfast faith. We should be vigilant and should never let the silly weeds of doubt enter (sprout in) the beautiful garden of faith. Copyright 2021 by the author (Earlier posts give complete lyrics and audio link.)
