Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji in the evening – first day of Datta Jayanthi Celebrations – December 4, 2014 – Msyore
Jaya Guru Datta
Krishna’s flute is very difficult to play. Only when breath control and a strong heart are there, it can be played well. Shehnai and Nadaswaram are different because you close the lips around the tip of the instrument, unlike in a flute. The heart, fingers and lungs are involved in playing the flute. To make a sound itself takes six months for beginners. Fingers control, a strong breath, and lips technique are all essential. Talent, technique, and good health are required.
Pundit Chaurasia wholeheartedly and enthusiastically played. He was eager to play more. It depends on the interest of the audience. If the audience is appreciative, an artist can play for hours. Raga Sindhu Bhairavi (for Pahi Pahi Gajanana) is played as a mangalam in Hindustani. For us it is a beginning song. For us, it is Ganapati first. Raga later. Swamiji’s bhajan is a Ganapati bhajan. Here the Raga becomes important. It is mangalam. Beautiful method he used. After Pahi Pahi he played another bhajan. Mangalam is never an end. It is the start of a new beginning. Raga and kale (rhythm) played in this kosher (divine venue) were all offered to God. He expressed his wish to play with Swami. I told him that Swami is a child at playing flute. Maybe next time. Today I only wished to listen. Not to play with you. We agreed that we will play together at another time.
The Table was superb. Like a train ride, rhythmic and putting me to sleep. It was great. The sitar’s sounds in between were like “chai chai” calls of vendors during a train ride, a welcome wake up sound, or like chocolate treats. She is a practising doctor. She gave great support.
Normally the Nada Nidhi award is given during the Birthday celebrations in May or June. This year at Datta Jayanti and Hanuman Jayanti, this program took place. Nada g the Nada Nidhi award during these festivities is now started with Pundit Chaurasia.
In the audience there are devotees who speak many different languages. That is why I speak in so many languages.
Tomorrow is the second day of Datta Jayanti celebrations. There will be milk abhishekam performed to Lord Dattatreya. The main event is on the day after tomorrow.
It is very cold this winter. Be careful. Keep warm. Bathe only in warm water. Do not cross the road. Canteen is there inside the ashram. Be quiet. Again tomorrow there will be a bird show. Abhishekam to Lord Datta Venkateswara at SDVT is at 8 AM by Sri Bala Swamiji.
Sri Guru Datta