Impressions: Music and Meditation by Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia
There has been a strong relationship between spiritual harmony and music from very early times. Tagore in many of his work insisted on the essential kinship of man with nature. He writes…
“The grand orchestra of the universe has filled my heart
In many a quiet moment in my imagination.” … Rabindranath Tagore
On Saturday, 6th April 2024, Sahaja Yoga Australia hosted a program themed “Music and Meditation” in Brisbane at the SunPAC. This program was organised as part of the Australia-wide commemoration events celebrating the 101 birthday of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, recipient of the United Nations Peace Medal and was honoured twice by the United States Congress. She was internationally recognised for her contribution to humanity through a lifetime of work for peace and the wellbeing of humankind. Since 1970, she had travelled across the world tirelessly, spreading this message of love and peace. Now millions around the world are enjoying meditation using a very simple technique known as Sahaja yoga that was brought to humanity by Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. This technique promotes mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. She had received numerous awards and citations from the governments of many countries in recognition of her selfless efforts for social improvement.
The Music and Meditation program commenced at 6:30pm with a warm welcome from Meghamala Roy Basu. Megha respectfully acknowledged the Turrbal, Ugarapul/Yugarapul and Jagera people, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, including Elders past and present, and the ongoing efforts to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for a lasting legacy.
The first performance of the evening was by Sahaj Sangeet. Sahaj Sangeet includes singers and musicians from diverse background who are connected through their spiritual practices and passion for music. Sahaj Sangeet presented two Hindustani Devotional Music pieces known as Bhajans in Hindi, and a musical composition accompanied by traditional and contemporary instruments, including Sitar, Harmonium, Santoor, Flute and Tabla. These semi classical songs based on Indian ragas coupled with simple Sahaja yoga meditation techniques helped the audience to connect with the inner spirit and experience the joy of meditation.
After a short break, Megha briefly spoke about the benefits of Sahaja yoga, before introducing Rhitom Sarkar, the feature artist of the evening, for his maiden performance in Brisbane. Born to musician parents in Kolkata, child prodigy Rhitom Sarkar started playing Indian classical music but soon veered towards playing the guitar due to its musical appeal (akin to vocal) to glide. His innovative mind searched for ways and means to incorporate the finer nuances of Indian music into his guitar practice. Rhitom’s preferred instrument is the Indian slide guitar or ‘gandharvi’ – a modified archtop acoustic with sympathetic and plucked drone strings, specially designed for playing ragas. Ragas are the melodic patterns and modes in traditional Indian music compositions.
Rhitom started with Raag Malkaush in Jhaptaal followed by a composition on Teen taal. He concluded the evening presentation with a dhun in Mishra Kirwani. The mesmerising performance ended with a standing ovation from the audience. Megha concluded the program with a brief note of thanks.
This free “Music and Meditation” program raised public awareness about simple methods to reduce stress, improve mental health and wellbeing, and promoted the benefits of a balanced living. Members of the wider community highly appreciated the significance and the overall quality of the program, including the role of Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia and hosts in promoting inclusiveness, respect and belonging while making a positive contribution to the social, cultural and economic life of Queensland, evident from the following testimonials:
“If you ever have opportunity to see Rhitom again, it’s definitely worth going!”
“Sensational! The music and vibrations were exceptional!”
“Outstanding performance!”
