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 Shankaracharya's profound philosophy in Odissi style - Vijay Shanker e-mail: vijaydance@gmail.com December 9, 2024 Nalanda Dance Research Centre (Mumbai) and Arts consultant Usha RK presented a unique Odissi dance presentation based on the Astakams of the venerated Adi Shankaracharya Bhagavatpada at the Kanaka Sabha auditorium on 14th November. The talented Odissi dancers in the programme were Rasika Gumaste, Sahana Maiya, Namrata Mehta, Madhulita Mohapatra and the only male dancer Sourav Mohanty. Gururashtakam or eight stanzas on the Guru is a collection of verses written by Adi Shankaracharya, philosopher and saint poet. Verses are devotional songs that extol the spiritual seeker to bow down to the Guru's lotus feet. Devotion to the Guru's sayings can lead to attaining the Supreme abode of Brahman. Shankaracharya's Advaita philosophy of non duality propounds that the individual soul (atma) and Supreme (Brahman) are one. The performance commenced with a verse in praise of goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge. To gain knowledge is not an easy process, it requires concentration and devotion. Knowledge and learning are the traits of a wise and learned man, it's a rare quality which cannot be snatched away by anyone. Seated with the veena, the goddess represents prosperity and bliss. This number was depicted with natural grace by Sahana Maiya.  Sahana Maiya  Rasika Gumaste Accomplished Odissi exponent, Namrata Mehta depicted the pious river Ganga. The flowing, undulating movements along with the sway of the arms and shoulder, depict the highs and lows of the waves, symbolic of life itself. It is believed that a bath in the pure Ganga will wash away all your sins and you will be a blessed person. The performance ended with "Om Ganga Devi Namah". Namrata performed elegantly.  Namrata Mehta  Sourav Mohanty  Madhulita Mohapatra Madhulita Mohapatra interpreted the significance of the Guru with the chant "Om Shree Gurubhyo Namah". Neither beauty, nor wealth, nor fame, neither spiritual learning, nor virtuous actions, not even yogic attainments are of any consequence if one's mind is not steeped in the devotion of the Guru. This was performed with maturity and understanding. The programme concluded with the Sarva Mangalam verse with salutations to the Pancha Bhutas, basic elements of life, the seven directions and the Gods by all the five dancers. It was an unusual and elevating performance. Music was by Basant Kumar Naik and insightful compering by Usha RK.  Vijay Shankar is a Kuchipudi and Kathakali exponent, teacher, bilingual journalist, arts critic and actor. |
