16 June 2009

Tonight’s bhajans were included the other new Siva Bhajan: Iswara Parameshwara.  It’s one of the more upbeat of the new bhajans with a rousing repetition of Siva Siva Hara Hara that transforms into Sankara Abhayankara at the end.  Beautiful bhajan.

The stage decorations are a wonderful collage of red, pink, and orange pastels decorated with hanging Chinese-style lanterns.   Swami Poornamrita and Swami Pranavamrita have been adding their flute and mrdangam (drum) to each bhajan – especially to Arati where Swami Poornamirta lends a sweet introduction.

The hall was standing room only with a large crowd listening just outside in the lobby – the doors opened and speakers allowing everyone to participate.  Amma even let people sit on the stage to make more room.

Even with the hall so crowded, off to the side, a mother and daughter were twirling and dancing in rhythm to the beat. One couldn’t tell which of the two were happier, but you could see the joy in their eyes as they twirled in unison – experiencing the true abandon of bliss in the presence of the Divine.

The bhajans were:

• Jai Ganesha Jai Ekandanta
• Sundar He Nayana Tere
• Virahatti Patarunnen
• Hail to Your Glory (in Spanish)
• Manasse Nin Svantamayi
• Iswara Parameshwara
• Amma Untan
• Jinki Karuna He Apar

– Sankar
Los Angeles – USA