December 2023 - Soil & Seed
“Our very inspiration and respiration, our very heart-beats can and must be made conscious in us as the living rhythm of the universal sacrifice.”
- Sri Aurobindo, The Synthesis of Yoga, Page 111
A rich and fertile soil makes growth natural and effortless. And planting the appropriate seeds at the appropriate time makes it even more so. The ever-changing field outside A Sunlit Path has become an apt metaphor for our approach to growth through the various seasons.
Just like the urad dal sprouting in the field now (after being planted during the recent monsoon season), we merely support what wants to grow but the force behind the growth is unknown. Our only job is to see what seed(s) wants to be planted when. And to fill ourselves and the space with love and devotion for it is the rich soil from which the Force descends and manifests.
Music, Movement, Mythology
We started the month by dancing and singing and finished it with some self-reflection through our ancient mythology.
Dhrupad, once planted at the very start of our journey, has been flourishing since. It offers us a joyous form of self-expression while inviting us towards a direct, mystical experience through sound.
Indian classical dance offered in a yogic spirit for all to access was always at the core of our vision, but it took a while to sprout. Finally with Vithya Arasu, A Sunlit Path has come alive with bodies evoking the gods.
After more than a year of patiently waiting, the Mahabharata Within has also finally germinated through enthusiastic participants from Japan, London, Israel, Bangalore and Delhi. We hold the intention to bring more such offerings that help us self-reflect though our rich Indian mythology.
Community Gatherings
Rock-cut temples from the 7th century, the first ever Nataraj carved into a wall and ancient Tamizh lettering preserving a forgotten wisdom. Lesser known gems of this land that bless us from afar and even more when we take the time to gently step in. Thanks to Raman for guiding and inspiring us with his passion and simplicity.
What needed to die and make space for the new was allowed. Many community gatherings died off but moon gatherings have remained from the start of our journey as a potent place for coming together in celebration, reflection and devotion. Our trysts with the moon connects us to the ancient ritual of communing with each other around the fire and under the gentle gaze of the moon. May she illumine our hearts.
We invoked all the forces to be with us as we prepared to enter into the new year. Nadarajan, the pujari/Hindu priest who performed the homam, explained the intention and meaning behind each mantra as we sacrificed into the fire our small self so we may truly bloom and flower.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, our dance, yoga, hindustani vocal and moon gatherings continue. Our monthly Dhrupad retreat is now an expanded, immersive Sangeet retreat and Fabrice will be offering his Spinal Therapy Training, a first of its kind.
We look forward to welcoming you this new year to A Sunlit Path.
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Please consider making a tax-exempt donation to help us spread the Light. We are grateful for any amount that comes from your heart.
A Sunlit Path is a unit of Pappammal and Muthugounder Trust established and registered in India on Feb 4, 2010 under both 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961..
https://www.asunlitpath.org/donate