Pujya Sri Swamiji in Chicago - Nada Shobha Raga Sagara
Pujya Sri Swamiji in Chicago
4th to 8th September 2019
Nada Shobha Raga Sagara - Music for Meditation
Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived in Chicago from Bangalore via Frankfurt on 4th September 2019.
Thursday, September 5
Sri Swamiji took rest in the morning before meeting Chicago devotees in the evening. Smt.Sarada Purna Sonti met Sri Swamiji to inform of her aspirations to popularize higher education in Hindu cultural arts (e.g., higher studies of Carnatic music, Sanksrit, dance, etc.) Sri Swamiji spoke about the importance pursuing these higher studies. However, He also emphasized that for those who are unable or unwilling to pursue these studies, He saves them through simpler and more easily digestible forms of the art. For example, His bhajans in new and innovative ragams keep Carnatic students interested in learning music - even if and when they have stopped pursuing higher studies in Carnatic music.
Friday, September 6
In the morning, Sri Swamiji visited the aviary of Brookfield Zoo. He fondly remembered Cookie, the 83-year-old cockatoo that he had visited at this zoo in 2013. Cookie passed away in 2016. The highlight of the excursion was the penguin encounter with Peruvian penguins. Sri Swamiji met three small penguins in close proximity, even being able to stroke their feathers and interact directly with them. Each penguin was unique, displaying their own personalities.
In the evening, Sri Swamiji met a gathering of ~300 old and new devotees at the upcoming Chicago Trinity Center (located in a Spanish church in Carpentersville, Illinois). Venkat Raman spoke about how Sri Swamiji enjoyed the strong musical vibes that came from the church, and the miracle of how quickly the church would into possession of Chicago group.
Sri Swamiji emphasized how the church will be a congregating location for satsangs and all types of cultural classes (e.g., bhajans, Telugu classes, Bhagavad Gita classes). He underlined that all Illinois devotees should frequently visit the center and eagerly participate in all activities.
Sri Swamiji was presented with a cake to celebrate SGS Posts app passing 500k downloads - a monumental achievement!
Smt.Sarada Purna Sonti offered her entire collection of 100 plus Salagramas to Pujya Swamiji.
Saturday September 7
Nada Shobha Raga Sagara was held at the Copernicus Center, a historic concert venue built in 1930. Government officials Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy,
State Senator Ram Velluvalam, State Senator Christina Castro, Commissioner, Frank Avila, County Trustee, Hanover Park Khaja Moinuddin , and County Trustee ECC Candice McCreary were present to light the lamp and initiate the concert. The main healing raga played was Sarasangi. Sri Swamiji also played Rushyaketupriya, Kokilam, Shubhali, Brindavani, Madhuvarshini and Sama ragams. Pundit.Vishwa Mohan Bhat, grammy award winning Mohana Veena player accompanied Sri Swamiji in the concert. His pleasant and melodious play of the rare instrument, mohana Veena, enriched the concert. Sri Swamiji walked among the audience allowing many people to touch the crystal He carried. At the end of the concert, Sri Swamiji was presented with a memento containing 34 live music concert CDs to celebrate 34 years of meditation concerts.
Sunday September 8
Sri Swamiji conducted Sri Chakra Puja in the morning while Chicago Bala Datta children chanted Bhagavad Gita. Sri Swamiji gave a discourse on marriages. Specifically, he emphasized that all adults in the household should help with cooking and cleaning (men and women alike). He mentioned that this not only provides exercise but also helps strengthen the relationship between husband and wife.
In the evening, Sri Swamiji gave a wonderful bhajan session. Bhajans included Sumukha Ganapathy, Mata Maheshwari, Datta Tuhi Vidhi, Kalimala Nasini, Sridevi Bhagavathe, and Palaya Govinda. Sri Swamiji spoke of the importance of meditation and pranayama. At a minimum, even deep breaths during the day are sufficient as a baseline for pranayama.
Monday September 9
Sri Swamiji departed for Memphis in the morning.
