Mahalakshmi and Saraswati (M.S)

The month of "Margazhi" remains special to most of Madrasis (or Chennaites) and I am no different. Though I am in Bangalore for the last 6 months, I have not missed Chennai life much. May be I travelled often to Chennai. Or may be balancing work and home has not given me time to think on these lines. But last few days everyday as I open the door, I miss Chennai.

I miss the rangoli, the smell of coffee, the suprabatham by M.S amma (M.S. Subbulakshmi) followed by Thiruppavai, Thiruvempavai and Thiruppalliyezhuchchi, the retired Mamas accompanied by Mamis in traditional dhotis and 9 yards saree, the Pongal from temples, in short the divinity in Chennai air. In Bangalore I can listen to only M.S. amma's songs.

There are very few people who make you feel elevated looking at them as if they are taking you to a calmer world. M.S. is one of them. M.S. to me is a combination of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi. Every time I see a picture of her, I feel there is a divine power in her and the divine power flows in her voice. No wonder that people thought her as "new Meera", after seeing the film Meera.

The days when I wake up at 5 AM and listen to the suprabatham, my mind is at peace. I get energized and I feel the presence of God more than any other time. The feeling gives me the needed motivation to face the day and be successful. Like most of the people in Chennai, I also love listening to "kurai ondrum illai" (Translation: "No regrets have I") in the magical voice of M.S. Irrespective of whatever problems I face, listening to the song gives you a sensation that He will take care of all your problems and you are set free.

In her own words - "if one sings with sincerity and devotion, such music has the capacity to move the audience to divine experience, irrespective of their religious beliefs, their language and the countries to which they may belong". Well, she definitely knows what she is speaking about.

Life, Music and Sports

I have been thinking for long how life is related to music and sports and this blog is a reflection of it.

Music
I am listening to my favorite Ilayaraja Songs and again the same thought comes back…!!
How much silence enhances the appreciation of the following notes in the song? Isn’t Mounam sangeetham?

I feel our lives are similar to music. We do have upper notes and lower notes in life. We do have various moods and styles within us. But we all have a set of values – just as all music comes down to the basic notes.

So the question is: Don’t we need stops to reenergize yourself? YES. But a lot of us forget it. I believe these stops can be just 5 minutes every day where you clear your mind of all negative thoughts. I do pooja everyday and those 15 minutes give me the calmness and energy needed to perform my activities in the day.

How good if we all realize this!!

Sports
I consider sports closest to life for the single reason - Success and defeat happens every day.
Watching a sportsman go through the highs and lows are lessons in itself. The few that I have understood over the years are provided.

When you thought no one can beat Michael Schumacher, there was Alonso. When you thought Alonso is going to be the champion for the future, came Hamilton.
Always better your last performance because your competitors will change.

When Men tennis was getting bored with the gap between Federer and other players increasing, in came Nadal. Federer is the genius, but genius can also be defeated if you make the most of your strengths.

The West Indies cricket team of 80s and the current Australian team teach you an important lesson – Plan for the future.

Watching the match between Federer and Roddick in Wimbledon final makes you think – Is winning the only thing? Ofcourse Roddick would be disappointed and broken. But when he wakes up the next day, I am sure he would be proud of his efforts. Give your best shot and leave the rest to God.

Sachin Tendulkar cried after India lost the test match to Pakistan to Chennai. Why did he do so? Because he knew he was so close to victory. Its not over until its over.

Lance Armstrong shows you, if you have the passion and determination to win, nothing can be a hindrance.

And I am yet to make a mention of Tiger Woods, because I am awaiting the day when he will win the Masters again. I am confident of it.

So, what are the lessons that you have learnt?

And just as I comment on the musicians and sportsmen, I should understand others have rights to make comments on me. Do I understand? Not really. But I don’t mind. :)

Brindha!!