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Through devotional music, Sankirtan, and discussions on spiritual discipline, the festival inspired attendees, emphasizing the transformative power of devotion
The book is structured to provide clear and concise lessons, each tied to specific incidents in the Mahabharata. (Representative image/Shutterstock)
The Naad Ras Mahotsav, held from November 4-9, 2024, at Shri Priya Priyatam Dham Ashram in Vrindavan, celebrated the 20th Prakatyotsav of Shri Priya Priyatam Lal Ju with an immersive festival of devotion, music, and spiritual learning. Under the guidance of Braj Ras Rasik Shri Leela Rasik ji and Dr. Krishna Kinkar ji, this event brought together legendary Hindustani classical musicians and devotees from India and beyond to honor Shri Priya Priyatam Lal Ju’s legacy. Through devotional music, Sankirtan, and discussions on spiritual discipline, the festival inspired attendees, emphasizing the transformative power of devotion and the importance of a Guru’s guidance.
Can you share the contemporary relevance of Shri Krishna Charit Manas? How do its teachings and stories resonate with today’s generation?
Shri Krishna Charit Manas is based on the teachings and principles of Bhagwan Radha Krishna and reveals the mysteries of their secret pastimes. This Divine text is not just applicable to today’s generation but inspires people from every generation. In this era of advanced technology, the teachings of Manas are relevant for all situations, professions, and age groups which helps in dealing with any difficulties that may arise in life. Even before His birth, life-threatening plans were being created by His maternal uncle (Kans), Pootna, and other demons, yet this did not affect his childhood. We find Shri Krishna always smiling, playing melodious tunes on his divine flute, and keeping the surroundings around him peaceful. The knowledge of Gita that He imparted to Arjun almost 5200 years ago during the war, motivated Arjun then and still is an inspiration to the world today. This proves that the teachings of Shri Krishna Charit Manas (Rasayan Mahakavya), manifested by Braj Ras Rasik Jagadguru Shri Priyadarshi ji Maharaj, are relevant and authentic in every era. If one studies these texts and imbibes their learnings in one’s life, they are sure to see a positive change and achieve amazing results from it.
In this generation of instant gratification, we can learn from Shri Krishna’s great life, how to smile, live a dignified life, and make your presence valuable to people around you. Reading the Manas makes one realize and understand the importance of humility and equality towards everyone.
Could you share insights on your recent recognition at the UK Parliament for setting a world record in Hari Naam Sankirtan? What significance does this honour hold for you, and how do you view it as a bridge between cultural heritage and global harmony?
Braj has always been a part of our culture and different cultures around the world. A great example of this is the felicitation of Hari Naam Sankirtan in the UK Parliament. With the recent achievement of covering the maximum number of spots in just 11 hours and 12 minutes in Dubai, spreading awareness about the Shri Krishna Charit Manas while chanting Hari Naam Sankirtan, this remarkable feat further cements his legacy of dedication and success.
This gives a message that through these kinds of spiritual activities, our Indian culture has spread globally, and it is being viewed and accepted with a lot of respect. People from across the globe are coming to India to practice Yog and learn classical Hindustani music. More significant than receiving any award is the purpose behind it. This honour is not for an individual but for Hari Naam Sankirtan, with all awards being offered to it. We look forward to him succeeding on this spiritual journey and enlightening the lives of the common man.
In the age of social media and constant connectivity, how can people find inner peace and maintain a sense of purpose with spiritual sadhana?
In this age of constant connectivity, social media has made content accessible at all times. Reaching out to the seekers and masses has never been easier, since the teachings of some of the greatest saints are now at the touch of a 6-inch screen. It has now become extremely simple to connect with these saints and gain answers to all questions, regarding not just inner peace but any query that one may be curious about. The kind of content we choose will determine our direction either towards inner peace or worldly desires leading to chaos. Inner Peace can be attained by following the teachings, path of spiritual practice, and grace of one’s Guru and Hari. Social Media is a boon for today’s generation as these teachings can be listened to repeatedly, for contemplation and application.
Naad Ras Mahotsav – what does it mean, its significance and why is it celebrated?
India is a land of festivities and some of the most special ones are those that connect us with the Divine. One such festivity is ‘Naad Ras Mahotsav’ – a musical journey that takes us from a melody to the Divine, being organized by the Ras Mahotsav Pariwaar. The meditative practice of music is called ‘Naad’. When a music lover becomes a devotee and pleases Bhagwan Radha Krishna with his ‘Naad’, then the essence of this music transforms an Utsav into a Mahotsav. This special musical celebration has been organized in honor of the 20th Prakatyotsav of Shri Priya Priyatam Lal Ju and hence is called ‘Naad Ras Mahotsav’. This 6-day event from 4th Nov – 9th Nov 2024 is being held at Shri Priya Priyatam Dham, Vrindavan under the guidance of Braj Ras Rasik Shri Leela Rasik ji Maharaj ji & Braj Ras Rasik Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar ji. Graced by Indian Classical music legends – Pt. Shri Sheetal Prasad Mishra ji, Pt. Shri Sunil Kant Saxena ji, Shri Anubrata Chatterjee, Pt. Shri Rajendra Prasanna ji, Pt. Shri Suresh Talwalkar ji, Pt. Shri Ajoy Chakrabarty ji, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt ji & Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan Sahab, this amalgamation of soulful music has touched the chords of the hearts of all devotees.