My father used to tell me, “राग के ˢŝप को देखो, उसके दशŊन करो“. But I never understood what he really meant by that, though I tried to. May be I was using my brains instead of my heart.
I have heard this phrase from many other artists “राग के दशŊन करो” I am afraid that I might be mixing 2 or 3 things together.
Kindly enlighten me on pictorial aspect of Rag, Rag swaroop darshan and if there is any emotional content besides.
Q3
Pranam Guruji
My question is regarding the Pictorial aspect of Rag. I have seen the pictures of the Rags made by the painters in form of deity With the shloks describing the picture and the Rag eg Bhairav as a personality Similar to Shiva, Todi as a beautiful lady playing veena surrounded by dears, standing nearby a pond …. lotus etc etc…
Is there any virtual connection between these Rags, Shloks and the paintings?
My Humble pranam
Guruji
I note that, the above mentioned Ashwin’s question regarding pictorial aspect of the raga, has perhaps not been responded to. My views are as follows.
Many years ago, I had the occasion to discuss with a well-known painter the issue of pictorial representations of raga swarup. I learnt that majority raga paintings are miniatures.
Fortunately we had bought a set of what they call ‘raga mala’ miniature paintings of six ragas. It was noted that ragas like Darbari, which is commonly known to project grandeur, a painting of which covers an old king gradually retiring with slow gait into vanprasthashram. Similarly raga Shree, with a sharp rishabh conjoined with a Pa, creates singular atmosphere. The painting of this raga shows, that a young warier with an open sword, with arm raised, has a vivid red colour in full background of the painting. Frankly, I could not match the picturisation of other ragas in the paintings.
Hence it appears that all painters, who have artistically painted raga mala paintings, have done so according to their own impressions of the atmosphere / mood that a particular raga creates. The painting therefore is purely based on painter’s vision. It is possible that the painter might have consulted some musicians in this regard, but as mentioned earlier, I could not match paintings of other ragas with the painter’s assessment.
I think one can take this issue on its face value and leave the raga mala paintings, as a form of art, which need not relate to a common musicality.
From the above it could be concluded, that there cannot be a common denominator of pictorial impressions of a raga, painted by different artists.
Hence, philosophical dictums like, राग के दशŊन करो have spiritual values which enable musicians to venerate raga music with Godly values.
Guru Vs Teacher.What an explanation!!!!!!!!! Hats off to the writer���� Difference between a Guru and a Teacher!!!!!!!
1. A teacher takes responsibility for your growth.
A Guru makes you responsible for your growth.
2.A teacher gives you things you do not have and require. A Guru takes away things you have and do not require.
3. A teacher answers your questions.
A Guru questions your answers.
4. A teacher requires obedience and discipline from the pupil. A Guru requires trust and humility from the pupil.
5. A teacher clothes you and prepares you for the outer journey. A Guru strips you naked and prepares you for the inner journey.
6. A teacher is a guide on the path.
A Guru is a pointer to the way.
7. A teacher sends you on the road to success.
A Guru sends you on the road to freedom.
8. A teacher explains the world and its nature to you.
A Guru explains yourself and your nature to you.
9. A teacher gives you knowledge and boosts your ego.
A Guru takes away your knowledge and punctures your ego.
10. A teacher instructs you.
A Guru constructs you.
11. A teacher sharpens your mind.
A Guru opens your mind.
12. A teacher reaches your mind.
A Guru touches your spirit.
13. A teacher instructs you on how to solve problems.
A Guru shows you how to resolve issues.
14. A teacher is a systematic thinker.
A Guru is a lateral thinker.
15. One can always find a teacher.
But a Guru has to find and accept you.
16. A teacher leads you by the hand.
A Guru leads you by example.
17.When a teacher finishes with you, you celebrate.
When a Guru finishes with you, life celebrates.
Let us honor both, the teachers and the Guru in our lives…