FOREWORD
N.V. SUBRAMANIAN
Addl. Gen Manager (Retd.) Indian Railways
The quest on the part of mankind for understanding the Eternal Truth and merging with the ultimate has been the central point in the theological philosophy of Sanathana Dharma . The revelation of Vedas – which again is a unique feature in the metaphysical history of the world – has in fact initiated several approaches to the understanding of meaning of life – past, present and beyond. The pursuit of the beyond has led to several ideologies and practice – involving even Mantras , Yantras and Tantras, the evolving of Hindu Pantheon and the elaborate worship.
Navavaranam is one such elaboration. The yantra is the Sri chakra, being interpreted and sanctified by Mantra and Tantra - all a process of Devi worship and the path to reach the supreme. The governing aspects of each Navavaranam, the presiding deities, their power of benediction to the individual seeking salvation through the Sri chakra poojai, have all been elaborately dealt with, Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar – one of the Trinity in music- has been unique in interpreting the essentials of Navavaranam through Nadha. His immortal Navavarana kritis are an example of the genius in him. The Kritis are no doubt musically very important ; what adds to the beauty is the succinct and suave manner of explanation of the essentials of Navavaranam. A study of these compositions only proves that the genius of mankind can be properly understood and appreciated only by a genius. Dikshitar has achieved another thing – to make complex look simple. This is not an easy task.
This book brings out in bold relief all that has been stated above. The musical attainments in the compositions and the philosophy behind Navavaranam have been dealt with in as simple a manner as possible without omitting any essentials Dr. N.S.Lakshmi , who is a serious student of music has ably succeeded in dealing with a trite subject in an admirable manner to be presented in a book form. This requires a sound background in music and musicology, knowledge of Sanskrit and ability for appropriate presentation. All these attributes Dr. Lakshmi possesses in a commendable manner facilitating the writing of this book in a logical and cogent flow. An added advantage is the inclusion of notated versions of the compositions, including the dhyana and mangala kritis .
The book will be very useful for those in search of a meaningful interpretation of the music and philosophy behind Navavaranam. It certainly brings out what Dikshitar has left it to be understood – that Nadha is a yoga for inner understanding and realisation of the ultimate union. That would probably be the message of this book.
I commend this book to students who are serious about Nadha – as a path for the ultimate.
N.V. SUBRAMANIAN
Quotes
A good heart is better than all the heads in the world
A good heart is better than all the heads in the world
