Almost a week has passed since my last entry and I have wanted to share news on many occasions, but I must be kind to myself! After 2 weeks, I can definitely say that the program at KYM is taking its toll (in fact, I am more than happy to pay it :-)). So far, the course has been challenging and stimulating: mentally, emotionally and physically. My days have been filled with reflections on powerful existential concepts: trust, detachment, balance, suffering, patience, steadiness, and many more. With Sangeetha (Yoga Philosophy) we have been looking at one or two of Patanjali's Sutras every day. We break down the Sanskrit, look at root words, and read each sutra back and forth a few times, harvesting more meaning out of each line every time. The Sutras are something exceptional! Each word is charged with multiple meanings and references, the depth of which escapes me even as I begin to get a sense of how beautiful and complex the language is. A real treat to study.
A sculpture of Patanjali in the garden of KYM.
In addition to the mental gymnastics of Sanskrit etymology, I having been loving the challenge of our chanting sessions with Ganga. Also in Sanskrit, the Vedic mantras we have been chanting follow unfamiliar rules and harmonies that I find only partially recognisable thanks to my rather limited experience with Indian singers (I can recommend, for instance, Shurti Sadolikar's healing voice). Our classes with Ganga are both wonderful and frustrating. I feel that as a Western, American educated, Italian woman, all too often I would like more definitive answers: exactly how long should this pause last? How high should that "A" go? Are we talking octaves? When all these questions come up, I remind myself of a Medieval knight charging. Or maybe of Don Quixote going for the wind mills. To all of our questions, Ganga responds with a sweet smile, and "Just listen" (sometimes a little more information as well, if we press). At first I thought it was a communication breakdown, but then I realised: I should just listen. And try to repeat. Again and again. Without strain, and with a lot of patience. It's the yoga of singing.
I have spent a good amount of time on my own over the past few days, so the times I have shared with others have become quite precious. Below is a series of photos from the past week, including a special reunion photo :-).
Last Wednesday, Alphons and I headed to an Organic "Super Store" (!) suggested to me by my classmates Matt and Anjuli. Here is Alphons driving us over (I caught a glimpse of his smile this time!) and a sidewalk impromptu market with umbrella:
If you are ever in Chennai and looking for a good selection of organic products, I highly recommend Dhanyam! The store is run by a lovely couple who used to work in IT and decided they wanted to work for themselves. The shop is stocked with products from local farms and companies, as well as special treats like Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar! I spent most of my time at the shop with Thendral - she was wonderful and very helpful. Here is a shot of Thendral and her husband and the shop:
I left the shop very satisfied with my purchases and will make my way back there tomorrow for a refill. I was particularly happy to find organic nuts (cashews and almonds). Not only are they much tastier than the nuts I bought when I first arrived, but they should be less toxic - the oil in nuts retains a lot of the pesticides/toxins used to grow them in non-organic settings, so I like to buy organic when I can. The fruit (2 papayas, 3 pomegranates, 2 sweet limes and bananas) and veggies (green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, baby corn, onion, potatoes and capsicum) have also been delicious!
I have started walking to class every morning. It's a 30 minute walk, and I enjoy getting my body warm before our asana practice. It's also the only time of day when it is still pleasant to walk in the streets. On Thursday, at the end of my road I got a glimpse of a Christian place of worship. It felt like a postmodern theater set mixed with Jamiroquai's set for Virtual Insanity and a hospital. The red neon cross at the back caught my eye, Dan Flavinesque.
This week we also had class on Saturday to make up for this Wednesday (classes won't run because of Ganesh Chathurthi). On my way to KYM I met Sumi and Laskhmi, who play badminton on the street on weekend mornings. I was very satisfied with this action shot.
Cock in action. Or rooster, if you'd rather.
Corner market on the street to KYM.
Flowers being made into garlands on the street to KYM.
Tricycle repair service. With cool moustache.
Water delivery.
The tea man with his portable tea stand. In the background, Alphons enjoying cha.
Valeria, Miguel, Vanessa and Vivien, fellow students at KYM.
Jaya, our native Chennai classmate! I am jealous of her scooter, makes me reminisce my teenage years in Roma.
Sickly pigeon and auto driver - the same man who had warned me about the ants in the flowers.
In the back, L to R, Jacqui, Paco, Louise, Matt. In the front, Naty, Anjuli and Adi.
And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for since... well, 2009! Ever since my entry on Chennai in my old blog, I have left you hanging. But finally, here they are: Ravi and Sudha!
The gracious Ravi and Sudha hosted David and I with incredible kindness and generosity during our first stay in Chennai. I have been really lucky to reconnect with them. We had a lovely dinner together last week and on Saturday Sudha and I attended the last performance of a beautifully performed Kathakali show at Kalakshetra, the second time I see this visually stunning and highly expressive dance form in Tamil Nadu.
The recap of the past week is almost over! Sunday (yesterday) ended with a wonderful Roshashana celebration (Jewish New Year) hosted by Adi and Naty. I was touched by the opportunity to celebrate with them. It felt especially meaningful in the relativity of travel (being alone, in a foreign country, with different cultural habits, etc.) to gather around a table with familiar faces and celebrate together. Milena bought garlands of flowers with which she decorated the apartment at 6th Main Road and the whole evening was delightful.
From L to R: Miguel, Adi, David, Jacqui, Milena, Naty, B.
With good wishes from here,
B
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