Gnyana Margam: Bharatanatyam as spiritual path

By Shilpa Mitra

“The difference between a technical expert and an artistic genius is the ability to master the technique and then forget it. By transcending technique and forgetting oneself, a dancer enters the spirit of the dance and expresses it” says Rukmini Devi. Similar was   Veena C Seshadri s portrayal of GNYANA MARGAM that befit the technique and language of the art where in the mode of expression through Bharatanatyam is seen beyond expressed and only the experience remains.

Veena C Seshadri s performance was spontaneous expression of powerful emotions and deep knowledge of understanding Natya in Gnyana Margam – Bharatanatyam as spiritual path.Trained from Kalakshetra Chennai. The three fold layered narrative of Krishna Leela adapted to varnam formate was a spellbound portrayal of masterly and perfect solo performance of Bharatanatyam on Wednesday evening  at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Sydney on 22nd May 2019. The  Consulate General of India Sydney and Bharatiya Sangeet Akademi presented an evening of Indian classical music and dance.

It  was indeed a pleasant treat to the eyes to watch the seasoned dancer  execute with apparent effortless ease, the intricacies and nuances of this classical Indian dance form, bringing live on stage elements of  sensitive state and Avasta of  Nayika in Ashtapadi Yahi Madhava Yahi Keshava . When Krishna does not arrive at the appointed hour and arrives in the morning after dallying with other gopis, carrying telltale marks on his body, Radha in anger, agony, dejected, depressed  and unhappy requests him to leave and not to tell lies. Capturing the beauty of ashtapadi, the inherent dignity of the Bharatanatyam form was revealed with exquisite glow.

Bhaja govindam is one of the famous compositions of the spiritual giant Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya. Though sung as a bhajan, it contains the essence of Vedanta and implores the man to think, Why am I here in this life ? Why am I amassing wealth, family, but have  no peace ? What is the Truth ? What is the purpose of life? The person thus awakened gets set on a path to the inner road back to the God principle.  Laying stress on the subtle phrasing of the lyrics, unfolding the narrative with mature presentation  Veena S dance reflected deep understanding and practice of spiritual path.