Humbled beyond measure, I stand corrected.

  About the Sitar. I am quite ashamed of my self as for years I’ve thought the sitar is overhyped. Sadly, this statement was not even thought out, or investigated, and came from a place of strong bias against a famous sitar player. All because of his personal life- which is no one else’s place to judge. Certainly not mine. What a shame that I stooped so low. 

I stand corrected and I feel terribly ashamed of myself for being such an arrogant idiot, and as my mum sometimes called me, “a first class fool” when I did something foolish, or was gullible enough to fall easy prey, and to be fooled- again! She would say, “Veenu, you are a first class fool; not third class, not second class, but a first class fool.” Very sternly. 

I was too afraid to say anything and agreed with her, and honestly did not grasp the full implications of this admonishment till only very recently. 

My mother was a busy working woman, involved in sensitive areas of the Central Government’s Defense Ministry, including in the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) besides other very important departments. So she had no time or patience for niceties, especially not with her daughter, who she was raising to be wary of the big bad world. So I was an obedient child. Most of the time- especially in important matters. Important matters did not include playing group games, in New Delhi’s dry dusty playground without changing out of my while school uniform. 

Do I relay this to be judged less harshly for my “foolishness?” Or am I admitting to an inherent flaw that is part of my DNA? The foolishness bit? Am I canvassing for a less harsh judgement/ criticism, of what is clearly my bias and one of many shortcomings? Certainly not. A guilty verdict for all of the above will not be enough, and I certainly don’t expect any concession towards my stupidity and lack of appreciation of the fine things of life. And, I consider myself a lover of music? What a shame, what shallowness, what hypocracy. Eyes lowered, I stand ashamed and remorseful.

How this came about was quite unexpected. You Tube, usually an ally, presented a short Reel with a clean faced young man holding a sitar. It was the title of the reel that prompted me to listen to it- “Shiv Kailashon ke baasi,” and there was also something about the singer’s presence. I W A S smitten! 

Smitten, mesmerized, and in jaw dropping awe. I was also humbled beyond belief. Yes, I was also very ashamed for tainting the magic and the music of sitar, making broad statements against it, in favor of the flute. Yes, flute, shehnai, and all saxophone, all instruments of the breath are my favorites, but now the sitar is right there with them. 

Ironically, there is one version this young man plays with a small live ‘orchestra team’ which includes an amazing flutist, who of course works his magic- but, 

B U T- the sitar is clearly the star here. And after that I’ve been listening to the sitar more frequently, especially played by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s soul stirring sound coming through his fingers as he make love to the strings of his sitar. Clear half moons visible on the nails of his long fingers. Pure, spirited, blissfully seductive, he leaves one dreamily smiling and hungering for more of his magical sounds. 

Rishab’s  sauve appearance does not distract, in fact he gets away with henna on his hands and as if the music being made is not enough, his embellishments include precious jewels adorning his neck. Like a maharaja’s ‘haars’ reaching low. One carat diamonds in his ears, payal on his feet. His fair complexion, square face, and broad forehead give an indication of his Himachali heritage. He’s the Maharaja of the Sitar chords, the last and youngest disciple of Shri Ravi Shankar. 

There is a saying in Hindi, I heard from my brother, “Guru gur reh gaya, aur chela chini ho gaya.” A little crude, and possibly out of place in this context, but nonetheless it bears consideration, if only because the revival of the love of Sitar amongst the younger generation is solely due to Rishab Rikhiram Sharma. He comes from a family of Sitar makers, and upon being shown a video of the 10 year old Rishab, Ravi Shankar called his father, and offered himself to be the boy’s guru. 

“Shiv Kailashon ke bassi, dhaulidaron ke raja, Shankar Sangat harna,” here with the flute at a live show. https://youtu.be/Onb6_bRJ0Bw?si=10Rf842qjb_Lm7so

The first video of Rishab Rikhiram Sharma in which I heard the sitar with new ears: https://youtu.be/Onb6_bRJ0Bw?si=10Rf842qjb_Lm7so

Singing with his mother: https://youtube.com/shorts/thDzV5tMBnY?si=632zyx7qzfC7Q7qA

Love the classical elements of this next composition, Chanakya: https://youtu.be/KBYSpR8N6pc?si=gNVt8xYYuw37BR2V

Another longer video of Chanakya, live in Nepal with an enthusiastic young crowd: https://youtu.be/o7uMWQIpnKU?si=Cn07k2ObDoqbtRTp head shakingly and body swaying, toe tapping worth watching! 

Saving the Best for last- Engaging oneself fully, head and heart swaying, toe tapping, shoulder shrugging involvement. Raga Hamir: https://youtu.be/jMcMLAyddzU?si=RJrykTqvEjaVAlqz for a serious conversation between the strings and your senses. Worth every second of the losing yourself to the sitar’s strings for 21 minutes. 

Rishab lives in New York. I am hoping to see him play at a live concert. 

Veenu Banga

2:38am

April 2, 2025

Sunday, it continues..

 And the thunderstorm on Sunday had something to do with it as well! 

However, this post must wait, as there is something which is long overdue- an acknowledgment of how I stand corrected, so I will revisit and update this after I get that off my chest. 

The kindness streak continues..

 On Saturday, (March 29, 2025) it was at another big store. I was there to buy a particular brand of drink sachets which contain no additives, not even sugar, just the fruit concentrate. I was looking for Lime and Lemon. It was a request from someone living at one of the places I was traveling to. I went to the aisle where it was supposed to be, walked up and down and did not see them. Then walked around to the adjoining aisles and  again, no luck finding them. 

As I was exiting the adjacent aisle, I spotted a young person from the store, and together we looked up the aisle again, yes. It was indeed A14. So I pointed out the area where all the drink mixes are kept, and of course, it wasn’t there. Let’s call him K, and he said sometimes they are on the opposite side, and he turned around. It was filled with baking supplies including sugars. There, nestled next to sugar, K spotted the very thing I wanted! Though I do not understand why a no sugar item would be placed right next to a bag of sugar! Oh, well! 

As I thanked K, I mentioned that I was carrying this overseas with me. So he told me what he was studying and that he would graduate this year. He showed an interest in working overseas. So we chatted, this young boy of no more than 18-20 years, and yours truly, this older woman with miles and miles of experience behind her. It wasn’t hard talking with him. He had a clean face, clear dark eyes, and a firm handshake, as he introduced himself to me. 

K is the one of the many, who stand at the threshold of the future of this country and theirs; which are not different. How he turns out and what he does with his life, what experiences and opportunities he has will influence the lives of those around him, and the outcomes of his progeny. It’s our duty to nurture this generation which is waiting in the wings of their future, and which way that turns out, could affect ours- my generation. After all, everything and every one of us- is connected and affected by what happens to and with the rest of us. He was impressed by some of the opportunities I told him about, and he said that his world view has just been expanded. It was probably a boost to my ego, and if it was flattery, I lapped it up, and while encouraging him, also enlighten him on the importance of vetting his resources and sources, because it’s now a very complicated world. 

At his request I gave him my phone number, not least because I’ve had angels in my life. Not saying I’m one, but can certainly emulate the generosity of spirit accorded me by fellow beings. 

Wishing him all the very best- I responded to his text. K promised to keep me updated with his progress. I wish him all the very best in life. His mother, rather his parents must have done a good job with him. It is my wish a prayer he does his family proud. Every young person, standing on the cusp of adulthood, needs as much guidance and encouragement as they seek to find answers to life’s big challenges. 

In a fast paced world where automation is taking up the opportunities to grow human potential, life can seem confusing and unfair. It is our duty to support those that expect it from us. There is no greater joy nor sense of accomplishment than knowing our life has made a difference. 

Good luck young man-K! 

Veenu Banga 

12:41 am

April 2, 2025.

The world is full of kind people

 And I was fortunate to be the beneficiary of such kindness- which was of great magnitude, considering the urgency of my needs. This kindness was voluntarily forthcoming and unexpected. Moreover, it came from the heart, as an act of love, not charity. 

I was trying to get into a medical facility for some testing, and the practice was fully booked out for two weeks. I had a choice to go elsewhere, but this is the one I wanted to have my exam at, as they are very reputable, and I have had very good experiences with them in the past- especially when compared to other places, including the hospital system we are affiliated with. 

So on Thursday, I called and tried to ask if there would be any possibility for me to be booked for two different kinds of imaging tests. They had to be on the very day, or the next day! I just had these two days available before my travel commitments. The lady who I spoke to for my appointment listened to my dilemma and urgency. Not finding anything available for the Thursday or Friday, she put me through to the person who actually is responsible for overall managing the particular testing Unit. Let’s call this angel G. 

So G spoke with me, and quite understandably advised me that they’re two weeks out. I explained to her about my upcoming travel and requested if I could check with her again on Friday to see if something opens up.

“What were you thinking,” G asked, and continued, “That perhaps there may be a cancellation? 

“Yes,” I replied. 

“Okay, I’ll also check and call you back if there’s anything,” G responded. And something told me this woman will be as good as her word. 

Meanwhile I went about my day. Thursday afternoon was really quite hectic for me. I left home around 4:30 pm, and started with my first errand on Howell Branch road, which was the furthest point from my house, and which meant I would be driving on the ever congested SR 436. With very frequently placed traffic lights, and at the edge of rush hour, I had little choice.

The optimist in me went, and of course I was richly rewarded with kindness at every stop, starting with my first destination. I met a lovely lady there and we indulged in some mutual admiration. I will probably not see her again, then again, who knows? The Lord is whimsical in such matters and we may cross paths. One never knows. 

I put in directions on maps to my next destination in Casselberry. Because of the traffic, my attention was fully on the road. When I arrived at my destination, it was about 6:45 pm, and upon checking my phone I saw two missed calls with two voice mails. It was G. What was she doing in the office that late? They close at 5:00 pm. The voicemails said G was trying to “get a hold of me” for my appointment which she was able to schedule! She need not have done this, going above and beyond. After all I was nothing to her, but just a voice on the phone- one of the many patients this busy office serves. 

I hastily called back and reached the answering service. The man said to call back during business hours. Could I please leave a message for G? Sure, he said. I did, and he told me that she says to call back during business hours. I was disappointed, and decided to head to my next destination. 

Sitting in the drivers seat, I was about to start the car, when I decided to look at the best route in maps, and also check traffic. Before I could do that, I saw an email show up as a banner at the top of my phone screen, from that imaging center! I hastily opened it. It was G. She wrote she had an opening available for tomorrow and was trying to reach me. I hurriedly responded that I was driving, and am now able to take her call, if she would please call me again, as I couldn’t reach her by phone. She did. She called. I hadn’t been certain that she would see my response, as she may be shutting down for the day. The universe was also at work, trying to help. Thank you Universe and thank you G! I did say angel, it was not in vain. 

The rest as they say was smooth sailing. What touched me deeply, was the effort G went to, to help me meet my deadline. She tried calling, and then used her ingenuity to look up my email address and write. I went this afternoon and had one exam done. The other unfortunately couldn’t happen as I had misplaced the Order. It was not in the car where I had left it.

Here again, N at the front desk tried calling my doctor’s office to have them fax my order. But they close early on Fridays. 

The exam I did have done was performed by M. What a gem, as she took a couple of extra images to ensure the doctors could see everything they wanted to see. M was absolutely amazing. I was worried I’d be claustrophobic but I surprised myself. It was smooth sailing. 

After the exam, I still had errands to run. Filled up gas and then went to a store to buy some stuff to take with me. At the check out, I asked the lady, if I may have a couple of extra bags, to pack the gifts separately. 

“No, ma’am,” she said, we cannot give extra bags. Then she doubled up my existing bags, and in the last bag, she noticed two extra bags sticking to it. She said here, these bags are sticking to it, just take them. What a clever lady, and so kind!

Next stop my pharmacy, to fill the only prescription I take. “I’ll pay out of pocket, “ I said sure insurance would not cover the short notice. S meanwhile ran it through insurance and viola! They’re paying! 

What a lovely day and what a lovely way to end it! Had made mushroom quesadillas and it turned out to be great.

Sat down after dinner to watch the Danish TV series, BEACHSIDE HOTEL.” it’s lovely. My second time seeing it. I was dozing off while watching it. On that note, eyes closing and sweet slumber beckons. I will think of my muses and fall asleep with a smile on my face. I will bless all the angels who I interacted with today. I will wake up with a smile on my face. What a wonderful world. It is full of kind people! 

Wrote two new poems, and started a blog on Prayer.. 

Veenu Banga

1:22 am

 29th Match 2025.

Impromptu dinner at Susan’s last night!

 I had been back from Sedona for six days and Susan and I did not get to meet. Either she had an appointment, or I did. So texted. Yesterday morning Susan texted to ask if we’re free for dinner. At her place or to go out to the new Indian restaurant at Hunt Club. Her house, I responded and could we make it a pot luck? I would surprise her with something, and could surprise me with a salad!

So that was the plan. Then Susan got it out of me- what I was cooking and that’s okay. Sorry blog, not saying it here, because can’t share the food with you anyways. So we had a lovely time. What a gift it is to have a good friend. 

Susan’s loquat tree is loaded- mine have not been very fruitful this year. So out I went into the backyard and ate the fruits. Then picked a few dozen to take back- indeed had some this afternoon. Super sweet and juicy.

My mulberry tree is heavily hanging low in all its branches, though only a few have just turned purple. I eat them straight off the tree. Little and not so little green ones abound. This year at least I will not miss them altogether. I can hang around my trees all day long. I want a tree house. I never get to speak with the branches that are right at the top. I wonder if they’re lonely. 

The Moringa is flowering and I’d been meaning to get the flowers to make raita with them, as Mummy used to do. Should remember for tomorrow. Hope to go to Casselberry tomorrow. Have dosas in the temple cafeteria and then go enjoy K’s beautiful backyard. 

Going to sleep early tonight. Have started my packing and hope it will not be the last day that the bags get fully done. Wonder who will carry me across this time, to A’s home sweet home. Then AMS six days later, on one of the Stena ferries. Looking forward to summer unfold over the vast blue skies of the Midlands, and the spectacular views from Normandy Hills.

Veenu Banga

11:47 pm

March 22, 2025.

Another world?

03/14/2025: Day 7 at Sedona Mago, and I never thought I could fall in love with the desert. The rich red soil, mostly fine gravel, in some places red clay when soaking wet, with an abundance of rock laying around in good measure. Despite the temperatures being in the low double digits Centigrade. 

Super glad I stayed the two extra nights, after the Level 5 with my Master and 52 other SFQ friends. It’s these two days, exploring the terrain on my own, that the Energy embraced me. Away from the classroom, and an unstructured schedule. I sat at the waterfalls, praying and reflecting. Grateful, forging a connection, respectful of the land. Climbing the 120 steps, at each we can reflect or life in that year. On the first step, I stop long, and reflect on what Mummy would have felt to realize she is alone and with child. I thank my maternal grandparents for taking her in, for the giving me the good and luxurious lifestyle in my formative years. Till he came back for us. 

The fabulous food at Sedona Mago- three healthful, nourishing meals. The unspoken camaraderie of everyone there, whatever they were doing, and the fabulous staff, in the office and the kitchens. Sedona Mago has their own programs, besides hosting retreats such as ours. 

Walking the labyrinth which was just outside our classroom. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, some with their snow covered sides, it felt we were nestled away from the prying eyes of the world beyond. Like another human could not peek over the mountains to look inside this nest where we were at complete peace with our souls. Just the nearness of Master Lin, as if no time had passed since my last meeting with him. 

The Master never leaves our heart. His Energy colors my core, the only steadying crutch, I must remember to seek its succor more frequently. I wish I had asked him to sign my course notes handbook. I had thought about it, but then felt a reticence and dismissed the idea as soon as it came. How precious are those moments when his wisdom embraces with the comforting that comes only from a place of one’s surrendering to the belief in our Master’s teachings. 

While the Jainism prayers and its principles permeate in me as my doctrine of choice, as the JVBs provide Samanijis to reach out to, to guide and support. Their human interaction offers a huge support. Master Lin’s teaching offer strength and optimism that keeps one going. Thoughts of his contributions to my life are always only a blink away. I think about him, and I’m comforted. Both Jainism and qigong are as much a part of me, as the Sikh prayers I heard in my childhood, and had forgotten, letting them get buried in the dusty dredges of my wounded Spirit. The Mool Mantra has once again become a presence in my life. I was so angry with myself, I stopped praying. Attending this workshop with Master Lin, my second Level 5 with him, was the best thing to happen to me and promises to make this a better year than the last. 

The Master never leaves us. I had been putting off signing up for the class, waiting for a ‘sign’ to make the decision for me. Finally on Tuesday I opened the registration link but still no action. The course started on Saturday, and then there were flights to book and local transportation to arrange. 

I had earlier started organizing my dozens of notebooks, scribbled with journal entries, poems, and stories. I went back to the table, and opened a notebook, flipping through the first few pages. A Journal entry, dated the last decade, “I woke up dreaming about Master Lin. He was asking me if I had registered to come, and I said no, I haven’t. Go and do it immediately said Master Lin..” I shut the notebook, noticing the green cover. For once I listened to my small voice, and rushed to reserve my place in the class.  

The flights were only $800 or so when I been looking. Now with three days left, both points and dollar tickets were substantially up. To arrive on time, I had to take the 8:00 am flight, with just an hour in Atlanta to connect to Phoenix. Then it was another 2.5 hours by coach to Sedona Mago. 

After seven days at Mago, we moved out to spend two nights at a hotel in Cottonwood, a small town about 25 minutes from the prohibitively expense Sedona. So one could actually see the town and experience the famous Vortexes of Sedona. 

Snow was still on the ground the next morning, after having snowed overnight. From the window of the hotel room, I could see the roofs of cars covered in white. It was an easy drive to Sedona. It’s a magical downtown, more magical, like an Alpine village with the snow now thick on the red hills that ensconced the valley. 

Our first stop was the Airport Mesa. Truly spectacular views. Again, the feeling of magic, of being connected to the earth. Once again, I walk with awareness and tell the earth to allow myself to be grounded, ground me. To connect with it. The sky spreads out wide. I realize I haven’t seen any sunrise or sunset. Then on to The Chapel of the Holy cross. There is a grottos outside so it’s a Catholic church. 

Last stop is the Bell Rock trail, but it’s become hot and I’m hungry. In search of a place to eat, we stumble upon the Oaks Village Saturday markets. I buy more rock jewelry and lavender perfume and lavender and Sandalwood body butter from the Sedona Lavenders lady. The perfume has notes of lavender, vanilla (not my favorite, but works here admirably) and either frankincense or sandalwood? It’s smells clean and fresh. 

The Tara Thai restaurant is closed. We decide to go back to Babu’s tikka masala place where we had eaten the night before. The food is fabulous, run by a Pakistani family from Lahore. I tell them about my Lahore connection, and give them the address on Nisbat Road. 

The palak paneer is delicious- best for I’ve had in a while. Next morning we fly back. We get off okay, but Atlanta is a mess with weather delays and Delta is doing the best the can. Our flight is delayed, cancelled, delayed till next working. Luckily Delta Million miler status speaks volumes and we are rebooked on an earlier flight and get home by midnight. . 

It’s been almost a week since I’m back, so my words don’t do justice to Sedona. However, I notice, that it’s far better than Glastonbury, where we were last Christmas. 

Thank you Universe, for the gift of my Samanijis, Masters, teachers and like minded souls who I had the honor to befriend. The world has so much beauty, so much joy- all free. We can partake of this manna with all the senses the creator has provided to relish His or actually Her,  Creation. Mother Earth. Heaven is here, it is, it is. 

Veenu Banga

1:19 am

03/22/2025. 

PS. Realize it’s almost time to go again, another part of Heaven calls. Where blackberries grow unabashedly in the wild, and flowers adorn gardens which abound everywhere.  

Apologies Blog

 Have no energy to chat. I am very, very, very unwell. Maybe tomorrow? Maybe not. Probably will have to miss Susan’s 85th birthday party. 

Can barely sit up, been asleep, and just knock off even when I’m sitting on a chair. Terrible cough and phlegm. Succumbed and took an aspirin. Did not help. Now a half Tylenol. Heater running, hot water bottle, and hopefully a comforting warm bed, and sweet slumber.

See, despite the discomfort (putting it mildly) I still showed up to write. 

Veenu Banga

12/20/2024

10:27 pm.