I come home, and I hear "Churaliya" playing in the kitchen CD player as my mom is cooking dinner. I smile discreetly to myself as I casually walk in, and settle to my room. Hmm. One song has the power to take me back all the way to being five years old, and commanding my little sister to let this song finish playing! Or just back to last week to competing with a fellow vocalist to let me sing this song one more time at a local jam session! Ah, it鈥檚 so simple when you take a moment to experience the omnipresence of a feeling.
I guess the question is how can anyone practically experience this feeling of omnipresence? By omnipresence I directly mean an adjective describing the act of being everywhere at the same time. Being brought up as a Hindu, the concept was taught to me at a very young age. I never really understood its context fully until I started reflecting on what this idea means to me, and how it affects me. The more I reflect on this meaning, the clearer it becomes. The context of Hinduism has helped me realize that a Higher Being is Amongst and Through Us. I am more spiritual in nature than I am religious, but Hinduism shapes my definition of omnipresence. Hindu theory helps me realize that we are all interconnected in this universe, that we are all relevant in maintaining a cosmic harmony.
All that being said, the extent of my singing passion is really a means to practising my ideology of omnipresence. When I perform, there is no boundary between the physical audience and myself. This interest has really been there with me ever since I鈥檝e known myself, and has grown with each new definition of omnipresence that I explore.
My definition was widely broadened when I went to Australia for a year. The voyage really challenged my idea of omnipresence. There I was, in the midst of unknown territory. Nothing was familiar. I went in good faith with two other friends. We had quite a reality check looking for a place to stay, familiarizing ourselves with the area, learning new customs, understanding the transit system, etc. Even though everything around me had shifted, I noticed that something from within me hadn鈥檛 changed. I actively started seeking out events where I could perform, and groups with which I could continue my musical training. It led me to explore other contexts of Hinduism as well.
I was very honoured to meet so many people who enjoyed Hindu theory and incorporated its inner meanings to enrich their lives. One of these groups was a Hari Rama group called Govinda that actively practised vegetarianism, auriveda, yoga, and lots of beautiful chanting. I was very grateful to be a part of this group. I liked interacting with people who highly enjoyed Hindu practices, and were so humble and giving of their efforts to spread this warmth in an unbiased way. They would regularly hold Bhajan Nights where we would all gather to sing bhajans. The energy of the room would be astounding, as everyone would aim to support the main vocalists, and just enjoy the vibe.
Singing has enabled me to develop new and innovative ways to explore Hindu practices, and to share my discoveries with the warmth of so many others!
