Saturday, April 7th, 2018

Phoenix, Mauritius

The Shakti Show

We started with a walk at Belle Mare, then a swim, and then a discussion from the Bhagavatam1.1.1., right on the beach.  I did not have a book with me to read or reference from, directly, but I have that verse memorized, better in Sanskrit than the English. My favourite aspect of the verse addresses the issue of separating reality from illusion.  That discussion, plus our chanting on beads and singing—while in the water—the prayers to the guru, in my opinion, made a morning program of sadhanarather complete.

Time was short today as we had to rush to another section of the island, the central part, near Phoenix.  It was near Phoenix that we staged “The Shakti Show.”  Hats go off to Kala, a French descendant of Mauritians, who organized the program.  Held at the venue “Serge Constantin Theatre,” you could not find a better location.  It seats only three hundred, but it was full, and there’s another show on Sunday, a matinee, tomorrow.

The program began with a kirtanby local devotees, followed by an instrumental ensemble called “Confluence,” local artists on sitar, vina, violin, mrdangam and tabla.  With no vocals, it lent itself to the pure sound of raga.  They were good.

Finally our local talent, in addition to Pariksit’s co-direction and some South African input, presented, “Many Mothers, Many Fathers.”  WOW!  They were good.

We still have a distance to go in terms of real fine hosting of a program on a stage, but Sambha did well enough behind the microphone.  Overall, presentation wise, I believe our guru, Srila Prabhupada, would be pleased. 

May the Source be with you!

5 km