Indian Heritage Week: Celebrating Intangible Heritage of Chanting

An influential thinker from the 20th century stated that culture cannot be abridged to only its tangible products, because culture is continuously evolving and constantly evolving. According to the international community, the main attributes of a culture were limited to tangible cultural expressions, and their significance was evaluated on the basis of their artistic, aesthetic, architectural, visual, scientific, and economic value.

However, the essence of intangible elements in a culture cannot be overlooked, because these elements can be employed to accomplish the task of transferring knowledge, to the next of kin, of preservation of their own culture. Experts were of the view that in this era with a rich cultural variety of humanity moving towards uniformity. This can be dangerous because uniformity can lead to disintegration of cultural heritage.

But, Bharata is a land that includes thousands of living traditions, with each community striving hard to preserve their heritage. These include Kumbh Mela, Mysore Dasara, Karagam, Durga Puja, chanting and more. 

CSP celebrates heritage week from the 19th to 25th November, and on the culminating day, we celebrate the intangible heritage of chanting with a Vedic and Buddhist scholar. Both Vedic and Buddhist chanting of Ladakh were recognised by UNESCO and added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Join us on November 25th, at 7PM IST, as we explore and celebrate the heritage of chanting. 

We will hear from experts on the importance of chanting in both Vedic and Buddhist traditions.

Symposium on Indic Fragrance and Flavours

Sugandha, Surabhi, Parimala, Aamoda are just a few of the numerous Sanskrit words for fragrance, with fragrance occupying significant place right from the Veda mantras through Itihasas, Puranas and Aagamas to ancient Sanskrit poetic works. In the famous and popular Rig Veda mantra “oṃ tryámbakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhíṃ puṣṭi-vardhánam urvārukam íva bandhánān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā ‘mṛtā́t” among the two qualities of tryambaka, the first mentioned is Sugandhi = the fragrant one.

The Yajnas were known for their diffusion of fragrance from the material offered into the fire as offerings to various Devatas. Hindu temple and household worship rituals are characterized by the offerings of the fragrant material through dhoopa, aarati, teertha and prasaada. Ayurveda devotes a significant portion of its wellness system to Aroma therapy outlining the details of different kinds of aromas that can heal various ailments. The Brihat Samhita has chapters on fragrance, Gandhayukti. Indian culinary science always incorporated Sugandha dravyas, i.e., spices in a big way giving Indian cuisine its characteristic flavor. More significantly, it is the Indian spice trade that contributed to the economy during ancient and medieval times compelling Europeans to find sea routes to India. There are detailed descriptions of how herbal powders and pastes were intensely used in the personal daily embellishment of Indians, particularly women. Aphrodisiac effects of fragrance are so well incorporated into the Hindu imagination/mind that Manmatha, the god of eros is viewed as flower-arrowed. In all the rituals and cultural traditions of all the components /strands of the Hindu cultural complex like Vaidika, Jaanapada (folk), Aaranya/ Paarvata(tribal), the fragrant material plays a vital role through their psychosomatic and magical/ supernatural effects.

The symposium is being organised in collaboration with Vigirom Pvt Ltd ( VPL) Bengaluru. VPL was established by Late Sri K. Vijayakumar, a veteran of the Indian Perfume Industry.  Sri K. Vijaykumar who studied in the School of Perfumery, France was also well versed in the use of fragrances and flavours in the Indian ethos. He was very keen on exploring this topic as it has not received due attention from the scholars. INDICA is now pleased to collaborate with Vigirom in organising this event and bringing his desire to fruition. The event will be held on 29th October.

:::SCHEDULE:::

 

3.00 – 3.10 Welcome Shri Hari Kiran
Founder, Indic Academy
3.11 – 3.15 Opening Remarks and Intro to Keynote speaker Smt Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar
 Co-founder – Director, Centre for Soft Power (CSP)
3.15 – 3.45 Keynote Address Mr. Maurizio Volpi, President, Fragrance & Beauty Givaudan International, Switzerland
3.50 – 3.53 VoT & Introduction to the panel – Fragrance in folk traditions Prof Nagaraj Paturi
Director, Indic Academy
3.53 – 3.55 Introduction to the panelist Varsha V
Research Associate, CSP
3.55 – 4.15 Fragrance in Folk Traditions Dr. Janardhan Ghosh, Performing Artist, Academic, Theatre Artist & Storyteller
4.15 – 4.25 Q&A
4.26 – 4.33 VoT & Introduction to the panel – Fragrance, an Integral Aspect of Worship: Prof Nagaraj Paturi
4.33 – 4.35 Introduction to the panelists Varsha V
4.35 – 4.55 Fragrance, an Integral Aspect of Worship: Paancharatra Shri MA Madhusudhanan, Vaishnavite Scholar
4.56 – 5.15 Fragrance, an Integral Aspect of Worship: Shaiva Dr. T. S. Shanmukha Sivacharya, Acharya, Sri Kalikambal Temple, Chennai
5.15 – 5.25 Q&A
5.26 – 5.33 VoT & Introduction to the panel – Fragrance in Sanskrit Literature Prof Nagaraj Paturi
5.33 – 5.35 Introduction to Panelist Varsha V
5.35 – 5.55 Fragrance in Sanskrit Literature Dr. M.A Alwar
Professor at Maharaja Sanskrit College, Mysore
5.55 – 6.05 Q&A
6.06 – 6.13 Introduction to Panel – Aroma and Ayurveda  Smt Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar
6.13 – 6.15 Introduction to Panelist Varsha V
6.15 – 6.35 Aroma and Ayurveda Dr. Somit Kumar Ghosh
Director, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore
6.35 – 6.45 Q&A
6.46- 6.53 VoT & Introduction to the panel – Incense Industry and Indigenous Fragrances Smt Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar
6.53 – 6.55 Introduction to the panelists Varsha V
6.55 – 7.15 Incense Industry and Indigenous Fragrances Shri Arjun Ranga  Managing Director, N Ranga Rao and Sons Pvt. Ltd.
7.16 – 7.35 Shri Yogesh Dubey President, Rakesh Sandal Industries
7.35 – 7.45 Q&A
7.46 – 7.53 VoT & Introduction to the panel – Flavours and Fragrance in Culinary Traditions  Smt Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar
7.53 – 7.55 Introduction to Panelist Varsha V
7.55 – 8.15 Flavours and Fragrance in Culinary Traditions Smt Ammini Ramachandran
Founder, Writer, and Editor of peppertrail.com
8.25 – 8.30 VoT & Introduction to Mr Michael Carlos Smt Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar
8.30 – 8.50 Valedictory Address Mr. Michael Carlos
Board of Directors, Givaudan
8.50 – 8.55 Vote of Thanks Prof Nagaraj Paturi

 

Prana…The Power of Breath

Prana in Sanskrit is used to describe the life giving force behind all of creation. It is this cosmic life-force that orbits the planets around the sun, expands and contracts the universe, fluctuates our social and ecological systems, ebbs and flows the tides of the ocean, and pulses the beat of our hearts. In essence, prana is the “cosmic breath” that moves in and out of our bodies to sustain our very existence. Many aspects of life get in our way, and hence the most important aspect gets sidelined- breathing. How we breathe can have such a powerful effect on our well-being. 

Join Dr R Rangan ji and Dr A Subramanian on 22nd April, 2022 at 6.30 PM IST where he elucidates on the power breath has on our life.

Prana…Fitness and Breath

Being fit is the new mantra. Workouts cause physical exertion, but when one pays attention to the rate, quality, and control of your breathing in your training, better results are achieved. Each time you inhale, oxygen is taken up, which is required for proper functioning of the body. The more one moves around, the need for oxygen goes up. Modern fitness enthusiasts speak of diaphragm breathing. Pranayama has always advocated diaphragm breathing for centuries. The main yogic breath to use throughout your practice is the diaphragmatic breath, also known as abdominal breathing. It requires less effort and energy while reducing stress and anxiety and improving overall health and wellness. The deep and side-core abdominal muscles are activated to stabilise your pelvis, spine and posture. Actively engaging the diaphragm improves lung capacity, volume and efficiency.

Join Dr W Selvamurthy and Dr Deepa Prakash on 20th April, 2022 at 6.30 PM IST where they will speak to us about the importance of breathing for fitness and proper cardiovascular processes. 

Prana…Prana, Pranayama and Hanuman

Pranayama has been identified as a method of sadhana to trace life energy to its source, and find the root of all creation, in the micro and macro cosmos. However, the complexities of pranayama are difficult for all to grasp. However, the essence of pranayama and it’s source ‘prana’ is found in Hanuman. Hanuman, often celebrated for his valour and devotion and intelligence is also integral to the concept of prana and pranayama. This lesser know Known aspect of Hanuman will be explored by Sri Vinay Varanasi and Sri Vivek Sadasivam through a musical and storytelling experience. They will explore and decode lesser known stories of hanuman, bringing out connections between him and life energy, prana. They are joined by Sri. Mahesh Swami on the flute, and Sri. Adamya Ramanand.

This session will be a HYBRID session. The programme will be conducted LIVE at
Prabhath Kala Poornima, Padmavathi Arcade, #1, 1st Main Road, NR Colony, Bangalore, 560019

Prana…Significance of “Breath” in Pregnancy

Pregnant women breathe for two. The mother-to-be provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby. The mother undergoes many changes in the respiratory process during pregnancy. To deal with these changes, an effective way to manage vitality is changing the rhythm, depth and pace of breath. The foetus recognizes the mothers relaxed breathing patterns, the rhythm and the sound of the mothers breath, and this memory stays with them even after they are born, making it a bonding moment for the mother and child. 

Join Dr Latha Venkataram and Dr Prasanna Rao on 18th April, 2022 at 3.00 PM IST where they take us through the significance of breathing for pregnancy and foetal development, from the Ayurvedic and modern medicine perspective. 

Prana…Exploring Breath / Anatomy of Breath

A simple act that we perform since birth is breathing, but for many of us only becomes illuminated within our yoga practice. We breathe subconsciously throughout the day without noticing it, until we sit down and begin pranayama practice. Breathing sustains our life, nourishes our organs, helps expel waste from our body, and can affect our emotional state by acting on our nervous system. However, breathing is not only essential to these life processes. It is a part of the yoga practice that allows one to go deeper into an asana or into relaxation. Understanding exactly how our body performs this extraordinary act can bring us deeper into our pranayama (breathing) practice.

Join Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani on 17th April, 2022 at 6.30 PM IST where he will speak about the Anatomy of Breath.

Prana…The Life Force

One of the earliest discoveries in the Indian tradition concerning the human being is the recognition of a deeper multi-dimensional presence beyond the physical phenomenon. In brief, the Upanishadic theory of the Koshas underscores a multi-tiered model of the human being providing a structural framework to understand the mutual relationship between consciousness, mind, life force and matter. Of these the life-force or Prana assumes significance as it acts as a vital bridge connecting and influencing the physical and tangible- body on one side and the intangible-mind and consciousness. It has both dimensions- gross and subtle at once. It is Prana that makes the body vibrant and the mind alert. If life must be lived well and celebrated it is the Prana that needs to be invoked and consecrated. Whether one seeks a meaningful worldly life or a fulfilling spiritual awakening, Prana has the power to deliver both. Realising this important function, Indian tradition invested itself in exploring and mastering the multiple dimensions of Prana. This finds expression both in the textual and practice traditions of India especially in the realms of Tantra, Pranayama etc. Furthermore, the physical and psychological benefits of Pranayama practice has been well established through several scientific studies across the world.

When we speak of Prana, it is vital that we mention Lord Hanuman, the Prana Shakti that drives the life force of the Universe. It is by worshipping Hanuman, by meditating upon him, and by focusing on our Prana that we embark on the journey of self-realisation. This is why he is called Pavan Putra. And consciously watching our Prana during meditation is how we still our restless minds, turn inwards and embark on the most wonderful journey that anyone can ever take.

We seek to increase awareness of this subtle and yet powerful gift of India to humanity through the week-long ‘Prana… The Life Force’, highlighting the philosophical and the practical aspects of Prana & Pranayama, from 16th April to 22nd April, 2022.

Schedule

Date & Time Speaker Name Topic
Saturday, 16 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Robert Svoboda Inaugural Session
Sunday, 17 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Vinaychandra Exploring Breath / Anatomy of Breath
Monday, 18 April 2022 3:00 – 4:30 PM IST Dr Latha Venkataram and Dr Prasanna Rao Significance of “Breath” in Pregnancy
This session will be a HYBRID session. The programme will be conducted LIVE at
Sagar Chandramma Hospitals, #1 Vanivilas Road, VV Puram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore 560004
Tuesday, 19 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Vinay Varanasi and Vivek Sadasivam Prana, Pranayama and Hanuman
This session will be a HYBRID session. The programme will be conducted LIVE at
Prabhath Kala Poornima, Padmavathi Arcade, #1, 1st Main Road, NR Colony, Bangalore, 560019
Wednesday, 20 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Selvamurthy and Dr Deepa Prakash Fitness and Breath
Thursday, 21 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Jayashree S Bhat and Smt Sudha Raghunathan Breath and Music
Friday, 22 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr R Rangan ji and Dr A Subramanian The Power of Breath

Prana…The Life Force

One of the earliest discoveries in the Indian tradition concerning the human being is the recognition of a deeper multi-dimensional presence beyond the physical phenomenon. In brief, the Upanishadic theory of the Koshas underscores a multi-tiered model of the human being providing a structural framework to understand the mutual relationship between consciousness, mind, life force and matter. Of these the life-force or Prana assumes significance as it acts as a vital bridge connecting and influencing the physical and tangible- body on one side and the intangible-mind and consciousness. It has both dimensions- gross and subtle at once. It is Prana that makes the body vibrant and the mind alert. If life must be lived well and celebrated it is the Prana that needs to be invoked and consecrated. Whether one seeks a meaningful worldly life or a fulfilling spiritual awakening, Prana has the power to deliver both. Realising this important function, Indian tradition invested itself in exploring and mastering the multiple dimensions of Prana. This finds expression both in the textual and practice traditions of India especially in the realms of Tantra, Pranayama etc. Furthermore, the physical and psychological benefits of Pranayama practice has been well established through several scientific studies across the world.

When we speak of Prana, it is vital that we mention Lord Hanuman, the Prana Shakti that drives the life force of the Universe. It is by worshipping Hanuman, by meditating upon him, and by focusing on our Prana that we embark on the journey of self-realisation. This is why he is called Pavan Putra. And consciously watching our Prana during meditation is how we still our restless minds, turn inwards and embark on the most wonderful journey that anyone can ever take.

We seek to increase awareness of this subtle and yet powerful gift of India to humanity through the week-long ‘Prana… The Life Force’, highlighting the philosophical and the practical aspects of Prana & Pranayama, from 16th April to 22nd April, 2022.

Schedule

Date & Time Speaker Name Topic
Saturday, 16 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Robert Svoboda Inaugural Session
Sunday, 17 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Vinaychandra Exploring Breath / Anatomy of Breath
Monday, 18 April 2022 3:00 – 4:30 PM IST Dr Latha Venkataram and Dr Prasanna Rao Significance of “Breath” in Pregnancy
This session will be a HYBRID session. The programme will be conducted LIVE at
Sagar Chandramma Hospitals, #1 Vanivilas Road, VV Puram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore 560004
Tuesday, 19 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Vinay Varanasi and Vivek Sadasivam Prana, Pranayama and Hanuman
This session will be a HYBRID session. The programme will be conducted LIVE at
Prabhath Kala Poornima, Padmavathi Arcade, #1, 1st Main Road, NR Colony, Bangalore, 560019
Wednesday, 20 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Selvamurthy and Dr Deepa Prakash Fitness and Breath
Thursday, 21 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Jayashree S Bhat and Smt Sudha Raghunathan Breath and Music
Friday, 22 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr R Rangan ji and Dr A Subramanian The Power of Breath

Prana…The Life Force

One of the earliest discoveries in the Indian tradition concerning the human being is the recognition of a deeper multi-dimensional presence beyond the physical phenomenon. In brief, the Upanishadic theory of the Koshas underscores a multi-tiered model of the human being providing a structural framework to understand the mutual relationship between consciousness, mind, life force and matter. Of these the life-force or Prana assumes significance as it acts as a vital bridge connecting and influencing the physical and tangible- body on one side and the intangible-mind and consciousness. It has both dimensions- gross and subtle at once. It is Prana that makes the body vibrant and the mind alert. If life must be lived well and celebrated it is the Prana that needs to be invoked and consecrated. Whether one seeks a meaningful worldly life or a fulfilling spiritual awakening, Prana has the power to deliver both. Realising this important function, Indian tradition invested itself in exploring and mastering the multiple dimensions of Prana. This finds expression both in the textual and practice traditions of India especially in the realms of Tantra, Pranayama etc. Furthermore, the physical and psychological benefits of Pranayama practice has been well established through several scientific studies across the world.

When we speak of Prana, it is vital that we mention Lord Hanuman, the Prana Shakti that drives the life force of the Universe. It is by worshipping Hanuman, by meditating upon him, and by focusing on our Prana that we embark on the journey of self-realisation. This is why he is called Pavan Putra. And consciously watching our Prana during meditation is how we still our restless minds, turn inwards and embark on the most wonderful journey that anyone can ever take.

We seek to increase awareness of this subtle and yet powerful gift of India to humanity through the week-long ‘Prana… The Life Force’, highlighting the philosophical and the practical aspects of Prana & Pranayama, from 16th April to 22nd April, 2022.

Schedule

Date & Time Speaker Name Topic
Saturday, 16 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Robert Svoboda Inaugural Session
Sunday, 17 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Dr Vinaychandra Exploring Breath / Anatomy of Breath
Monday, 18 April 2022 3:00 – 4:30 PM IST Dr Latha Venkataram and Dr Prasanna Rao Significance of “Breath” in Pregnancy
This session will be a HYBRID session. The programme will be conducted LIVE at
Sagar Chandramma Hospitals, #1 Vanivilas Road, VV Puram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore 560004
Tuesday, 19 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Vinay Varanasi and Vivek Sadasivam Prana, Pranayama and Hanuman
This session will be a HYBRID session. The programme will be conducted LIVE at
Prabhath Kala Poornima, Padmavathi Arcade, #1, 1st Main Road, NR Colony, Bangalore, 560019
Wednesday, 20 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Selvamurthy and Dr Deepa Prakash Fitness and Breath
Thursday, 21 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr Jayashree S Bhat and Smt Sudha Raghunathan Breath and Music
Friday, 22 April 2022 6:30 – 8:00 PM IST Dr R Rangan ji and Dr A Subramanian The Power of Breath