O Bird Of Light
2007-02-22 04:17 AM | Posted by Sumangali Morhall | Permanent Link | Music, Art, Poetry, Sri Chinmoy
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One Of Sri Chinmoy's Soul-Birds
On a recent trip with Sri Chinmoy I was struck anew by the inner and outer beauty of his artwork. Every day he would draw many ‘Soul-Birds’, of which he has produced many millions over the years.
He draws quickly, usually with broad coloured pens, usually on paper, but sometimes on objects. At the end of each day we would often be treated to a display of the day's works. I was more amazed than ever by the variety of qualities the birds represent, as well as their movement. Some are brisk and playful, perhaps like young chicks ruffling their feathers. Others gaze or soar upwards with serene dignity. Some are soft and vulnerable; others almost leonine in their strength.
I kept looking again and again, astonished: my mind seeing only plain paper with just a few fibre-tip strokes, my heart seeing light and life, representing the whole gamut of spiritual experience.
It made me think how a true artist can describe so much with just a few strokes, just as a true poet conjures a world out of a handful of words. Because Sri Chinmoy draws directly from his own meditation, his art is light and simple, but with endless variety, boundless energy, and remarkable descriptive accuracy.
During that same trip Sri Chinmoy asked for singers who know one particular song to perform it. I have learned this song many times, losing words and notes over time, and revising again. I was very grateful for the opportunity to refresh my memory and sing this song in a group with others. Singing it is truly a meditation, and seems to echo the subtleties of Sri Chinmoy's visual art. Here is the English translation:
