Sri Chinmoy's esraj anniversary
Sri Chinmoy began playing the esraj on this date - 17 February - in 1976. Despite being fluent in many instruments, the esraj soon became Sri Chinmoy's favourite musical instrument, and he would frequently play specially constructed esraj at his Peace Concerts offered around the world. Quite often Sri Chinmoy would give an esraj concert on 17 February to mark the date when he began to play.
The esraj, an Indian stringed instrument played with a bow, emerged in India over 500 years ago during the time of the Moghul Emperors. Compared to other Indian instruments such as the sitar or tabla, the instrument is relatively unknown, but can create a haunting, reverberating tone - evocative of deeper realities.
Sri Chinmoy was rare in playing the esraj solo, unaccompanied by any other instrument. He would play his own songs or improvised extemporaneously. A few of his esraj instruments were hand-constructed by his students, who sought to create an ever deeper and richer sound. When he performed on one particular esraj for Maestro Ravi Shankar during a private performance in New York October 10th, 2002, the great musician was deeply moved by the music and he gave the instrument the name "Chinmoy Beena".
I pray, I meditate, I contemplate while I am playing. I try to be in close communion with my Inner Pilot, who is the Supreme Musician. And according to my capacity of receptivity, I try to offer His Light and Peace to the world through my music. So when I play, the esraj is not the real instrument; it is I who am the instrument.
Sri Chinmoy
Related
- More on Sri Chinmoy's music at Sri Chinmoy Centre
- The esraj - Sri Chinmoy's favourite instrument at Radio Sri Chinmoy
Source of quote
Music & Concerts
More stories from Sri Chinmoy's students.
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Susan Marshall ,'You have to be like a warrior and fight'
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Kaushalya Casey Toronto, CanadaThe Random Dog
Toshala Elliott Auckland, New ZealandRunning and Me
Garga Chamberlain Bristol, United KingdomThe oneness of all paths - personal experiences
Nirbhasa Magee Dublin, IrelandThe connection between Sri Chinmoy's music and my soul
Kamalakanta Nieves New York, United StatesIt does not matter which spoon you use
Brahmacharini Rebidoux St. John's, Canada“Where there is heart, always there is a way.”
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New ZealandThe day I made a useless and ridiculous weightlifting machine for Guru
Devashishu Torpy London, United Kingdom'Always say things in such a way as to inspire people, not discourage them'
Pradhan Balter Chicago, United StatesMeeting Sri Chinmoy for the first time
Janaka Spence Edinburgh, United KingdomSri Chinmoy's opening meditation at the Parliament of World Religions
Pradhan Balter Chicago, United StatesSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students