Bhima Karma Gives Mridanga Lessons in the New York Area

Dear Devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Bhima-Karma dasa will be in the New York/Long Island area teaching the art of playing Sri Mridanga. It is a great opportunity for children and adults to learn how to play Sri Mridanga from a professional. Below is all the information you need to register.

Your servant,
Lilananda dasa


Bhima-Karma's bio

Bhima-Karma has dedicated his life to preserving and revitalizing the nearly extinct sacred art of Vaisnav Kirtan through studying, teaching and performing. Since early childhood he had been surrounded by Kirtan and took up Sri Mridanga early on. Since 1999, he has studied under his Guru, Sriman Bablu Mahasay, who is one of the few remaining masters capable of passing on the Vaisnav Sampradayas (disciplic chains) of Kirtan science. Today, he is quickly becoming an accomplished musician, having performed and recorded with a number of artists such as Krishna Das, Jai Uttal and Agni Dev. He has also received awards of recognition, including first place in the instrumental category from the Bal Bharti Indian Cultural Academy and a recent album he recorded on for Jai Uttal has been nominated for the Grammy award. Bhima-Karma is now offering study courses in this traditional art.

He will be teaching the art of playing Sri Mridanga in the New York area during the last two weeks of April. Classes are one hour long and the cost is $20 per class.

For more information and to register contact:

Lilananda dasa
(516) 782-4794
lilananda.acbsp@pamho.net

Course Description

There are 4 basic levels of practice which will be taught.

Asowari Bol

This initial level of practice was generally taught for the first three years or until mastery. It introduces the foundational concepts and forms, while also building concentration, strength within relaxation and timing. As we are teaching our bodies a new language of expression, so we learn first the basic syllables, then words, then sentences, paragraphs etc. At least eleven of these mantras must be mastered in this section initially.

Hatuti

This word literally means foundation as these mantras form the foundation of the "Tals" (rhythmic groups) while also performing the important function of announcing the beginning of a Kirtan, which symbolizes the appearance of the Lord. These mantras can be compared to simple paragraphs, being short classical compositions.

Kirtan

Here, a basic Kirtan format is introduced, and appropriate bols (beats) are given for each level of progression within the Kirtan structure.

Bhajan

This is a more complex level of study which relies heavily on mastery of each previous level of study and involves subtle techniques and concepts which can greatly deepen and enhance the mood of any Kirtan/Bhajan. There is another level of hasta-sadhana (hand discipline) needed in order to make these mantras sound sweet.

Throughout study, students are impressed with Vaisnav precepts which are embodied and realized through the practice of Sri Mridanga. This practice is fully capable of blessing the sincere student with full realization of one's self, being a pure expression of Bhakti-Yoga.