Music of life

Saccha Sur 

Cultivating The Soul In The Field Of Grace 

Stories by Sanghamitra 

Published by AuroPublications, Sri Aurobindo Society 

Illustrations by Eesha 

ISBN 978-81-7060-439-6 

Second edition 2023 

Price 555/-

Pages 154

I read Saccha Sur immediately after The Grammar of Greed. And, this after having hardly read during the recent months. Was it a coincidence to read of the inner world after the outer, of sangeet after laalach, of gurus after rulers, of tanpuras after mobile phones? But then, like I have been told more than once during the recent months, "there are no accidents". 

These books have similarities as well - both have high production values and aesthetic appeal for example - but for now I will move on. I will talk about what I gleaned from Saccha Sur rather than comment on the book. Also I will refrain from quoting lines from the book - there is one too many for this! 

Life 

Saccha Sur assured me that I am on the right path (slowing, pausing, going silent, making connections, accepting foolishness ~). It also pointed out that I had just begun walking and a long walk lay ahead. The path however was delightful and I would savour the walk.

Writing 

The book highlighted the basics of writing. That a lot can be conveyed by narrating conversations as stories. The crux lies in the tone, here: it held the matter, did not carry the burden of an agenda, respected music and the masters, and acknowledged the readers’ intelligence. And finally the most difficult part - keep it simple and short. 

Reading 

I would read a few stories and then take a break. I am not sure if this was to allow the stories, their profoundness to sink in or just my attention span gone awry. At the same time I was also keen to read the next story, be a part of the conversation that followed. Does this only happen to me while reading I wondered?  

Listening 

It made me realise that there is a lot to learn; both, when it comes to conversations, and of course, music. Also, in the time to come, I will do good to revisit some of the conversations and music that I have been a part of, enjoyed. 

Humour 

It taught me that lightness and wittiness are good friends to have around when one is navigating the complexities of life and that the ability to laugh on self will only help. 

Conversations 

It underscored what a friend had conveyed a few months ago; we need someone  around us whom we can connect with, have meaningful conversations with, people who listen to us, and people whom we respect. 

Gurus

These stories also bring in Krishnamurti's teachings. They reminded me that I will do good to invest time with the wisdom of Gurus - Osho, Tagore, Roerich and others. And I can, taking cue from the Dalai Lama, focus on the teachings I connect with, what works for me, and leave the rest. 

I will surely revisit the book, but for now, I close by quoting the author, 

" The stores merely express a possibility. They have to be lived to bring them alive."