Essence of Life (dance group)

Essence of Life is a performing art group based in Bangalore, established by Dega Deva Kumar Reddy in 2012 to promote teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti.[1]

Essence of Life
Formation2012
FounderDega Deva Kumar Reddy
PurposeDance Group for Indian classical dance sharing teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti
Location
  • India
Parent organization
The Pathless Land
AffiliationsJiddu Krishnamurti

Essence of Life is a synergy of five Indian classical dance forms - Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Mohiniyattam. The group organized several dance performances across India in the past decade.[2]

Naming

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The name "Essence of Life" is inspired from Jiddu Krishnamurti's quote "Meditation is not a separate thing from life; it is the very essence of life, the very essence of daily living".[3]

Philosophy

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Inspired by Jiddu Krishnamurti's teachings, Dega Deva Kumar Reddy conceptualized and produced 'Essence of Life'.[4] The dance form is based on basic human problems and emotions that Jiddu Krishnamurti often addressed in his talks and books - fear, suffering, jealousy, violence, hurt, love and death.[5]

Prominent artists from established music and dance traditions across India came together to communicate Krishnamurti's teachings through Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Mohiniyattam.[6]

Theme

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Art of Meditation

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Dhyanasya Amukham - Introduction to Meditation Dhyanasya Puravrttam - Myths of Meditation Katham Jaagriti Jaayate - How does awareness come about Dhyana kala - The art of meditation Dhyanaartha kim yatharta maunam - What is true silence which leads to meditation

Essence of Life

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Manovignaanam - Understanding our mind Bhayaatah svatantramah - Freedom from fear Samsayaa vina saadhyam kim jeevanam - Can we live without problem Kim saadyam pumsaam parivarthanam - Can human being change Rather saundaryam - Beauty of love

Finale

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Thillana - Freedom from self

Dance form

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Dance form | Ragam

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Artists and Musicians

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Concept

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  • Dega Deva Kumar Reddy, Conceptualized and produced
  • B Aruna Sivarama Krishna, Conceptual designer and music composer
  • Dr Thiagarajan, Sanskrit translation

Dancers

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Vocals

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Instrumental

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References

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  1. ^ "Dance and philosophy on a stage". Deccan Herald. 25 February 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  2. ^ "Expressing 'Essence of Life' Unique Dance Performance enthralls". Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  3. ^ "Discovering the essence of life". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  4. ^ "Dega Dev Kumar Reddy - Dega Arts Founder at Essence of Life - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  5. ^ Kumar, Ranee (16 May 2013). "Concretising the abstract". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  6. ^ "The dance of life". mid-day. 26 December 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  7. ^ "Smitha Madhav talking about Dance & Music at Essence of Life - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
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