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Jay
India
Jay grew up in Kerala, the southern state of India by the banks of river Periyar and moved to Sacramento in 2005. Jay Nair is trained in Indian Music and performed Indian classical music, devotional and other types of music for the last three decades. His albums “Songs of Universal Peace,” and "Hope" blend Indian classical music, Sanskrit poetry, Appalachian folk music, blues, and improvisation. More at www.nairjay.com
Ekam (One)
Ekam (One)
Arghyam is a sacred practice of offering water to deities/gods as a profound expression of devotion and reverence towards the divine. The practice of Arghyam entails three parts, first standing touching the earth and preferably a body of water and taking water with both hands from a source like river and facing the sun, raising it up towards sun with a prayer of Gayatri Mantra, and slowly pouring the water and returning it back to the source.
As humanity advances into the age of science and technology, there is an inherent and gradual disconnection and separation from Mother Nature and its origins. This estrangement often leads to the perception that nature and the universe are merely lifeless resources to be exploited, rather than something sacred to be embraced and experienced. Consequently, the pursuit of truth and scientific knowledge is often limited to reductionist approaches that overlook the profound spiritual experiences and wisdom passed down through generations by indigenous cultures. This belief system serves as the root cause of all environmental, social, and psychological sufferings and challenges we currently face.
The practice of Argyam holds significant importance as it encompasses elements that reconnect us with the divinity in Earth, Water, and Fire. Additionally, it serves as a profound reminder of the purpose of human existence through the contemplation and meditation of the Gayatri mantra. Moreover, Argyam is a beautiful symbolic expression of our journey from birth, flourishing and eventual dissolution, merging back into the very source from which we originated. That is why it is important to practice Argyam and pass it down to the next generation.
Click play to listen to the Gayatri Mantra Chant by Jay Nair
Gayatri Mantra and meaning
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Oh The Absolute sacred Light
That illumines all three realms (material Body, Mind, Spirit),
May our minds be filled with your divine intelligence.
May our life be inspired by thee.
Meaning in simpler terms:
O Divine mother, Please fill my ignorant heart with your divine Light.
Roberta Alvarado is a Sacramento based multi disciplinary artist and the owner of New Bird Studio with a lifelong interest in art and community. From the political scenes living in capitol of California to the deserts of the Southwest, Mexico, Nicaragua, and on, Roberta is a fine art documentary photographer with a focus on American culture.
A few of her work highlights have been being featured in Paramount Picture's "The Big Short", exhibited at The California Museum, solo exhibits at The Consulate General of Mexico, Sacramento, The Brickhouse Art Gallery, published in VoyageLA, Bold Journey.
When not creating and installing art we are helping small to medium size businesses succeed. Every small business win is a community win! We are a part of and invest in Sacramento's creative community. New Bird Studio is ART. We are a one stop shop for all visual marketing needs.
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