Monday, September 1, 2014

Interview with Sathya Ramavataram, Author and Artist

Sathya Ramavataram Author, Artist
 
Current Program


Sathya,Ramavataram's Book " Mandalamanjari"
It was delightful to chat with Sathya, a talented artist who shared her deep understanding of the spiritual and  Indian vedic lore and for Westerners a view into the mystery and wonder of Indian thought and spirituality. Her book, a tribute to her guru Sadguru Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, contains her beautiful artwork called Mandalas that are accompanied by descriptions of the spiritual meanings created in the symbolic designs in her paintings. Sathya talks about the wisdom of the Vedic age old questions that mankind must ponder.


 "Who am I?", " Where did I come from?"," Where am I going?", and " How will I get there?"
The interview broadcast dates on Cablevision's Channel 88  CT. on Tuesdays September 9nd at 9pm and Thursday September 11th at 5:30pm. The program will repeat on those days and times until October 2nd. The interview can also be seen on the
Christina Haskin channel on youtube: Part One   http://youtu.be/F5tJwFF7pTI
Part Two    http://youtu.be/zRDNphamMn4

Sadguru Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba




MADALA-The Evolution of the Many - Purusha and Prakrithi in Perfect Balance
                                
" The questions arise in the mind of an individual who has reached a high level of disillusionment with the external world. Each spiritual tradition offers its own guidelines on how to go about finding the answers to these questions; each one also recognizes the importance of providing a 'scheme of creation' that will be of some assistance to the individual when he or she embarks on this journey of self discovery" Sathya Ramavataram



                                     MANDALA The Omnipresence of the Divine

Sathya was inspired in this painting by the simple hibicus flower she viewed from her window. She writes:
" The flower was so beautiful I did not feel like throwing it away so I put it in a small vase and kept it at the altar, near Baba's picture in my room. As the day progressed. I kept an eye on this flower; little by little, it's petals started folding inwards. By the end of the day it had shrunk to the size of a bud. The flower was no more, but the joy that it evoked in the viewer's heart when it was" blooming" was it's
"purnata". it fulfillment."

ABOUT SATHYA RAMAVATARAM

Dr. Sathya Ramavataram, an ardent Sathya Sai Baba devotee is a nuclear physicist by profession who obtained her PhD at Manchester University and pursued research at various institutions in the US, UK and Canada. Upon retirement author and artist, Dr. Ramavataram , inspired by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, her guru, turned her scientific acumen towards the vast vedic literature. Her deep understanding of the spiritual texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita combined with her fine talents of drawing and painting enabled her to create designs that capture the essence of the scriptures she studies. These symbolic paintings are call Mandalas.  She has createdthe book, MANDALAMANJARI, as a tribute to her beloved teacher and guru in appreciation for all he had taught her on her spiritual journey.  The beautiful bouquet of Mandalas are accompanied by in depth explanations of how they were created and the spiritual meaning and wisdom behind each work of art.

 For.enquires about the book: contact mandalamanjari@gmail.com

Mandalamanjari: Sathya Ramavataram: 9788190622998 ...

www.amazon.com/...Sathya-Ramavataram/dp/8190622994
Amazon.com




ABOUT

Sri Sathya Sai Baba


The late Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi, a small village in South India, on 23 November 1926. As a child, he demonstrated exemplary qualities of compassion, generosity, and wisdom, which clearly distinguished him from the other children of his village.

Sathya Sai Baba was a highly revered spiritual leader and world teacher, whose life and message are inspiring millions of people throughout the world to turn God-ward and to lead more purposeful and moral lives. His timeless and universal teachings, along with the manner in which he led his own life, have attracted seekers of Truth from all the religions of the world. Yet, he was not seeking to start a new religion. Nor did he wish to direct followers to any particular religion. Rather, he urged us to continue to follow the religion of our choice and/or upbringing.

Sathya Sai Baba publicly declared his mission in 1940, at the age of 14. Since then, he had daily exhibited in practical and concrete terms the highest ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence. He often stated, "My life is my message." Each day, hundreds of pilgrims make their way to the tiny hamlet in southern India where Sathya Sai Baba's ashram (spiritual headquarters) is located. They come not only from India but from virtually every country of the world.  The name of Sathya Sai Baba's ashram is Prasanthi Nilayam, which means "abode of the highest peace".

Sathya Sai Baba interacted with all people on a heart-to-heart basis. There were no intermediaries between himself and those who yearn for knowledge and experience of God. Every day for more than 50 years, Sathya Sai Baba had walked among and talked with the spiritual pilgrims who gather around him in increasing numbers. He offered solace and inspiration to all sincere seekers of truth.


Monday, July 21, 2014

Interview with Dr. Mark Schenker, Associate Dean of Yale College - A conversation on Jane Austen & Sense and Sensibility:



Dr. Mark Schenker. Assoc. Dean of Yale College


ABOUT Dr. Schenker

Dr. Schenker, who has been at Yale College since 1990, is currently an associate dean and dean of academic affairs. Born and raised in New York City, he received his PhD in English Literature from Columbia University and has taught at Columbia, New York University, and Trinity College (Hartford). He was the recipient of the 2001 Wilbur Cross Award for Outstanding Humanities Scholar, presented by the Connecticut Humanities Council.


 I was delighted with my conversation with  Dr. Mark Schenker, Assoc. Dean of Yale College about Jane Austen on the topic:  "Sense and Sensibility: How the 18th Century Meets the 19th in Jane Austen's Novels". Dr. Schenker's scholarly and brilliant analysis of Jane Austen's work and the influence of history on her novels is a real treat for anyone who loves fiction and history. Dr. Schenker often speaks at local public libraries on various literary topics, including his annual analysis of the Shakespeare play of the season produced by Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton.   

Jane Austen





Kate Winslet as Marianne in Sense and Sensibility
                                        
                                                        Emma Thompson as  Elinor in Sense and Sensibility




Our conversation about Jane Austen naturally found it's way into other Austen novels including Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. 

Dr. Schenker spoke about Dickens depiction of

the economic and historic influences of his time.

Mark commented on the enduring popularity of Jane Austen's work evidenced by the numerous films and series of her novels, her many fan clubs and her many ardent readers of today. Like Shakespeare, Austen's writing is still relevant and doesn't seem to be threatened with any hint of future obscurity.

 Elinor and Edward in Sense and Sensibility

                                 Sense and Sensibility
Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility

Dr. Schenker's favorite Austen novel is Emma

Most of Austen's Novel's have been produced in Hollywood films and BBC television series 


Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma          

Emma dismayed at Mr. Knightly disapproval


Luxurious interior


 Emma on the BBC played by Romala Garai
Mr. Knightly BBC Production played bu J
                                                               PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by the BBC




The Bennett Family
 Elizabeth Bennet  played by Jennifer Elhe and Mr. Darcy bu Colin Firth


                                                                                        

Lizzy in Pride and Predujice is not dismayed when she discovers the extent of Mr. Darcy's   considerable wealth when visiting his estate, Pemberly. Since women of that period
could not inherit family fortunes and could not have careers they were left to try
to marry well.  Lizzy was fortunate to truly fall for a man who had a lot to recommend him.



Opulence of  Pemberly in Pride and Prejudice

Opulent interior 

 
                                                              More modest  interior of Jane Austen's real home



                                                                                       Jane Austen's House


We discussed the  question about the authentic portraits of love that are central in Jane Austen's novels and whether her perceptions and understanding of true love came from experience or her imagination.

                                                                  Captain Frederick Wentworth,  Persuasion


                                              Grandeur in a street in Bath depicted in Austen's Persuasion



                                                             Captain Wentworth writing the  famous love letter to Anne Elliot


                                                                              "You pierce my soul. I am

 half agony, half hope.

I have loved none but you"

Jane Austen - Persuasion









Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot
                                                                             



 Fanny and Edward  in the BBC Production of  Austen's Mansfield Park
played by Johnny Lee Miller and Frances O'Connor


Saturday, June 7, 2014

Interview with Claire Kelly, Director of Shakespeare on the Sound


   
 CURRENT PROGRAM

I was happy to welcome back the talented director of Rowayton's Shakespeare on the Sound summer productions.  This year the play is Two Gentlemen from Verona, an early play of the famous playright. In the interview Claire reveals her imagination and ingenuity in  bringing a fresh style to the production while retaining a respect for the classic traditions of Shakespearean theatre.  This year's set has been created to resemble a open storybook from whence the Two gentlemen, their love interests and the rest of the cast of wonderful characters will enter the play, as though popping out of a book. Many of the fine actors from last's years production are returning to the company. Claire shed light on the themes and elements of plot and character of Two Gentlemen from Verona and on the benefits of an evening of live professional theatre in the beautiful Pinkney Park in Rowayton CT.  The play is free to all and donations are welcome.  The park is open where the audience can place their blankets and enjoy a picnic by the river and great Shakespeare.

The interview is being broadcast on Cablevision's Channel 88 on Tuesday June 3rd at 9pm and Thursday June 5th at 5:30pm and will repeat for three subsequent Tuesdays and Thursday at those days and times.

Claire Kelly, Director, Shakespeare on the Sound

William Shakespeare
The performance dates for Two Gentlemen from Verona are June 12th to June 29th except Mondays starting at 7:30pm. For more information go to www.shakespeareonthesound.org


Storybook Set in Pinkney Park


                                                         View of the Sound Pinkney Park






               It is always great if you can read the play before coming to the production to enhance your
                                                             enjoyment of the performance.





                                                     TWO GENTLEMEN FROM VERONA


                                                          This play has a bit with a dog.


                                                          Pinkney Park Rowayton CT




ABOUT CLAIRE KELLY

Claire holds a Masters of Arts degree from New York University. She has taught theater to students from pre-school through high school and served as Director of Drama at Proctor Academy in New Hampshire.  Additionally, Claire has worked in the theater as a director, actor, producer, and in arts management. She has worked at the Guthrie Theater, the Roundabout Theater, the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, the Ordway Music Theater, and the George Street Playhouse among others.  As a theater educator Claire delights in exploring the dramatic arts by empowering the creative, self-expression of her students.  Claire is also a yoga teacher

ABOUT SHAKESPEARE ON THE SOUND

Shakespeare on the Sound is committed to producing affordable, professional open-air productions of the plays of William Shakespeare and related authors in Fairfield County.  Working in collaboration with area civic, business and educational institutions, Shakespeare on the Sound presents an annual theatre festival, which brings great dramatic works to a broad audience, creating a forum for learning, appreciation and celebration.  Our Educational programming goal is to build community through the arts, giving the works of Shakespeare a vibrant life beyond the summer festival with a variety of school, library, adult education, and art programs as a means to reach a diverse cross-section of people of all ages and economic backgrounds.




Local Rowayton Markets to Grab a bite for a Picnic

Rowayton Market
Rowatyon Pizza


Brendan's 101


Monday, April 21, 2014

Interview with Dr. Kai Yee Lok Acupuncturist

Current Program



Dr. Kai Yee Lok Acupuncturist of Imperial Acupuncture in Westport, CT




 I enjoyed speaking with Dr. Kai Yee Lok, who practices acupuncture
 in Westport CT.  Dr. Lok talked about the origins of this ancient
healing practice, the differences in Eastern and  Western medicine
 and the benefits of acunpuncture for health. He expresses how
 wonderful it is to see how happy his patients are when
 they are relieved of chronic conditions that have not be
healed by other methods. He also indicates that preventive
therapy can be helpful to maintain a balanced body and
 avoid susceptibility to inviting problems in the future.


ABOUT Dr. LOK



Dr. Lok practiced in China for 10 years as a surgeon &
 acupuncturist before coming to the US to practice
 acupuncture for the past 30+ years in Westport, CT.
He was educated at Kwangsi Medical University, China
  Over the years, He has developed a loyal client base,
He has been able to service patients of all ages & ethnicities.


 He mentioned that people have found relief from pain,
 found improvement in their daily life, have avoided surgery,
 and there are numerous stories of people being able
 to walk again without the use of crutches or wheelchairs.
  His life's focus has always been on helping people  improve
 their health. It is my passion and  has given me life purpose.



                         The basic premise of Chinese Medicine is that there is an
                       energy flow throughout the body called Qi. This energy force
                       touches the basic elements of life-emotional, physical and
                       spiritual. Qi flows through the body on lines called meridians.
                       If the flow of Qi is disrupted, or out of balance illness can result.
                       If one Qui is balanced, all is well. If the body falls out of balance
                       this essential  balance can be restored through acupuncture
.
                       Acupuncture points for specific organs and conditions
                       sit on these meridians. Acupuncture needles stimulate the bodies
                       immune response for healing an restoring  balance n the body
                       and stimulate the bodies natural endorphins for pain  relief.




 
 
ACUPUNCTURE POINTS - MERIDIAN CHARTS
Acupuncture Chart of the Acupuncture points on the Meridian Lines of the Body








Acupuncture points on front of bodies meridians







Acunpuncture Points on the back of the bodies Meridians









Acupuncture points in the ear





 Some Conditions helped by Acunpuncture



Addictions
Smoking, Drugs
Arthritis
Blood Pressure
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Eating Disorders
Feet
Infertility
Nutrition
Weight Loss
Allergies
Asthma
Chronic Fatigue
Depression
Facial Acupuncture
Fibromyalgia
Neck Pain
Sleep Disorders
Stress



To contact Dr. Lok
IMPERIAL ACUPUNCTURE LLC
32 Imperial Ave, Westport, CT 06880
(203) 846-4724 or 203-226-9616

email cathysllok@gmail.com