The Heart of the Matter
December 09, 2008
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE: The Sequel

Hansji.jpg

Two days ago, I posted a one-minute video of Maharaji dancing, on stage, at one of his events ten years ago. A few hours later, a concerned Heart of the Matter reader emailed me and questioned how the video would play to the general public. He wondered if the video, taken out of context, might misrepresent Maharaji in any way or spark some kind of negative reaction. At first, I thought he was over-reacting, but then I saw his point. Maybe he was right...

Wanting to test his theory, I forwarded the link to 66 people I know who are not affiliated with Maharaji in any way and asked for their feedback and specific impressions of the video.

PHOTO: Shri Hans Ji Maharaji (Maharaji's father)

"I think it is a beautiful video of a man whose heart is full of celebration."

"He is not my teacher, but I can feel his love."

"I loved it. I thought his dancing around and the music showed the humanistic side to him. Endearing as well."

"Loved it."

"That was fun! Not so much dancing, as just being moved by the energy of the room (or did he move the room with his energy?) Anytime anyone is moved to move it is moving and fun to watch."

"Dancing is the most natural and appropriate expression of joy. I'm always grateful for anything that reminds or inspires me to feel my heart, and that video certainly does. Thank you!"

"Nice! He is a happy person."

"Beautiful! He dances with an open heart, inviting everyone there to open their hearts as well. Very moving and bliss activating. Thanks for sharing it."

"It's very simple: dance is an expression of our feelings. He is happy."

"I found the video to be lovely. It communicates a sense of gentle celebration and joyfulness. I responded to Maharaji's naturalness with movement and the flow of the moment. It seems very in keeping with human moments we see from a number of great teachers."

"I thought this was wonderful and a great example of the beauty of dance and community -- a simple warm expression."

"I think it is just wonderful seeing him share the bliss of the moment. Also, I had the distinct feeling that he was doing much more than dancing. It seemed to me that he was showering the assembly with shakti and love."

"I thought it was nice, especially if you understand that this guy has made such an impact on people's lives. People love him."

"I like the reminder that dancing can be a transformative experience."

"I love this."


PS: Maybe it's time for a dance party of some kind?

Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at December 9, 2008 08:07 PM

Comments

These responses are amazing - I'm touched!
Thank you, Mitch, for your beautiful work.

Posted by: JTome [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 9, 2008 05:51 AM


Dear Mitch,

Thank you for your efforts this is a great site.

Everything is Dancing. Atoms,Stars,everything.

Man/woman, every creature, every plant, rock etc. is

moving all the time.

I learned some great moves from seeing Prem Rawat

Dance,and i've been Dancing and singing my way ever

since.

I party with joy everyday.I invite everyone to Dance.

DANCE DANCE WHEREVER you may be. I am the Lord of the Dance said he..

Prem Rawat showed me the Secret behind the Secret and i've been dancing with joy ever since.

Simple really. Every moment is a Breath of Love and inspiration to be appreciated.

Every moment is an opportunity to Dance with the Breath.

Funny how Synchronicity works. I just wrote a song with my son called "C'mon everybody let's Dance".

One final point. Prem Rawat said "Dogs keep barking,but Elephants keep walking".

In other words criticism never prevented Prem Rawat from taking to the floor.

Unconditional Love Noel Spirit of Christmas Presence

Posted by: Noel Philpot [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 9, 2008 02:29 PM

Mitch, this is an outstanding post. I am very glad that you did that experiment. To me, it confirms something that I know in my heart, and that I have heard Maharaji talk about. With good intentions, we often try to simulate what we think others will accept, and end up pleasing not them, and not ourselves. Being who we really are is the only viable way. Not only will we please ourselves, but others' responses may pleasantly surprise us. Thank you for your clarity and your courage.

Posted by: Steve K [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 12, 2008 02:57 PM

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