Nanati bathuku | నానాటి బతుకు

నానాటి బతుకు నాటకము
కానక కన్నది కైవల్యము ||

nAnATi batuku nATakamu
kAnaka kannati kaivalyamu 

(Transl. The everyday life is but merely a drama. What is seen and yet unseen constitutes the drama. Beyond these stands salvation and liberation from this drama.)

Tallapakka Annamacharya (1408-1503)

In my opinion, this has to be it – one and arguably the only song that meticulously blends philosophy, spirituality, faith, divinity and devotion. Isn’t that quite a tall order of fragments that together pack sublime positive energy?

Hindu philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that everything in the universe is interconnected, and that the divine can be found in all living beings, natural phenomena, and even inanimate objects. Hence the deities in the form of idols as the focus of one’s spiritual energies. On the same note, the spiritual worldview fosters a profound reverence for nature and the environment. Spirituality encourages individuals to connect with nature to enhance their spiritual journey and find inner peace.

Positive energy is an important facet of spirituality, and is believed to be the key to achieving spiritual balance and harmony. The universe, which is a manifestation of nature, has limitless potential of positive energy.

The song draws the listener in with its deeply spiritual lyrics that express the soul’s devotion and surrender to the divine. The song’s verses praise the divine in all its forms, reminding us that Almighty is present everywhere and in everything we see, in the universe, and in nature. A spellbinding experience just like the rays of the sun that touch every corner of the earth.

Light is a source of energy. Our eyes are a God-given pair of two, that are each unique and apart. Yet only they have the uncanny ability to comprehend the unified sense of light. Just like the two eyes, there are two renditions of the song. Each is uniquely different and apart like sun’s day and moon’s night. Yet they converge and touch the heart and soul.

It is MS Amma’s rendition that is the “Moon” of the two. A soul stirring experience of retrospection and introspection when heard at the end the day. Going in, we think we have conquered the day and the world, yet we have barely scratched the surface.

Rahul Vellal’s melodious and vibrant recital is the polar opposite “Sun” version. It sets the right tone and energy to begin the day’s proceedings. Try absorbing and soaking in the vibes, the day goes in a jiffy.

Where both renditions strikingly converge is in capturing the very essence of spirituality and giving a powerful reminder of the importance of living a virtuous life, finding inner peace and connecting with the divine.