Posted by Govinda Saroj & Prashanth, Middle School

In Isha Home School on the 26^th of February, the Kalari students and their master presented a Kalari performance. The students had worked and practised for ten days with fire-sticks and other weapons to display the intensity and subtlety of Kalaripayattu.

Kalari is the father of all martial arts. It is believed that Lord Shiva was the first kalari guru in the whole world. It originates from Kerala, a southern Indian state. As by legend Kalari was the main skill learnt by early humans. This is because food comes before entertainment, and Kalari was used to kill animals in order to get food.

The students performed various movements from Kalari such as “meypettus”, which is similar to Katas on Karate. There are also two different types of “Chaudugal”: Vatta Chavadu is when you perform fighting steps while keeping one leg fixed on a spot. Perukal Chavudu is when you do the steps while moving in an “x” formation.

One of the lead performing students, Prem exclaimed, “I could sense some tension within me but still I felt very confident and it was a success, I guess.” Middle School spectator Ananth shared that” It was the biggest success and performance in the history of IHS.”

The students always salute the gods and get the blessings of their Guru before practising Kalari. Even though it is an art taught in school, very few people practice the original art form in Kerala. This is a matter of concern and Sumesh anna, the Kalari teacher at IHS says, “ I am really concerned about the art form disappearing and I wish some of my students go on to learn more and become Kalari teachers in future.”

Posted by Aishwarya Rajagopal & Kush Patel, Middle School.

Sadhguru, the creator of Dhyanalinga temple reveals another wonder. From Jan 28-30, Sadhguru consecrated the feminine form of linga, Linga Bhairavi in the Devi Temple. A procession was held on the evening of the consecration. It is through the procession that Linga Bhairavi offered the fire dance (aarati), cymbal dance to the Dhyanalinga.

It is almost impossible to explain how the actual consecration was because it was not of a physical dimension. It is of a totally different dimension. In our eyes, the consecration consisted of Sadhguru filling a glass tube behind Linga Bhairavi with solidified mercury. After that, Sadhguru bathed the Linga Bhairavi with eleven offerings. Chants were being sung as the process went on.

The Linga Bhairavi procession started in front of the Devi temple. It consisted of people holding red flags, fire poles, and the Devi herself, in the form of a linga called Utsava Moorthi. The procession was led by a group of people performing kalari, the martial arts, serving as a guard to the Devi. The procession halted in front of the Dhyanalinga temple. There, a few swamis performed the fire dance (aarati), and the cymbal dance as an offering to the Dhyanalinga. The procession then continued and ended in front of the Devi temple.

“You needed full concentration to hold the flag. It was very difficult because they were very tall and if the flag touched the fire nearby, hot oil would pour on you. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful experience.” said Shiva anna, a flag holder.

Kartik anna, a fire pole holder shared, “The bamboo pole used for carrying the fire was very heavy. But, as the procession went on, it became weightless!”

Swami Ekapada had an experience as well. “Two weeks before the Yaksha, we were practicing everyday for two to five hours. It was tiring work, but it was worth it, for we had the chance to perform in the dances.”

List of offerings made to Linga Bhairavi include navaneetham (butter), turmeric, sandal paste, vermillion (kum kum), vasthram (a red cloth), naivedhyam, betel nut leaves, betel nut, coconut, and so on. .

Posted by Rushabh, Middle School

Mahashivrathri, the most awaited festival of Isha, was celebrated in an exuberant manner on 12th February at Isha Yoga Centre. There were about five lakh people from India and abroad including the performers, residents and the meditators. It is a yearly celebration for Isha, where meditators from all around the world and the country participate in the night long celebration.

Mahashivrathri this year was filled with breathtaking performances by renowned artists like Sivamani and Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia. “Awesome! This Mahashivarathri was one where the time went really quick. Sivamani’s performance was my favourite.” said Mr.Arun, a senior school house parent.

This is a night to celebrate the divine and keep people awake throughout the night and that was made possible at the Isha Yoga Centre by vibrant performances which kept the crowd alive and dancing all the time. People could not sleep because they were tuned to the performances. “I loved it! The performances were really great. Especially, the performance by Sivamani.” said Ananth, a young Middle Schooler.

The festival ended at 6:30 next morning, and the crowds left with their hearts filled with joy and peace.

Posted by Ananth & Varun Mathur, Middle School

The Linga Bhairavi Temple a recently constructed temple is in the form of an equilateral triangle located at the Southwest corner of the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple Complex. It was consecrated by Sadhguru in Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore on January 29^th 2010. More than two thousand people attended the consecration ceremony because it was a grand opportunity for them to witness such a rare event.

The temple has its own ritualistic namaskar posture called the Devi Dhandam. As you enter the Linga Bhairavi temple there is a graceful metal sculpture on the floor of a lady doing the Devi Dhandam. There are four pillars at the entrance to the temple. Each pillar has a demon form in a sitting position with coiled snakes sculpted around it. A traditional embossed copper door welcomes one to the temple. On the sides of the door, are a series of lamps on stands which are drilled into the wall. In the middle of the temple is a trident made of metal. There is a beautiful banyan tree that adorns the entrance.

As you walk further into the temple you cannot but miss the exquisite paintings of a saree with traditional designs flowing all over the wall. One wall is painted with a green saree and the other in red. The Linga Bhairavi statue itself is made of black marble stone. The eyes and the bindi are made of diamonds. There are three borders made of copper running along the body of the Linga Bhairavi . The statue has five arms on either side.

On the day of the inauguration many students from Isha Home School visited the temple. Kiran a student at IHS shares, “ The temple is very beautiful and it has a different atmosphere when compared to the Dhyanalinga.” Another student Kaushik says” It is a very different temple.”

Posted by Samia Khoreiche, Teacher

It is almost impossible to express what one feels when it comes to sharing one’s experience at Isha Home School.  I retired from teaching more than three years ago, and I thought I’d never go back to teaching and would find something else to keep me occupied.  However, when I came to Isha Home School two years ago, I was introduced to a completely different educational environment. All I could think of during my first term of volunteering was, “How happy those children are!” Their smiling faces and their twinkling eyes drew me closer to them and I couldn’t think of a more worthwhile place on earth where I would want to be.  When I was home for the end of year break I often felt the urge to go back to Isha Home School and experience ”innocent joy” at first hand. Since then I have been coming every term. I sincerely believe that I have learnt from IHS students more than all the knowledge I was able to impart to them.  I sincerely wish Isha Home School, students, faculty and staff all the best for many years to come. 

If I were to rephrase my experience, I would sum it in the following verse: 

Isha Home School 

It is with love and care that Isha Home School came to be

In nature’s arms its children cuddle and feel safe, happy and free

As days go by, they bloom and blossom like the flowers around

They flourish richly, and hold themselves steadfast to the ground

It is an experience beyond description; you simply have to be there

To witness the beauty, feel the magic and hear its music everywhere.

Posted by Kaviya G, Class VIII

Posted by Rangaraj, Class X

Posted by Aprati Suri & Joe David Kishorekumar, Middle School

For the first time in Isha Home School history, IHS students were taken to the Kanagadhara Theatre in Coimbatore, on the 23^rd of January, 2010, to watch a completely different science fiction movie called ‘Avatar’. The students and teachers left the school early, by bus for an 11:20 show. The students wanted to watch the movie for the graphics and the storyline.

Three teachers of the school went to watch the movie before the students saw it. The Senior School students viewed it even before the Middle and Junior School students. The teachers prepared for the trip a week in advance, by booking tickets, arranging lunch and transportation.

The movie was directed by the famous director of Titantic, James Cameron. He waited for many years before making ‘Avatar’, which turned out to be the world’s most expensive movie.

The movie was a major success: it won an Oscar for best film. James Cameron plans to make Avatar II and Avatar III in 2014.

Many of the teachers and students were speechless after watching the movie. Prakash anna, one teacher of Isha Home School said, “It [Avatar] has taken animation and 3D movies to a completely different level. The writer’s and director’s attention to minute details made the audience believe the movie. It’s got a very wonderful message about how humans must try to protect Mother Earth.

Posted by Anahita, Class IX

Posted by Arpita, Teacher

From the 17th till the 20th of October, the Isha Home School staff had a teachers’ retreat in Manampalli. Over forty of us spent time together at a cabin in the sylvan surroundings of a tropical rain forest.

We spent most of our time in solitude and reflection, imbibing the immensity of the nature around us. Among us, there were two wildlife experts and quite a few nature enthusiasts. They helped us identify the various flora and fauna, and enriched us with interesting anecdotes of our wildlife heritage.

Every time there was the slightest sound, we would all look in that direction. ‘Is that a crocodile lying on the branch in the river?’ Yes! ‘Was that the Indian Hornbill we just heard?’YES! On one evening, as we ate dinner by candlelight, Maheshwari Akka shared about her varied experiences in the forest, an almost second-home to her, and about the nature awareness clubs that she used to lead.

On another night, we took a night tour. Within the safety of our vans, and with the support of a forest guide and torch lights, we spotted various animals. During one of our sessions, we took a memorable walk beside the river … and came back covered in leeches!

Overall, the retreat was an opportunity for introspection and to bond together as a team. Everyone seamlessly worked together to make things happen. We learned a lot, laughed a lot and, of course, ate a lot (what we do best!). Our memories of the time spent together and the deep impression the forest made on us will be something that will long be cherished.