| Essence of Life | |
| Formation: | 2012 |
| Purpose: | Dance Group for Indian classical dance sharing teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti |
| Location: | India |
| Founder: | Dega Deva Kumar Reddy |
| Leader Title: | Producer |
| Parent Organization: | The Pathless Land |
| Affiliations: | Jiddu Krishnamurti |
Essence of Life is a performing art group based in Bangalore, established by Dega Deva Kumar Reddy in 2012 to promote teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti.[1]
Essence of Life is a synergy of five Indian classical dance forms - Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Mohiniyattam. The group organized several dance performances across India in the past decade.[2]
The name "Essence of Life" is inspired from Jiddu Krishnamurti's quote "Meditation is not a separate thing from life; it is the very essence of life, the very essence of daily living".[3]
Inspired by Jiddu Krishnamurti's teachings, Dega Deva Kumar Reddy conceptualized and produced 'Essence of Life'.[4] The dance form is based on basic human problems and emotions that Jiddu Krishnamurti often addressed in his talks and books - fear, suffering, jealousy, violence, hurt, love and death.[5]
Prominent artists from established music and dance traditions across India came together to communicate Krishnamurti's teachings through Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and Mohiniyattam.[6]
Dhyanasya Amukham - Introduction to MeditationDhyanasya Puravrttam - Myths of MeditationKatham Jaagriti Jaayate - How does awareness come aboutDhyana kala - The art of meditationDhyanaartha kim yatharta maunam - What is true silence which leads to meditation
Manovignaanam - Understanding our mindBhayaatah svatantramah - Freedom from fearSamsayaa vina saadhyam kim jeevanam - Can we live without problemKim saadyam pumsaam parivarthanam - Can human being changeRather saundaryam - Beauty of love
Thillana - Freedom from self