This past weekend, Katy and I attended a satsang at Corazón Performing Arts, a beloved cultural space nestled in the heart of Topanga. It was led by Pandit Balmiki Sharma, a spiritual teacher and musician originally from Bihar, India. The evening brought together gentle conversation, beautiful devotional music, and shared silence.
Pandit Sharma has spent his life studying Vedic science, learning directly from saints and scriptures including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Geeta, Dhammapada, Guru Granth Sahib, and even the Bible. With a Ph.D. in Indian classical music and a master’s in Hindi literature with a focus on religious studies, he carries a grounded perspective on the inner path.
A Circle of Sound and Stillness
We gathered on floor cushions in the cozy Corazón theatre, an intimate space known for hosting musicians, poets, artists, and healers who blend spiritual depth with creative expression. The room felt warm, open, and welcoming. The kind of place where silence feels safe.
Pandit Sharma spoke softly and clearly, sharing teachings drawn from multiple traditions but centered on the same universal truths. Between teachings, he played his harmonium and sang in a style that was both reverent and joyful.
Teachings That Stayed With Me
A few of his insights stayed with me and have continued to echo in the days since:
On Character and Leadership: “You cannot be a leader unless you have people’s trust.” It sounds simple, but it gave me pause. In our practice—and in life—how often are we seeking influence before we’ve cultivated integrity?
On Truth: “Only speak the truth. And if it’s not the truth, don’t speak.” He emphasized that truth is something felt, not just thought. If it arises from the heart, it carries the clarity and weight of what’s real.
On Purification: His framework surprised me. He described purification as a gentle inward unfolding:
Curiosity: The starting point. Like a child, we begin with wonder. Meditation often begins with noticing.
Focus: Real concentration, he said, is rooted in joy. If you give a child something they love, they’ll naturally sit still. The same is true for us.
Union: When curiosity and focus are refined inward, they lead to union—a sense of connection with our true Self. This, he said, is the real meaning of yoga.
A Space to Keep Listening
While I’ve spent many years teaching meditation, it’s always important for me to continue learning. Hearing from teachers like Pandit Sharma reminds me that the path never ends. There’s always more depth, more simplicity, and more heart to be discovered.
Katy had a powerful experience of her own that night, and I found myself feeling deeply nourished—by the teachings, the music, and the shared presence of everyone in the room. The folks at Corazón describe themselves as seed holders for social uplift, fire tenders for ignited hearts, and bridge builders for humanity. That felt true.