Temple of Fine Arts (JB) Vibrates & Colors Local Cultural Scene With Selfless Service
Amongst ``music oasis source’’ in Johor Bahru one could visit, enroll to be student and gain the finest of Indian traditional music knowledge is Temple of Fine Arts. Located at Jalan Dapat, behind Hyatt Hotel, TFA (JB) offers quality classical music courses, both vocal and instruments. This well known institution among music lovers in JB has been steadily growing in strength and churns out outstanding local talents over the years. Brainchild of a great visionary celibate saintly monk, HH Swami Shantanand Saraswati who started Temple of Fine Arts establishments around the world with an aim of serving, loving and giving selflessly to humankind, in particular the poor as well be an umbrella to focus his disciple and followers in gaining pure spiritual knowledge while maintaining their feet aground, serving and music become a channel to attain that pathway, in a persuasive albeit in an artistic way.
Hundreds of students, from all walks of life, transcending race and religious barrier are enrolled in this institute. Music courses that are offered are for Veena, Flute, Baratha Natyam, Odisi, Carnatic Vocal, Tabla and Mrithangam. A highly dedicated professional music teachers, from local and oversea (Singapore), extends their service teaching students with high standard and proper syllabus structure. Lately, number well known musical talents from TFA stable as well from oversea had been performing to the joy of local classical music followers. Johor Bahru cultural scene has been enriched further by these high caliber performing artists and activities carried by administrative staffs of TFA (JB) with collaboration with their international counterparts.
If you could just pay a visit to TFA (JB) on a regular Saturday or a Sunday, the rhythmic dance steps in unison of city folk’s young kids, youths & adults practicing music pieces to tune of catchy classical songs, coordinated by their teachers and in a watchful eye of their eager parents are a common scene not to be missed. Interviewed with parents of students had unearthed many positive comments and praises. One parent said this, ``My kid has been more focused and shows good dedication in her personal activities nowadays as a result of training she gets in her music classes. Her studies in school have improved and she now blends with only good company. She has been talking about taking up music as a rewarding career in future. I am happy and glad that I enrolled her in TFA’’
TFA (JB) too has a resident monk who provides a strong spiritual back bone to this institution apart from their late founder, Patron, HH Swami Shantanand Saraswati. Reverend Swami Sivaprabanandha, an initiated Swami (monk) in the lineage of Swami Sivananda (saint), founder of Divine Life Society (DLS) who had initiated late HH Swami Shantanand Saraswati. Reverend Swamiji (called fondly) often can be seen mingling amongst the ordinary folks. An unassuming ``Sanyasin’’ (monk), he offers high spiritual insights in a simple way and counseling to those who seek his advice. ``Swamiji’’ was supported with many spirited, dedicated and service oriented family members and devotees of HH Shanthanand Saraswati.
While TFA not only providing selfless service in the area of classical / traditional music, she also serves in other equally important activities. Spiritual strength awakening that will lead devotees, students and public members to become positive and resourceful citizen of the country. To this , ``Sivanjali Ashram’’, located near Bukit Kempas serves this purpose as well in the planned pipeline of hosting for a charitable cause in the form of free clinic services to old folks and the neediest. ``Shantha medical’’, mobile service which is currently in operation, offers free medical treatment to the poor provided by volunteer medical practitioners who extend their services with love and without monetary rewards. TFA (JB) needs more of such doctors or medical field professionals to further carry out their mission effectively.
Lastly, not forgetting to mention about ``Annalaksmi’’, an elegant and stylish set-up, ``Eat as you wish, pay as you will’’ restaurant located along Jalan Tepi Laut for you to enjoy varieties of exquisite and genuine tasty vegetarian foods. Opened last year with a noble motive, inspired by TFA Patron / Founder, Swami Shanthanand Saraswati - Foods are nutritiously cooked in ``Ayurveda's’’ method with pure love and good heart; blends to nourish and enrich the physical and mental constituents of diners. Mainly, this place also provides a good meal to those who actually don't have the ability to get a decent meal for various reasons (poverty). It’s open from 9.00am – 3pm daily except Sunday. All staffs are non-paid family members who do their job with love and selfless dedication. Don’t be surprised if you meet TFA's resident monk, teachers, lawyers, doctors, accountants or professionals from every walk of life serving you unassumingly with a warm heart and sweet smile on the day you drop in for a lunch/meal. Indeed, TFA (JB) has become another permanent feature in the ever dynamic city of Johor Bahru.
For more information:-
Call TFA (JB) at 07-2227400
