I remember sitting beside my mother, legs crossed with hands folded in front of my heart, during an evening spent in group meditation. I’ve never recalled the name of the place, nor the city it was in. Only feeling like an island in an ocean of Om.

Our first guru is our mother. The second our father, and the third ourselves. I’ve been reminded several times in recent days by Pandit Chitresh Das and his devotees — whose dance demonstrations and panel discussions I’ve been soaking up in Scottsdale.

I entered Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday to discover a tall black folding panel spanning the space between box office and theater. On each side hung large circular panels painted by Paradise Valley High School students — each inspired by the mandala.

Rachna Nivas of Chitresh Das Dance Company. Photo: Christopher Trimble.

Friday I sat amazed as two of ten dancers who’ll perform during tonight’s ”Sita Haran” led two dozen students from four Scottsdale high schools in a master class on classical Indian dance. It’s a challenging art form blending mathematics and movement — and requires concentration, stamina and agility.

In addition to layering footwork with body, hand and eye movements, students learned about the history and principles of classical Indian dance. Few Americans enjoy such rich encounters with Indian arts and culture, though Valley families will have the opportunity this weekend.

Chitresh Das Dance Company blends music, dance, theater and multi-media storytelling during this evening’s Kathak dance performance choreographed, composed and directed by Pandit Chitresh Das. It’s a contemporary interpretation of a tale from the “Ramayana” that explores greed, lust, distraction and divine intervention.

Tomorrow’s “OrigiNation” festival explores native cultures of India and Arizona, and several yoga gatherings are taking place near the large red “LOVE” sculpture at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. Perhaps a decade or two from now, someone else touched as a child by Indian culture will recall a day filled with sunshine and serenity.