Chanting: 



Hindu Devotional Chanting


"Kirtan, also known as Sankirtan, is the call-and-response chanting inspired and popularized by the great saint Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The roots of kirtan go back over 500 years to Renaissance India. During this period the influence and style of kirtan became the focal point for the upsurge in religious expression in Bengal led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This joyful mood quickly spread throughout India, where today kirtan is accepted as one of the surest paths to enlightenment. The singing is accompanied by the ancient musical raga musical tradition with a rhythmic drumming style that transports the chanters to profound spiritual realms. In its religious fervor, it has been likened to modern American Gospel music, and in its heartfelt expression it compares to profound states of deep meditation." (information from: www.kirtan.org)

Sharing his heart through music and chanting is the basis of Krishna Das' own spiritual work; his way of serving the Divine within himself and others. While living in India for almost three years, Krishna Das' heart was especially drawn to the practice of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion. Fanning the flames of his inner longing, Maharaj-ji led him deeper and deeper into the practice of kirtan—chanting the Names of God. As an appointed pujari (priest) for the Durga temple in Maharaj-ji's ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas, Krishna Das immersed himself in the worship of the Divine Goddess. more at: www.krishnadas.com
 

 


Jai Uttal is a pioneer in the world music community. His eclectic east-meets-west sound has put his music at the forefront of the world fusion movement. Jai Uttal's musical roots embrace a rich variety of cultures and traditions that span the globe and the centuries. From the hillbilly music of the Appalachian Mountains to the passionate strains of Bengali street singers, from the haunting rhythms and melodies of ancient India to contemporary electric rock sounds, Jai's music distills the essence of diverse musical forms. more at: www.jaiuttal.com
 

 


 
 



Devotional practitioner, translator, author and musician, Shyamdas brings the Vedic literature of India and the Bhakti Yoga of Vraja to life in the West. He has written and translated more than 20 books on Bhakti Yoga and the Path of Grace. Shyamdas specializes in classical Dhrupada music and the mystic poets of North India. more at: www.shyamdas.com
   

 

 
 


Bhagavan Das gained worldwide fame from the publication of Be Here Now, the well-known “DIY guide to enlightenment.” The book documents Richard Alpert’s transformation into Ram Dass through an initial encounter with Bhagavan Das, who ultimately brought him to Maharaji. This fateful sequence of events has affected millions of people as it has rippled through time. more at: www.bhagavandas.com
   

 

 
 
 


Born and raised in American Ashrams, Karnamrita studied Sanskrit, Bhajans, Kirtan and classical Indian music before recording this CD. Her singing represents a natural blend of Western and Indian musicians and instruments, and her devotion can be felt in her singing, as she is able to convey the emotion of some of the poet saints of India she is honoring. more at: www.karnamrita.com
 
 

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