May Flowers, 2011

Mother's Day, May 8th

My son and I produced a sweet video of "Reverent Mother" for Mother's Day. It can be seen at: ShantiAnjali Music



East Meets West: An Evening of Indian Music
Ananda Purnima, May 17
Shakti in the Mountains
Johnson City, TN

A darling little house in the Historic North Roan district of Johnson City, Shakti in the Mountains is a women’s center, offering massage and classes in self-development, and celebrations specifically for women. I opened with Prabhat Samgiita and kiirtan for the Carnatica Brothers, a delightful vocal duo – cousins who have been playing together for over 20 years. Often times, listening to ancient, Indian slokas, I am transported to another time and space, as was the case listening to Shashikiran and Ganesh sing Shiva Shambho, Shanti is the Universal Energy, and Maithrim Bhajata: Please think that others are like you / For mother earth is a wish giving animal / And God our father is most merciful / Restrain, donate and be kind / To all the people of this world / Let all the people live with bliss. The “brothers” have developed a unique style, all their own: when one is soaring in the higher notes, the other drops down to a rumbling bass, connecting the heaven and earth. Ganesh was featured on the chitravina, a unique slide, stringed instrument (vina). Lakshman masterfully accompanied the duo on mridangam. A special thanks to Guhanji and Kim for hosting this event.


Full Moon Spiritfest, May 18
Prama Institute
Marshall, NC

Kori (Chaitanya Kirtan Group) and I wanted to create something together for this event, so we presented two songs: a devotee’s longing to be Krisna’s Song; and a rich Sikh tune, praising the qualities of God. Kori created the melody to the latter song, that included singing a counter melody in double-time. Naresh and Rishi gave musical support on the doumbek (Middle Eastern drum) and tablas. Krisnadeva told a heartwarming story about his stay in jail and his personal transformation – how it helped him to find the good in everyone. Beautiful poetry was shared by several participants, including several Kabir pieces by Visvamitra. Caetanya Saxon brought out an antique dulcimer, passed on by his grandfather. He sang beautifully in Latin and played a German composition. Santor, from the Raleigh area, led us in a lively Hawaiian peace dance, describing how we are connected to the earth, sky, sea, heart; and to one another. As it was the full moon of our guru’s birthday, I sang a tender Prabhat Samgiita:

#1017
TUMI ÁMÁR DHYÁNER DHYEYA
You are the object of my meditation.
TUMI ÁMÁR PRÁŃER PRIYA
You are the dearest one of my life.
TOMÁRA LÁGIYÁ, JANAME JANAME,
For You, lifetime after lifetime
ÁSÁ JÁVÁ HE, VARAŃIIYA, (Tumi amar…)
I have been coming and going, oh Beloved One

SATATA TOMÁRE KÁCHE CÁI ÁMI, ÁÁ
I have always wanted You with me
TOMÁRE PATHE CALI NÁHI THÁMI
I move along Your path without hesitation.
TOMÁREI SÁR BOLIÁI JÁNI
You are the essence of my life, that’s all I know
SAB CEYE ÁDARAŃIIYA, [TUMI]
& that You are my dearest one

KENO DÚRE THÁKO BOLO KII BÁ CÁO, ÁÁ
Why do You remain far from me? Tell me what You want from me.
LIILÁ CHALE KENO ÁMÁRE KÁNDÁO
In the game of Your liila, why do you make me cry?
KÁNDÁIYÁ YADI ÁNANDA PÁO
If my weeping gives You joy,
TOMÁ TARE KÁNDITE DIO
Then let me weep for You.

We ended the evening with a rousing kiirtan and quiet meditation.


Upcoming

~ I’ve recently joined Kiirtan for All, a global group, (under the umbrella of Visão Futuro São Paulo) based in Brazil. Together with several musicians around the world, including Kamalkrisna, Jyoshna, Sukhadeva, Shubhamaya, Rainjan, Vasudeva, and Soja Kiirtan Group, we are recording and filming the Prabhat Samgiita, “Tiny Green Island”. Kiirtan for All promises to be a dynamic, ongoing project, with the mission of spreading kiirtan and devotional music to the masses.

~ One of my favorite sisters and kiirtanista, Jyoshna LaTrobe and I are currently collaborating on Prabhat Samgiita # 218, “Pita Mata Bandhu Sakha" for a devotional video, ready to be viewed this summer.

~ On June 9th, I will be interviewed (in Spanish) on Asia el Amor Infinito, Seres Radio FM, a spiritual radio show that is podcasts globally.

~ I am working with Waldorf consultant and whimsical author, Christine Natale on a CD and book compilation of lullabies and pedagogical muses for mothers and teachers, to be released in 2012.