Anjali

2011-11-06T13:13:00.004-06:00

Fall Updates II The Yoga of Silence Retreat September 9 - October 2 Prama Institute This 4 day retreat was interspersed with guitar accompaniment for walking meditation, teaching and practicing kiirtan and meditating for long periods of time. The bhajan evening was especially devotional, as we went deep into the songs, feeling a great connection with one another; flowing with heart-filled love

2011-10-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

"The Essence", Sacred HipHop by Srikala and Anadi Vocals by Anjali Silva-Natarajan Here's a little something I did with my sweet little brother, Anadi. I hope you enjoy!

2011-09-25T10:42:00.022-05:00

Fall Updates, 2011 Ananda Marga Regional Retreat Ananda Girisuta Master Unit The Prama Institute September 2-4th The Fall Regional Retreat was held at the Prama Institute on Ananda Girisuta Master Unit - a 3 day devotional, social event, focusing on developing deeper spiritual practices through kiirtan, music, meditation and spiritual talks. The workshop theme this year centered on the

2011-08-30T09:58:00.034-05:00

Gano Chapel, MO Summer Updates Tantric Futures Reunion Kansas City, MO June 27 - July 4, 2011 The Tantric Futures Reunion was hosted at a beautiful college campus, north of Kansas City, with pristine flower gardens, overlooking lush, rolling green hills. One of the highlights of the retreat was a workshop based on the 4 different social classes: workers, warriors,

2011-05-23T21:40:00.009-05:00

May Flowers, 2011Mother's Day, May 8thMy son and I produced a sweet video of "Reverent Mother" for Mother's Day. It can be seen at: ShantiAnjali MusicEast Meets West: An Evening of Indian MusicAnanda Purnima, May 17Shakti in the MountainsJohnson City, TNA darling little house in the Historic North Roan district of Johnson City, Shakti in the Mountains is a women’s center, offering massage and

2011-04-24T09:16:00.010-05:00

"Earthday Kiirtan" Soja Kiirtan Group Featuring Anjali and JyoshnaSoja Kiirtan Group is led by musician/producer Jagatbandhu, and Liilamaya. Jyoshna and I were asked to add our vocals to this project via cyberspace. Liilamay created this aesthetic video. Enjoy!Baba Nam Kevalam is a Sanskrit mantra meaning: Love is the essence of all....

2011-04-19T22:01:00.001-05:00

Full Moon SpiritfestPrama Institute, NCThe Full Moon Spiritfest was a great success. Over 30 people came out to share poetry and music. Multi-instrumentalist Steve Davidowski highlighted the evening with several modal, "Keith Jarrett-esk" keyboard pieces. Chaitanya Kirtan Group led three devotional chants. Ten year old Govinda Odelle graced us with two classical violin composition, executed with

2011-03-21T21:27:00.008-05:00

Yoga Detox Retreat, Prama Institute, NCThis retreat was alive with a fun group of around 30 people. We played games, took walks, sang, danced and meditated together. Dada Dharmavedananda was his humorous, charming self and had us all laughing while thinking deeply. The Prama Institute is working towards developing its own wellness center in the near future. Enjoy this video presentation of the

2011-01-20T10:36:00.003-06:00

Indian Music PresentationArtSpace Charter SchoolSwannanoa, NCI was asked by the Social Studies teacher, to give a presentation on Indian music to a group of 45 middle school students. This year, they have been studying World History. I chose to focus on a timeline from the origins of Indian music, (paying attention to the tal, melody, and styles) up to the modern day of Indian-jazz fusion. I

2010-12-16T15:55:00.003-06:00

Women’s Wellbeing and Development Fundraiser for the Healthy Living Program The Four Points Sheraton Hotel Asheville, NC I put together a great trio for this event: Mohan Jordan on guitar, Anjali Nemon on djembe, and myself. We played a mix of Indian, Latin American, and Bluegrass music. The trio quickly locked into a groove and held it throughout the evening. The Healthy Living Program is

2010-12-09T15:30:00.007-06:00

Steve Davidwoski Christmas Concert Benefit for Neighbors in NeedThe Steve Davidwoski Christmas Concert, held at the Presbetarian Church in Marshall, NC, brought a variety of players from Scottish fiddle and dance of Jamie Laval to a celestial harp rendition of Carol of the Bells, to Steve’s wild fusion arrangements of selections in different meters and keys. I was pleasingly surprised to hear a

2010-10-29T14:54:00.007-05:00

Indian Music Concert w/Pantula Rama Johnson City, TN I returned late last night from a concert in Johnson City, TN, navigating the steep and windy mountain bypass. The concert was just magical! The concert hall – a small, state of the art auditorium at the university medical center. The organizer told a little about the history of Prabhat Samgiita, and projected the words and meaning on a huge

2010-08-20T14:39:00.005-05:00

Prabhat Samgiita Retreat August 13-15 Vermont I just returned from the Prabhat Samgiita Retreat in Vermont - somebody hold my feet down! Once again, our lovely hosts Chiranjiva and Parashakti outdid themselves, making sure we were nourished with tasty food, while The Divine nourished us all with spiritual vibrations. What joy to see the Margis moving together as one, creating a seamless event –

2010-07-06T16:10:00.008-05:00

Back to Basics Summer RetreatJune 27 - July 5Ananda Kanan, MOChildren's ProgramAparna Devi and I headed up the Children's Program each morning, leading Circle Time, which included spiritual songs, kiirtan and a meditation story. Afterwards, the children enjoyed free play, art and crafts. We had a small group of chidren ages 3-5 y/o, and a few 2 year olds with their parents.For the children's

2010-06-25T12:33:00.003-05:00

Morning Star Children’s CampJune 14-25, 2010 This June, I directed a summer day camp at Ananda Girisuta (Prama Institute) for a beautiful group of young children.We began the mornings with a long Circle Time that included spiritual songs, dancing and singing kiirtan, meditation, yoga postures, and spiritual readings and discussion. The days were filled with art and craft projects, handwork, games

2010-05-16T09:36:00.002-05:00

Updates: Spring 2010Yoga of Silence, February 26-28, 2010The Prama Institute, Marshall NCA weekend devoted to silence and inner reflectiong, with intensive meditation practises. The kiirtan and bhajans held a deeper meaning to us all in the absence of words.The Circle Project, April 17-18, 2010Bend of the Ivy Lodge, Marshall NCw/Patti Digh, David Robinson, and Visvamitra, aka Sid JordanIt's

2009-12-06T21:18:00.004-06:00

Performance Updates: AshevilleOctober 1A group of us performed kiirtan, Prabhat Samgiita, and bhajans at Mantra Cafe. Many Margiis came out to support us and sing along. This is a new venue that we hope to use in the near future.October 3I spent a day singing kiirtan and songs at Green Life Foods, the social hub of Asheville. Working hand in hand with Maya Devi, we raised relief funds for flood

2009-10-18T21:32:00.006-05:00

Diipavali Festival at the Prama InstituteSeveral devotees arrived early to cook and help set the diipas on the puja table, and throughout the dome. Everyone brought their favorite dish and several sweets, and Sister Miirabai brought prasad. Many new friends joined the celebration.We began with Diipavali Prabhat Samgiitas, kiirtan and meditation. It seemed as if the Supreme and all of the

2009-07-20T21:23:00.003-05:00

'Women We Are' on Democracy Now!A colleague of mine heard the title song from 'Women We Are' on the Democracy Now! television show sometime in May. I imagine Gloria Steinem brought it to the studio to be played on Mother's Day, as she had a copy of the CD and loves that song. What a great thrill and honor to have one's music played on such a prestigious show.

2009-07-18T20:55:00.004-05:00

Peace Camp Houston, July 13-17Peace Camp is run by a group of wonderful women whose goal is to bring peace consciousness to children ages 5-11. Children age 12 and up become junior teachers and help run the camp. The curriculum is developed by a master teacher and includes nature studies, arts and crafts, profile studies, story telling, cooperative games, NVC and yoga. This is my 4th year

2009-06-07T15:11:00.003-05:00

Music and Poetry @ Northwoods Unitarian ChurchThe Woodlands, TXI performed with the The Northwoods Stencil Band at this venue. There were several wonderful poets who presented their works, while the band and I provided original music in between readings. The music and poetry reflected social and spiritual life.

2009-03-19T14:45:00.008-05:00

Circle of LoveSome of you have asked me where I have been playing lately. Well dear friends, I have been working as a kindergarten teacher in a Waldorf school. As an artist, I couldn't ask for a better job! The Waldorf curriculum is presented through song, movement and story. The children are beautiful little gems, and I enjoy being with them every single day! Our school is backed up to a wooded

2009-03-07T13:32:00.002-06:00

International Women's Day, 3/07/09The Second Annual International Women's Day Celebration, sponsored by Creative Women Unite, took place this year at Bohemeos Cultural Center in downtown Houston. Some of the most amazing artists came out to present: Danza Azteca, Seltas Dance Troup, Freak-in the Frame, Maria Palacios, Agua Fuego, and Queen Sheba just to name a few. It was a wonderful tapestry of

2008-11-15T08:57:00.009-06:00

Shining The Light after Ike: A Healing Circle, 11/15/08 Co-hosted by The Texas Southern University Museum Volunteer CircleThe Texas Southern University of Houston presented an afternoon of healing and hope to rejuvenate the spirit in the wake of Hurricane Ike - a program featuring poets, dancers and singers. There were spoken word artists, young and old; and an ethereal Praise Dance troupe,

2008-07-06T12:02:00.004-05:00

RAWA 50th Anniversary, 7/06/08The 50th Anniversary of Renaissance Artists and Writers Association (RAWA), took place at the Ananda Kanan Retreat Center in MO, June 29th-July 5th.We opened with a dynamic Prabhat Samgiita, speaking of the mystical qualities of Krisna. Krsnatma helped out with Spanish guitar, while Dada Pranesh and Mahesh kept the rhythm strong. Anadi and Dada Vishvarupanandaji gave

2008-03-08T21:27:00.011-06:00

Creative Women Unite: Celebrating International Women’s Day, 3/08/08 This lively, multimedia event was held at the Willow Street Pump Station and sponsored by UHD Cultural Enrichment Center. Women of all colors, hues, and walks of life were there, from newborns to great grandmothers; African American and Mexican women wearing their

2008-03-07T21:19:00.009-06:00

KPFT 90.1, Pacifica Radio Highlights The Peace Hour Show, 3/07/08. In honor of International Women’s Day, The Peace Hour Radio Show, KPFT featured music from Women We Are. There was also a short segment of Didi Ananda Usa talking about Ananda Marga women's projects: KPFT Archives Click on March 7.The Peace Hour Show, 1/25/08. A short

2008-02-06T21:06:00.005-06:00

Fire in Our Eyes, Flowers in Our Hearts: Spiritual Women’s Stories, 2/06/08 This book has taken several years to complete, and has finally been published!Fire in Our Eyes, Flowers in Our Hearts is a collection of essays by Tantric women. The stories told here capture the diversity of women's spiritual

2008-01-27T20:37:00.017-06:00

The Waldorf Channel, 1/27/08 Kristie Karima Burns hosts this wonderful website. She is featuring the Neohumanist children's story: The Fairy's Flowers on her radio show. Snuggle up with your little ones, and take a listen.

2008-01-04T11:42:00.005-06:00

Ananda Kanan Winter Retreat, MO, 01/03/08My family and I just spent a wonderful vacation up north, first stop, a few days in the charming, European mountain town of Eureka Springs, AR then onto Willow Springs, MO where we celebrated the New Year in true yogic style.The Winter Bliss Retreat was one of the most peaceful ones yet, with angelic kiirtans and deeper meditations day and night. We had

2007-10-24T20:23:00.005-05:00

James Hansen - Climate Change: The Latest Science, 10/24/07 The Progressive Forum was held at The Wortham Center, home to the opera and ballet. The speaker for this event was James Hansen, one of the leading scientists on global warming who works hand in hand with the former vice president of the United States, Al Gore. The mayor of

2007-10-20T17:19:00.006-05:00

Yoga for Peace Conference, 2007, 10/20/07 The Yoga for Peace Conference was held in the pristine Houston Garden Center Auditorium. Around 400 people attended throughout the day. There were two very good speakers giving talks on ahimsa – non-harming to all living beings; and astaunga yoga – the eight branches of

2007-10-19T17:13:00.006-05:00

Texas Bioneers Conference, 10/19/07 I performed in the beautiful gardens of the Emerson Unitarian Community Center at the Texas Bioneers Conference in Houston. Around 300 people attended. Before my set, I befriended a group of autistic teenagers from a private school who were curious about the sound equipment. I spent time talking with

2007-09-17T14:40:00.005-05:00

Gloria Steinem: The Progression of Feminism, 9/17/07 By sweet grace, representing WWD-F, I opened for Gloria Steinem at The Wortham Theatre in Houston. The event was hosted by The Progressive Forum. Over 2,000 people were present. I was then able to sit and listen to her speak, and witness the participation of audiences questions and

2007-09-15T14:31:00.005-05:00

EarthDance 2007, 9/15/07 I was honored to participate in EarthDance 2007, an event that happens simultaneously around the world at numerous locations. It was held at the Hare Krsna Garaunga Hall. This year, the theme was “Healing the Waters”. We opened with a global collective chanting of the mantra “

2007-08-15T16:27:00.007-05:00

Vermont Festival of the Arts, 8/15/07The 24th Annual Prabhat Samgiita Retreat was held August 6-12, at the pristine and verdant Mad River Valley as a part of the Vermont Festival of the Arts. I was called to teach at retreat, which extended to a full week, in honor of the Silver Anniversary of Prabhat Samgiita. What a wonderful gift to be able to teach the very

2007-07-12T10:44:00.004-05:00

Palo Alto Daily News, 07/12/07 I want to thank my California friend for referring my MySpace Music page to this Palo Alto newspaper: Palo Alto Daily News

2007-04-30T20:57:00.004-05:00

New Thought Songwriters Workshop & Peace and Justice Department Fundraiser, 4/30/07What a lovely weekend! I spent Friday and Saturday at the New Thought Songwriters Workshop in San Marcos, Texas, where around 25 artists participated. We spent much time presenting our music in the round, supporting one another, and getting aquainted. In the evening, we held a concert for the local community.The

2007-04-10T20:39:00.004-05:00

Spring Travels, 4/10/07Ah, Spring... time to breath in deeply the prana of outdoors and the sweet fragrance of flowers. Everything just feels different, no? Dolyatra has come and gone, and now we look forward to Ananda Purnima, the birthday of Shrii Shrii Ananda Murtiji. His auspicious birthday falls on May 2nd, one day before my precious jewel, Prashanta - turning six on May 3rd. Each year at

2006-11-02T21:40:00.004-06:00

African Kiirtans, 11/02/06A few weeks back, I had a most wonderful house guest from Congo, Africa: Dada Gunamaya, an acharya (spiritual teacher) of Ananda Marga. Dadaji spent one week with our family. We gave a presentation of African kiirtans at The Harvest School, and performed at the Te' House in downtown Houston.During our week together, I heard the most intriguing stories of his life in

2006-09-16T16:13:00.009-05:00

Y'all Stock Art & Music Festival Cypress Creek Center 09/16/2006 Y'all Stock Festival was created by visionary Bob Messer as a celebration of poets and music, vendors and activitists working together for peace. The concert hall at the Cypress Creek Center is a magnificent cathedral with great acoustics, a fabulous sound system and colorful stained glass windows - a place that I had often

2006-07-27T11:12:00.010-05:00

Ozarks Retreat & Prabhat Samgiita SeminarI have had a most blissful month, starting with a trip to Missourri for our summer retreat at the Ananda Kanan Ozark Retreat Center. Jyotsna La Trobe, a singer/songwriter from New Zealand, lead a group of us in a kiirtan choir. She had just returned from a 6 month stint in India where she studied the kiirtans of Rarh. She came back with a 70 minute long

2006-03-26T08:29:00.004-06:00

Dances of Universal Peace, Unitarian Universalist Church The Woodlands, TX Last weekend I attended the Dances of Universal Peace circle lead by two women of the Sufi tradition. We danced several dances from different cultures, each with a chant for peace. My favorite was Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. I had brought my guitar and asked the facilitator (a friend of mine) if I could offer some

2005-07-25T23:41:00.007-05:00

ASHA & AID EventSaturday night, my husband and I performed downtown at an event for ASHA & AID, two organizations that provide education and development projects in India. It was a wonderful evening, with a mostly Southeast Asian crowd. Several of our friends attended, and we felt blessed to have their company. We performed Prabhat Samgiita - Songs of the New Dawn - spiritually invoked songs,

2005-07-22T13:47:00.004-05:00

KPFT Outreach MeetingOn Monday, I was asked to sing at the KPFT Outreach Meeting downtown. The organizers wanted to create an atmosphere of harmony, and felt my music would do that. I was excited as Rev. Robert Muhammad, a peace activist and radio programmer who had worked with Rev. Martin Luther King in the 60's, was going to be speaking. I have heard him numerous times on the radio, and find

2005-04-24T09:10:00.006-05:00

Incredible India The Houston International Festival (Ifest), 2005 Houston, TX The Natarajan Family performed at the International Festival where thousands of people attended. This year, there was one square street block dedicated to India. We performed both weekends at a small booth hosted by Sur Samgiita, school of Indian music. SS Dada Tiirthananda accompanied us, and helped out by singing