The legendary kirtan master Krishna Das will be coming to the Mind Body Spirit Expo Nov. 2nd and the 3rd for a kirtan concert on Saturday and a workshop in Sunday.
Krishna Das, or KD as he is known, began to chant as part of following the path of Bhakti yoga – the yoga of devotion.After two and a half years with Maharaj-ji, returned to USA - alas, six months after his return, word came that Maharaj-ji had died. He took solace in music, finding peace and strength in both his Bhakti yoga practice as well as in such heroes as Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, and Bruce Springsteen (whom he laughingly calls “the Bodhisattva of New Jersey”). KD also co-founded Triloka Records, a California-based label specializing in world music, releasing such artists as Jai Uttal, sarod virtuoso Ali Akbar Khan, and legendary jazz musician/composer Jackie McLean.
In 1994, KD started leading chant at Jivamukti Yoga Center, NYC, with an ever-growing audience of yoga students which has led to chant with people all around the world. Since 1996 KD has recorded 14 albums including his latest ones ‘Heart as Wide as the World” and ‘Chants of a Lifetime’ (book + CD).
“The chanting just hits you and you want to be a part of it,” KD promises. “That’s the point of this whole thing. That’s what cuts through all the ‘stuff’. You get lit up. You don’t have to know what it means.”
Krishna Das first traveled to India in 1970 where he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji). Through Maharaj-ji, he was introduced to the devotional practice of kirtan, an ancient method of heart purification. He has released several CD’s and now leads chanting workshops around the world, helping us to turn within and find our own inner understanding. Krishna Das has also been studying Buddhist meditation for more than 30 years. Sharing his heart through music and chanting is the basis of Krishna Das’s own spiritual work; his way of serving the Divine within himself and others.
Krishna Das’s workshops are like mini-retreats of about 2 hours. Along with chanting, Krishna Das shares stories about his experiences on the Path. Workshops with Krishna Das usually include: Chanting (call and response) with musical accompaniment, stories about his Guru, readings from spiritual traditions, teachings, and discussions about life and the spiritual Path. This forum provides the opportunity for Q&A in an intimate setting.
Krishna Das has been recording albums of traditional Indian chants and song since 1996 but has been on a spiritual journey his entire life. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Krishna Das has been at the forefront of utilizing western melodic sensibilities in Hindu kirtan (chanting) and satsang while maintaining its traditional base and structure and is a master of infusing the Indian tradition with modern influences. While staying true to the path of Bhakti or Devotional Yoga, his music is energized with modern grooves and melodies to create soulful chanting that is eminently accessible to western hearts.
PLEASE NOTE: DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE KRISHNA DAS EVENTS. Prices will be higher at the door, so order now to save!
