Chanting this Saturday 10/6

We will be chanting this Saturday October 6 at 7pm.  The first official chant since baby Lotus was born...we have found that she really enjoys the music!  Love, love  Kai

A thought on Chanting

It was brought to my attention tonight that someone who is trained in classical Indian vocal said that "Om is the Water" which is one of my water songs doesn't mean anything.  At first this jarred my heart as I take personally whatever is said about my music, only because I am overly sensitive in this area.  However, on further reflection, I would like to comment on this.  I originally started "chanting" at the ashram 13 years ago.  I still love these traditional chants and hymns, although I don't perform them traditionally.  My background is American, very American I must say.  I grew up in a Christian church singing in the church choir.  What I fell in love with about chanting is the deep, soulful connection I could experience via song.  When I chant, I just surrender to the Divine and let Her flow forth in whatever way She pleases because that's what the experience is for me.  The songs/chants I write are inspired from that connection.  They are not at all intended to be classically Indian and I doubt they ever could be coming from my background.  For me it's just about a connection with the Divine, however that comes through.  So, in this meditative state came "Om is the Water", which means a lot to me.  If Om is the Divine essence or sound of God, then to me "Om is the Water" is a beautiful blessing for our waters.  I was guided to write an album called "For the River" with three songs.  "OM is the Water" is one of them.  I realize that I don't need to validate any of this, but it's a process of working through it within my own heart.  We all must follow what's in our heart and I am getting this lesson very deeply right now.  Om Ma!

Chanting every Thursday

We are now chanting every Thursday evening at 7pm.  Also, I am having Shaktipat by request, rather than having a regular schedule.  Jai Ma everybody!!!

Chanting this Thursday

We will be chanting this Thursday at our house in Linden at 7pm!!!  All are welcome!

Love this quote from Krishna Das:

"I realized if I didn't sing, I would never be able to clean out the dark places in my heart. The only chance I had was to sing with people." Krishna Das

Shaktipat Saturday Nov. 5

 There will be Shaktipat this Saturday, November 5 at 6pm.  We may start doing regular programs on the first and third Saturdays of the month.  I will post more on this later.  Also, chanting every Thursday at 7pm.  All are welcome.  Jai Ma!

Please Call to Check In Before Coming

Since this summer seems to be ever shifting with schedules and such, I recommend calling before coming to Shaktipat or Chanting just to make sure we're on regular schedule.  Jai Ma!  Love Love

Shaktipat schedule changes

This week and next week, we will have Shaktipat on Saturday, instead of Monday.  That's June11 and June18 at 7pm.  Suggested donation for Shaktipat is $20.  Also, Chanting as normal June 9 at 7pm, but on June16 and 23, chanting will be at 8pm.  Jai Ma!  Happy June!