Music is well said to be the speech of angels; in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the Infinite.
-Thomas Carlyle
Of the many branches of yoga, devotional chanting or bhakti yoga, is a sacred practice. With sublime sentiments that unite the devotee with the Divine, the higher
feeling that is experienced is indescribable in words. Sometimes it just makes you happy, other times it is deeply moving. Chanting must be sincerely experienced to be understood. Chanting opens up the heart and mind to receive grace by turning within to your own inner path to the Divine.
We have presented here some of our favorite CD's.
| Breath of the Heart - Krishna Das |
In the pantheon of Indian chanters, it is doubtful that you will find one more illustrious and esteemed than Krishna Das. With each kirtan, he inspires people around the world to trade material desires for spiritual enlightenment. Breath of the Heart features Krishna Das' tried and true blend of music- Indian tablas and harmonium mixed together with western instrumentation like guitar, cello and violin. Breath of the Heart is a harmonically pleasing, life- affirming offering of chant music. This is an ideal primer for the kirtan novice and an uplifting excursion for the seasoned fan.
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| 108 Sacred Names of Mother Divine, The Sacred Chants of Devi |
Artist: Craig Pruess and Ananda
This haunting, mystical album of chant is themed after the goddess Devi-the "Divine Mother" of Hindu mythology. Recognized for her qualities of unconditional guidance, love and protection, those chanting the name of Divine Mother find themselves awakened to compassion and opened to her healing power.
This album features the ethereal chanting of German singer Ananda whose breathy vocals resonate through these invocations and prayers as well as the instrumentation and production skills of Craig Pruess. The highlight of the album is the "Lalitha Ashotram," a chant based on the sacred Sanskrit text of the 108 names of the Mother Divine.
This is a great CD for meditation.
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| Door of Faith - Krishna Das |
Krishna Das achieves a level of intimacy on this recording that he has never reached before. Listeners will feel as if they are experiencing something private, personal and utterly sacred. Rather that call and response Kirtans this time around, the album features original compositions, Sanskrit chants and prayers sung by primarily by the artist alone with backing on the harmonium, cello and violin. Of note is "Mere Guru Dev" a duet featuring his daughter.
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| Greatest Hits of the Kali Yuga - Krishna Das |
In a mere eight years, Krishna Das has become one of, if not the most important figures in contemporary American kirtan chanting. His music has moved thousands to look inside and develop an understanding of the sort of inner harmony one can find by walking the spiritual path. This greatest hits album brings together a series of cuts from Krishna Das' five previously released albums, as well as one new track. In each case, listeners get the opportunity to experience the soul and devotion of Krishna Das' emotive singing. Featured are "Namah Shivaya," "Mountain Hare Krishna," "Shri Guru Charanam" and others. In addition to the musical CD, this package also features a full length DVD with a documentary on the life and career of Krishna Das.
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| The Essence - Deva Premal |
Deva Premal was born in Germany in 1970 of a mystic/artist father and a musically talented mother. She was taught classical music and raised in an atmosphere of mantras and spiritual discipline. By the time she was 5 years old she was already chanting the Gayatri Mantra, the most ancient mantra known to man and the opening track of the album.
Premal's vocals are supported by her partner Miten on vocals and guitar. With her exquisite voice she creates music of beauty and music that makes you feel good day after day.
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Album descriptions have been provided by Music Design.
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