BEST OF THE KALI
YUGA
Krishna Das
The best spin on the
Hindu spiritual concept of Kali Yuga is that it represents the current Era
(Aeon) of Completion. Looked at in its darker meaning, it represents the Age of
Universal Destruction. Be that as it may, there is nothing destructive or
negative associated with this CD. The mantra (songs) are all about the joy of
devotion & the healing power of spiritual love.
My favorite Krishna Das CD is Breath of the Heart, and several mantra from that
CD are collected here. For example, selection #3, Ma Durga is the same version
of the mantra from Breath of The Heart. The solo vocal intro is a fine example
of bhakti yoga as well as kirtan of Hinduism, the devotional love of Kali--the
female counterpart of Shiva--even in her most fearsome form.
The vocal back-up, Kosmic Kirtan Posse, are wonderful & add to the
spontaneous, joyful feel of the music.
I must admit, I don't care much for grafting Christian lyrics like "Saving
Grace" onto mantra as done on mantra 7 Shari Guru Charanam.
Mantra 9 Mere Guru Dev with its violin & western fusion is absolutely
beautiful & connects with the highest vibration of the heart. The melody
reminded me of Leonard Cohen's equisite Alexandra Leaving from The Essential
Cohen.
This music is perfect for YogaDance, an exercise form blending yoga asanas
(posture) with free flowing dance routines--a lot like T'ai Chi.
The CD also includes a feature length DVD ONE LIFE AT A TIME. I have not seen
it yet & it doesn't factor into this review.
Breath
of the Heart
Chants
Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison
Bridges:
Best of Private Music Recordings
Gayatri
Mantra: Hymn to the Spirit Within the Fire
Essential
Leonard Cohen
Review: JEFarrow
Updated 09/08