MahaMondo

Bhajan : Jaya Radha Madhava

One of my favorite bhajans . It has been described as a " devotional love song ". Bhakti Yoga Ki Jay !

Maha Mantra : Amala Kirtan Prabhu

There aren't any videos posted as of this morning from the epic NYE & New Year's Day kirtanas at New Dwarka Dham. In the interim , this one of Amala Kirtan Das taken in Alachua earlier this year will have to suffice. He is an incredible devotee . I managed to participate in 7 hours of the New Year's day kirtana yesterday. What a transcendental experience. Seeing the faces of everyone there transformed by chanting & devotion , little boys & girls sitting calmly in the front row , so sublime. If Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is an eight step process to Samadhi , Bhakti Yoga is the elevator, the fast track to bliss . Hari Hari !

Bhakti Yoga : Damodar Astaka

Damodar Astaka , as sung here by Shabda Hari Das, is a beautiful prayer that is sung everyday during the month of Karthika ( Oct - Nov ) . It is accompanied by the lighting & offering lamps to the Lord. These 8 verses describe the unique pastimes of Lord Damodara.

Bhakti Yoga : Bhajan Boat NYC

Thanks to Eddie S. once again for the email regarding this Sunday's benefit organized by his friend Shyam Das for Vrindavan Food for Life ( www.fflvrindavan.org ), a charity that runs a school for impoverished children in Vrindavan ( the town is home to many temples dedicated to Radha & Krishna ). The benefit will be held as a "bhajan boat ride " on the Circle Line. It will feature 3 hours of kirtan led by bhaktas Karnamrita , Gaura Vani , Jahnavi , Sri Kirtan & Arundhati. This is with the support from Sri Dharma Mitra , the Broome St. Temple , Bija Yoga & the Bhakti Center. Haribol !

Bhakti Yoga : Kirtana 24 Horas Campina Grande

Via Hare Krishna Recife is a clip from 2010 of the 24 Hour Kirtana led by Amala Kirtan Prabhu in Campina Grande , Brasil. It is serendipity that my spiritual master , Maharaja , has been the ISKCON GBC of South America since 1972. He has an especially strong connection to the Brazilian devotees , many of whom he has known since the 1970s ; and now their children & grandchildren. Bhakti & kirtan are truly ecstatic & joyful , but as this clip illustrates , the Brazilians make it even more so , " tudo joia, beleza " . Hari Hari !

Bhajan : Subala Prabhu Kartik

This week's soulful & transcendent bhajan is from Subala Prabhu of Iskcon Lisbon recorded during Kartik 2010. Thank you to the India Times ( www.indiatimes.com ) for featuring my post on TYMI Los Angeles 2011. Hari Hari !

Maha Mantra : Gaya Brasil

Via CaitanyaSeva is this exuberant vdo of Caitanya Das , Amal Krsna Das ,Tais , Felipe & Hugo singing the Maga Mantra in Gaya, Brasil. Hari Hari !

Vibhavari Sesa : Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Via Nityanandarama 108 is this bhajan as written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura , sung during the 4 AM Magala Aarti. " The night has come to an end & the light of dawn is entering. O jiva soul , arise & give up your sleep . Chant the holy names of Lord Hari, who is the giver of liberation .."

Bhakti Yoga : Give Me Love , Give Me Peace On Earth

Srila Prabhupada's festival was celebrated this weekend at the Los Angeles dham. It was quite an emotional experience yesterday as his original disciples & devotees such as H.H. Hridayananda Das Goswami spoke of their experiences with him & his legacy of bringing bhakti yoga & the sankirtan movement to the world , fulfilling his guru's instructions. I was especially moved by Shyamasundar Das' anecdotes & his description of his guru as "my pirate king " , filling him with a sense of wonder & adventure. The word "impossible " was not in Srila Prabhupada's vocabulary. And it was definitely a leap of faith for Shyamasundar Das when he was tasked with heading to London with 3 other devotees to meet the Beatles. They did meet George Harrison , and as they say , the rest is history. Listening to these stories yesterday , they validated my belief that true gurus & teachers exist. That they still do inspire love , devotion & surrender. Jaya !

Ram Navami Celebration : Broome Street Temple

The Broome Street Temple in SoHo NYC is celebrating Ram Navami this coming Sat. PM from 5:30 to 10:30 with Vishnu Sahasranama & Rama Taraka Homas followed by kirtan. This vdo shows Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits singing the Maha Mantra at the temple.Was able to practice at a great led class at AYNY last Sat. AM as well. And thanks to Marie Ann from Toronto for the suggestions regarding Indian & Thai food . Your comments & support are much appreciated.