When the soulful rhythms of Kirtan music and the rich wisdom of Bhakti Yoga merge, a portal to spiritual ecstasy opens.
For this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with Vijay Krishna from the Kirtaniyas, whose life story is as enchanting as the mantras he chants.
Vijay’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of devotional music. His insight into balancing the reverence for tradition with the vibrancy of personal expression invites us all to find our unique spiritual cadence.
Together, we traversed the narrative landscapes from his birth, cradled by mantras, to the magic of performing Kirtan in unexpected venues across the globe.
Our discussion ventured into the heart of Bhakti Yoga, underscoring the embracing of the beautiful nature of this path.
Vijay’s experiences as a mixed-race individual in the world of sacred music reveal the universality of mantras beyond cultural divides, inviting us to embrace a broader perspective on devotion and inclusivity.
Embark on this sonorous journey where we shed light on the intimate ripples of evening ragas along India’s sacred rivers, the electrifying fusion of Kirtan with contemporary genres, and celebrate unity through diversity.
ABOUT OUR GUEST: VIJAY KRSNA
Vijay Krsna is a Kirtan singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and entrepreneur from the UK. He studied devotional Indian folk music known as “Kirtan” in the sacred village of Vrindavana, India.
Joined together with his musically gifted wife Sarasvati, soulful vocalist Rasika and drummer Nitai, Vijay formed the Kirtaniyas in 2009, a california-based collective of energetic, multitalented kirtan artists.
Vijay composes phenomenal hybrids of traditional Bengali, Braj and Sanskrit Kirtan and Mantras with cross-cultural musical influences, subsonic bass and World-beat music.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Table of Contents
The Soulful Origins of Vijay Krishna
Born into a family immersed in devotional practices, Vijay shares his enchanting journey cradled by mantras.
Early exposure to the transformative power of devotional music.
Embracing the enchanting mantras that shaped his life.
Balancing Tradition and Personal Expression
Insights into the delicate balance of tradition and personal vibrancy
- The universality of mantras, challenging cultural divides.
Navigating the realms of devotional music while staying true to himself.
- Finding a unique spiritual cadence within the rich tapestry of tradition
The electrifying fusion of traditional Kirtan with modern music.
Bhakti Yoga and Inclusivity
Challenges and triumphs as a mixed-race individual in the world of sacred music
- Perspectives on devotion, inclusivity, and the expansive nature of Bhakti Yoga.
The evolution of Kirtan’s reach and impact across diverse cultures
Multicultural Influences in Devotional Music
Drawing inspiration from the sacred rivers and landscapes of India.
- Sacred Rivers: Ganga and Yamuna
- Spiritual significance and cleansing properties of the Ganga
- Yamuna’s devotion to Krishna and her mystical attributes
- The conscious nature of both rivers and their designation as humans with legal rights
The electrifying fusion of traditional Kirtan with contemporary music genres.
Shaping a global sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
The Heartwarming Connections Made Through Kirtaniyas' Music
Heartwarming stories of individuals profoundly touched by devotional music.
Building connections and the community and unity fostered through the shared experience of Kirtan.
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