Kirtan (chanting) as a vehicle of divine bliss was discussed when Dave Stringer, one of the most gifted singer of kirtan genre, and Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman, met at Truckee in California.
Other topics discussed were the philosophy, spirituality and sacredness of kirtan; mantras; Sanskrit; seeing divine; Bhakti movement; encountering bliss; healing and transformational energies of chants; calming and focusing the mind; etc.
According to Dave Stringer: Mantras quiet the mind, and music frees the heart. The intention of kirtan is consciousness-transformative, directing the singers to vanish into the song as drops merge into the ocean.
Zed points out that sacred and spiritual experience of kirtan; one of the oldest sacred music genres of the world which originated in India many centuries ago; uplifts, provides a soothing melody, inspires, brings peace and connectedness, takes one to the state of deep meditation, and is highly accessible.
Based in Los Angeles area of USA, Stringer has produced varied recordings individually and with other celebrated world musicians. His voice appears on numerous soundtracks and his creations are heard in yoga studios throughout the world. Rajan Zed is president of Universal Society of Hinduism and lives in Nevada (USA).
Details of the picture attached: Dave Stringer (third from right) and his team with Rajan Zed (second from right).
