Krishna Das, "Chantmaster of American Yoga" performs at the Keswick Theatre on June 27 at 8PM. Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Krishna Das has been called yoga’s "rock star." With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time.
Sharing his heart through music and chanting is the basis of Krishna Das’ own spiritual work; his way of serving the Divine within himself and others.
Chanting with Krishna Das consists of:
· Chanting with musical accompaniment
· Meditation instruction
· Readings from different spiritual traditions
· Teachings and discussions about the spiritual path
In the winter of 1968, Krishna Das met Ram Dass, who had just returned from his first trip to India. After living and traveling with Ram Dass in the U.S., and hearing Ram Dass’ many stories about Maharaj-ji, Krishna Das traveled to India, where he was blessed to meet and stay with this extraordinary guru.
While living in India for almost three years, Krishna Das’ heart was especially drawn to the practice of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion. Fanning the flames of his inner longing, Maharaj-ji led him deeper and deeper into the practice of kirtan—chanting the Names of God. As an appointed pujari (priest) for the Durga temple in Maharaj-ji’s ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas, Krishna Das immersed himself in the worship of the Divine Goddess.
Over the years Krishna Das has made numerous pilgrimages throughout India, meeting teachers and saints of many spiritual traditions on his quest to open and purify his heart. Living in jungles, in ashrams, and in holy places throughout India, he has had an opportunity to absorb the ancient truths that have been held by the Indian culture for thousands of years. He has studied Buddhist meditation practices with Anagarika Munindra and S.N. Goenka, and has been initiated into Tibetan Buddhist practices by lamas from various lineages.
Krishna Das has been chanting on a regular basis in yoga centers all over the world. He has taught with Ram Dass and sung for many saints and yogis here and in India.
Tickets for Krishna Das at the Keswick Theatre on June 27 can be ordered online at www.keswicktheatre.com ; by calling 800-745-3000; at the Keswick box office Monday through Saturday, Noon to 6PM and all Ticketmaster locations.