Jyoshna - From Nothingness To Empowerment

In this interview we talk about how this new album came about, some mystical experiences with the album, about Gunatiita's working relationship with Sukhadeva, her feeling about Prabhat Samgiit, what kiirtan means to her and much more. It ends with her favourite kiirtan on the album,

A few of us came together to share our experiences of the first Sunrise Kiirtan Mela festival on Sept 30 till Oct 1st. Present in this podcast are Ashoka, Caitriona, Jiivan (Host), Gerry, Maetrii, Siobhan, and myself. The reactions were diverse: Ashoka said:"it was stunning" and Siobhan, "it was a glowing portal for the divine all weekend", and Kate said "it was such a rollercoaster, it opened up a whole new world for me", and Caitriona "the kiirtan shifted you into a higher consciousness.. I felt like I stepped out of time" among others. We start with some kiirtan and end the same way.

Jiivan Jack Mc Carthy speaks about his new research work on Sustainability including 'Frontline Bikes', a bike mechanic business that supports people moving from addiction to independent living. He talks about a circular economy really being about relationships and mutual benefits.

Gerard Madden is a native of Whitegate, County Clare, and is the author of numerous books dealing with local history and  the ancestry of Irish families. He authored the histories of Holy Island, Scariff, Mountshannon and Tuamgraney. He is also editor and frequent author of the East Clare Heritage Sliabh Aughty Journal and a boatman of 32 years.​ This conversation was recorded while I was with my daughter Isabel of five years, after a boat tide to Holy Island recently. Gerard or 'Ger' as he is known around here is a prolific writer and historian as well as a boatman. He is suggesting in this interview that the Child Burial ground, the most sacred spot on Holy Island, be restored without delay and that the planned Interpretative Centre be forgone, as we have the most beautiful island right there in front of us. Wise words Gerry! I end with the song' If I could Swim the Ocean' written in East Clare and on my new album, 'Unity Hours IV". https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/track/if-i-could-swim-the-ocean

Ambika came to Sunrise farm about nine months ago and here she speaks about her experience in Ukraine, Poland and Ireland, about how the war has effected her, and how she moved from depression into learning kiirtan and meditation. Even though she still struggles with finding her connection with the divine she knows that she definitely wants to meditate and to help others. She ends with the beautiful song of Madalasa, in Sanskrit and English.

In this podcast I share a new recording of a kiirtan track being released soon with Unity Hours IV songs and discuss some thoughts and readings by P.R Sarkar on the duty of a government to support the arts and musicians. Cezanne could live on the smell of an oily rag but can we? hear the complete song album here: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-iv

This is a brief update of events after a long time including: the music video "Consciousness" directed by #Shailaja Padindala; group performances at Evolve festival and Garnet station; coming together of Turiiya after decades; Cyclone Gabrielle and the Kiirtan Academy. I end the podcast with a new demo of the song, the Secret. Music video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXM47cvbCx0

In this podcast Shailaja speaks about her background in India, her creative exploration into sexuality, queerness and social activism. She also speaks about her experience 'coming out' to her parents, and her use of film and music as a tool for activism. Having been to L.V Prasad Film and TV Academy in Chennai she has wrote, directed and acted in her own short film called 'Memories of a Machine' (2016) which went viral as well as her feature film called 'Naanu Ladies' (2021) to be released this year. Her film song 'Vote Haaki' is an ironic look at Indian politics, a black comedy of sorts. Shailaja speaks about the musical influences in her life such as A.R Rehaman and Illayaraja and ends with a beautiful song 'Aaj Jane Ki Zid' by Faridha Khanum. Link to Memories ofa Machine: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NyudLUzDSl0&feature=youtu.be, Link to Naan Ladies Trailer: https://youtu.be/JYiL6DGGJ5Q. Link to `Vote Haaki: https://youtu.be/lHWnFfcnBQc

Amita and I discuss her experience as her mothers model, and about the painting itself. She also touches on her Jacqueline Fahey's involvement in movements for social change and justice, her feminism and her career. Lastly Amita talks about her own musical interests, her experience of samadhi and ends with a beautiful song in Te Reo.

Kapil's stories are quite humorous coming from someone who knew nothing about Baba previously to going to India. Kapil was there in 1970 just after Baba gave Baba Nam kevalam kiirtan. Heres a short excerpt from a casual conversation we had about kiirtan and Kapil's spiritual experiences in those very early days with Baba.Kapil will be coming to the Kiirtan Academy Monthlies to give a talk in the new year so he can give more details then. I leave you with the song 'We are not Alone' from Unity Hours IV. https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/track/we-are-not-alone

This week has been an incredible week in NZ for women's empowerment. First we had the Topp Twins Tribute Concert on the7th Nov then the Black Ferns win over England at the Rugby Women's World Cup on Saturday. Women are showing themselves as the vanguards of the revolution in all spheres of life, may it roll on! I finish with the song 'Sing a song Holiday' for all of those incredibly hard working women out there. This song is available on the album Unity Hours IV, here: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-iv

In this podcast I interview Didi Ananda Arpana on this very significant day of 'Kiirtan Divas'. On October 8th in 1970 Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji gave the universal mantra Baba Nam Kevalam so that everyone could experience bliss and the feeling of being sheltered within the divine. Didiji shares her experience strengths and hope and then I end with a devotional song from Unity Hours IV and Baba Nam Kevalam. To check out Unity Hours IV, Click here: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-iv

Moving can be an adventure as well as a challenge. I reflect on my move from the northern to the southern hemispheres and Sam Teliandis Sukhadeva from the city of Melbourne to the countryside of Queensland, Australia. I end with a new song/kiirtan in the making. To check out the new album Unity Hours IV, click here: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-IV

The most fulfilling experience from launching the album Unity Hours IV was the opportunity to give back to my community through love and music. In this podcast I give thanks to those who supported me and share some thoughts about the album launch. Giving back to my community is something very important to me. Each of us has been given a gift of Dharma (innate characteristic or spirit) in our lives and to be able to express this, to give ones gift, whatever it may be, is the most soul nourishing experience. I end the podcast with a review and a new track from the album. Click here to check out the new album: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-iv

In this interview Jiivan describes his experience of being an ABBA fan, the bliss he felt when he could say 'I love you" to Agnetha and her amazing response at the ABBA Premiere in London. It was the concert that he always wanted to go to, but coudnt and now finally went. We end with an old kiirtan of mine that Jiivan loves to sing, called LFT Kiirtan.

In this podcast, I speak with Dayakar, about his background and the benefits of the kiirpa, an instrument he invented following the mystical instructions of his guru. He speaks about how the kiirpa benefits people musically and medically, especially those with neurological disorders. With this instrument you don't need to know how to read or even to play music to make your own riffs, you just need to hold it close to you and play what makes you feel good, its like a medicine. He ends the podcast with his own kiirpa improvisation. Check it out at https://kiirpa.com/

In this interview Bernadette talks about her background and the session of macaronic singing at the Mount Shannon Arts Festival recently that was very successful. She also speaks about the Irish Language movement that she is dedicated to. She ends with a macaronic song called One Morning in June, a love song from the 18th century.

Most of Unity Hours IV album was recorded in Malbay Studio, except the backing vocals which I recorded with Michael Lloyd in NZ. Recently I interviewed Martin O'Malley about the background of his studio. It's a wonderful studio in a rural area of Ireland, near to the beach, where we have begun to mix the album. I also share one rough mix of the song "Under Her Spell' a song about my daughter Isabel.

So much is happening over these two weeks at the Mount Shannon Arts Festival, with the Community Parade and Picnic last weekend, Macaronic Singing, Local and International Films (Wednesdy and Thursday) , Amazing Art and Photography (ongoing), the market (this weekend) and so much more. I end the podcast with two different versions of the song'Tiny Green Island', by P.R.Sarkar. Version 1 was recorded in the early 90s and version 2 was recorded more recently in Ireland in Irish and English, ending with Baba Nam Kevalam 'Love is all there Is' kiirtan or chant. Come and Enjoy Mount Shannon Festival this weekend see at: www.mountshannnon arts. To know more about Macaronic singing, see: https://www.rte.ie/archives/2014/0324/603788-sen-sochin-sings-a-macaronic-song/

In this podcast I talk about Pitr Yajina or Honouring our Ancestors aka the 'Bath Mantra', something which is very beneficial to our health and our happiness. It has immense value personally and collectively by recognising those who have paved the way for human progress. It also reminds us of our spiritual goal in life, that we are coming from Infinite Consciousness and will eventually merge back into Infinite Consciousness, once our work has been completed. I also talk about the upcoming events at the Kiirtan Academy and end with Ananda Sutram Kiirtan.

Giridhara or Tom Barefoot, was an amazing person, a role model to many of us, through his sadhana (meditation) and service. His work in creating the Srii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar Archives has served all of us around the world for decades, as well his many other social service projects. Giridhara and his wife Acarya Cirasmita, hosted me for over a year in the early 90's as I joined their community to sing songs and kiirtans together at their home in Vermont. This resulted in the 'Touched by the Sea' album recorded with the local Margiis and musicians, at a studio nearby in Montpellier. The love, compassion and friendship Giridhara gave me, will always remain in my heart and so I remain forever grateful. I end with a new song called Divine Fire and kiirtan.

After a time of reflection I have gathered together some highlights of my stay in Aotearoa, such as what happens when you take risks for something good, feeling gratitude for new and old connections and recording with Michael, ending with a brief description of the new courses we are offering at the Kiirtan Academy.and a new kiirtan called Divine Fire.

Dada Vedaprajinananda shares songs by the Indian composer Prabhat Ranjain Sarkar with a western slant in a new album he has produced from singers around the globe. In his interview he shares his inspirational work and musical experiences. Click the links below to listen to Dadas new albums and podcast: For the Prabhat Samgiita album and the Songs for Social Change: https://rawamusic.bandcamp.com For Dada's music (and new album too): https://dadaveda.bandcamp.com and also www.dadaveda.com Dada's spiritual podcasts: www.dharmacast.com Prout Podcasts: https://anchor.fm/prout-rev-podcast

Dadaji is very active in various social service projects in Aotearoa NZ. He leads the Feeding Programme, has been involved in promoting the sacred medicinal Neem tree internationally and is also part of the Prout party (Progressive Utilisation Theory), that brings new optimism to the political landscape. This interview took place almost a month ago, before I left NZ, but is still very valid and inspirational.

Maetreyii speaks about her brave move from Japan to the USA to study Psychology and how she uses it in her musical career today. She initiated a new business called Hands on Transformation in support of the National Disabilities Scheme (NDIS). Maetreyii lives in Australia with her family and has recorded her first album called New Beginnings. Her soaring, celestial vocals are unique and her instrumentation fits perfectly around them. I guarantee this album will leave a deep impression on you. In the interview she speaks about some research done on music and plants. I found a reference to the first one following, and the second one was Masaro Emoto's photographic work. It reads "Dr. Singh, head of Botany at Annamalai University in India studied plants reactions to Classical and Rock music. While listening to Classical and Baroque music, the plants grew 72% more leaves and they grew 20% faster. The plants which were exposed to Rock music grew abnormally tall and died in 2 weeks. The plants which were exposed to Classical and Baroque music ended up leaning towards the speakers instead of the light and the closest plants began to wrap themselves around the speakers." For Links Please Click Below, thank you: Maetreyii's Music Link: https://stanwith.me/MaetreyiiRelaxationMusic For references See at: https://www.quora.com/search?q=research%20on%20the%20effect%20of%20classical%20music%20and%20heavy%20metal%20on%20plants)

Tonight I reminisce about my stay at Bethells Beach, Aotearoa and some things I am grateful for (even though its not over yet). I end with a beautiful Prabhat Samgiit sung by Didi Ananda Anuprabha and Tiny Green Island in Irish and English sung by the Sunrise Singers.

Gunatiita's new kiirtan album began more than seven years ago and its finally reached its completion. In this podcast she speaks about her background in alternative medicine, her work with wind power, her sustainable land project, and her new kiirtan album. This album was written in Sweden and recorded in Brazil whereas her Swedish song album was recorded in Norway, both newly released on all social media. https://share.amuse.io/album/gunatiita-hoping-you-will-come-kiirtan Listen to Hoping You Will Come - Kiirtan by Gunatiita share.amuse.io Album of Bhajans inspired by PS; https://open.spotify.com/album/5ld1zmp1h26d8wdCbRwTjD?si=wusSJyWeR3mO94-I4e9ajQ Alla Längtar Vi Gerda Dufwa · Album · 2019 · 8 songs. open.spotify.com Both albums are now on SoundCloud; https://soundcloud.com/user300209038?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Gunatiita Listen to Gunatiita | SoundCloud is an audio platform that lets you listen to what you love and share the sounds you create. soundcloud.com Regarding which PS was the inspiration to which bhajan, this is the PS inspiration to each song of the Bhajan album; Alla längtar vi - PS 158, Du är vägen - PS 1017, Idag - PS 105, Stanna hos mig - PS 162, Vandrande Främling - PS 1698, Vem är Du - PS 1025 Vintervisa - PS 99

Emere, an animal activist and opera singer, works ceaselessly for PCAP (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Plants). In this podcast she speaks about the black back gulls of Aotearoa that are now endangered due to climate change and over fishing. She goes down every day to Aotea Centre to feed the birds, which in the past were pets. Emere also talks about how artists such as her mother, the renowned NZ painter Jacqueline Fahey have featured sea gulls in their paintings often. She ends with a beautiful waiata or NZ Maori song. If you can help please contact Emere at: https://www.facebook.com/emily.mcdonald.5245

Ini has faced a major life threatening illness recently and with a little help from her friends has risen above it to inspire us all with her deep heart wisdom and her amazing music. Listen here to her story and download Ini's Affirmation Album Click here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2BL0XZU40Z8EK9j41vJFSN

Six months ago, we lost Saskia, a beautiful creative woman from our community in Mount Shannon, Co Clare, Ireland. Our Community is small so it had a huge impact on all of us. I am in NZ at present so have time to write music. Here I offer a draft of a song, using her poem and my music.

'Golden Dawn' or Sonali bhor, and 'New year' or Ek Nutaner songs are the some of the most deeply mystical and empathetic songs ever written. Listen here.

Dada Daneshananda Fundraises only once a year for his "Every Life Counts' Project for women and babies in the rural areas on Nigeria. His generous sponsor, will match any amount given, so please let's give a little to help those in emergency situations. He speaks with excitement about the Health Cultural Rallies that are very entertaining as well as educational. On the other hand he also says a little about what it's like to see a child die of malnutrition in this area, something we in the west, can hardly imagine. Please give a little at: https://amurt.enthuse.com/cf/everylifecounts

Didi Ananda Gunamaya speaks about how being in Accra, Ghana is not too different from Brasil but how she has greater opportunity for spiritual growth and surrender here. She runs not only a Children's School "Lotus Children's Centre' but also leads mass feeding projects while Tapatii runs a very successful vegetarian cafe in the region and supports Babas quarters. From having to keep vegetarianism a secret, less they be called 'witches' to now being a very popular cafe, its a joy to listen to their stories. Didi and Tapatii sing three kiirtans and they are very contagious, so melodious and with very beautiful rhythms unique to the region. It's such a pleasure to listen and sing along to. Check out Didi's projects at: https://www.facebook.com/lotusaccra, and at http://www.lotuschildrencentre.org/about/. Please consider giving a donation at this difficult time. Thank you.!

Puspa shares some wonderful stories about her life and her inspiring projects, including Memory Cafe and Perculator for the Aged. She speaks about her involvement with Ageless Grace, a Body/Mind and Movement Exercise. Puspa also sings three beautiful songs with original lyrics written to some catchy kiirtan tunes, and ends with a brilliant Baba story. Check out the Memory Cafe website below https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/

Premratna aka Sarah Spence is an amazing woman- she is a classically trained vocalist who loves to sing kiirtan, has trained in many different healing modalities including dream work and Dalian Method for Health and Consciousness, works in IT and Learning, is into astrology and more. Musically she has recorded two solo albums so far and has been a founding member of the women's group called 'Shakti Sacred Music', offering NZ audiences a unique sound singing Devi kiirtan. In this interview we discuss her music, her inspiring podcast on Midlife Transitions and more. Check out her music and podcast via the links below. www.premratnamusic.net/podcast. www.sarahmarlowespence.com

Here it is, the edited video of Kiirtan from the Feminine. On the occasion of NZ Yoga Day some local women decided to get together and share some kiirtan to celebrate NZ Yoga Day 2021. They are, Group 1: Jyoshna LaTrobe (Guitar/singing) , Sarasvati Willis (Flute/Singing), Tonya Wyatt (singing) Emere McDonald (Piano, Singing); Angie Bao; Sarah Spence (Premratna (Guitar/Singing), Emma Skellern (Drum/Singing), Melanie Hight (Guitar/Singing), Fern Watson (Harmonium/Singing); Video Editor: by Aston Garratt. You Tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHr0mwNPKbA

When I saw the line up for NZ Yoga day I was disappointed to see that there weren't any female kiirtan players. So I set about doing something to change that. I called old friends, from when I was here four years ago, Sarah, Mel and Fern from Shakti band. They were keen to do something and then Sarah contacted Rachel and Emma too and Mel called Angie. There were ten of us in the end who came forward with just a few days to record a kiirtan. Accompanying me were Sarasvati, Emere and Tapasii. The short 5 minute videos have been sent to the editor Aston Garret, in time for Saturday. The other exciting event is the Open Mic Kiirtan nite which is also happening on Saturday 8 pm Irish time or 9 am Sunday. Everyone is welcome to come and share a kiirtan if they like, in a very supportive environment. At the end I include the audio of the video we made of the song and kiirtan called Dharma.

So the three greatest polluters on our planet are EAT or Energy Agriculture and Transport. Did you know that the temperature only has to increase by 1.5 degrees more and we will be at our tipping point? So what can we do? Jiivan has some great suggestions for the First world countries, who are causing havoc in the Third world countries. In technology alone there is 54 million tons of waste, in one year, hence the need for innovation, and individual responsibility to save our planet for future generations. Listen to Jiivan's repot on COP 26 here.

Narada Muni is an extraordinary person with a wealth of spiritual knowledge gained from experience, firm determination, courage and surrender. In the first half of the interview Narada talks the situation that lead to him being incarcerated at 18 years of age. He talks candidly about his experiences in jail, all the way through to when he was released. In the second half, Narada Muni talks about his spiritual journey, and a myriad of Baba stories that will amaze and inspire you. Narada Munis book Bombs Bliss and Baba is available on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/Bombs-Bliss-Baba-Spiritual-Autobiography/dp/0994402740

Tonight I share my experiences with my amazing sisters who came to help me get my stuff together, working as a team. It made me reflect on the power of collaboration even in so called solitary activities like meditation. I then share a demo of a new song/bhajan and kiirtan.

Hiranmaya Henryque Cunha is a young man with a mission. He seeks to share his experiences and to work collaboratively with other musicians. He's studying Music Therapy, connecting with others in RAWA (Renaissance Artists and Writers Association) Brasil, and experiencing the bliss from the songs that he's inspired to write since COVID. He says that morality, firm determination and surrender are what brought him the spiritual path. Click here to listen to more music:Rawa Braisl yt recordings: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrFmPWbDMP-LkRMV8Ehyn5A/videos. Hiranmaya's personal page is here: https://www.youtube.com/user/henryquemc/featured

Sutapa shares her spiritual journey here with poignant humour: how she was so determined to get initiation, her astounding spiritual dreams, how she overcame her complexes in public; how she got the inspiration to sing online every day during the pandemic and much more. She ends with a mesmerising kiirtan from Prabhat Samgiit.

I rarely talk politics, its not my area of expertise, but tonight I want to express something about diversity, it being a natural, expression of identity that cant be denied. I end with a song that I wrote today, a draft only, called 'Respect'.

Didi Ananda Gaorii has been a worker in Ananda Marga for over 40 years and today she shares her experiences about her background, how she survived in India during the Emergency, and the work she does as a Didi, including her school in Laos, called Sunshine Schhol which has around 400 students. Didiji also speaks about the aesthetics of art and music, as well as her experiences writing bhajans poetry and making a Kiirtan album. She intersperses her talk with singing her bhajans, like 'the Sweetest Word,' and 'I love you Forever' and then ends with a beautiful Baba story. Here is the link to Didis free Kiirtan CD: Conversations and Bhajans: I'm just a little child http://onlyhisname.com/page3.html; Didi's Poetry books "On a Boat of Loneliness", "The Cosmic Artist" and "Dream Weaver" are @ http://onlyhisname.com/page2.html. To donate to Didi's Sunshine School, click here: https://donorbox.org/give-quality-education-to-lao-children. To write to didi and find out more about Sunshine School Click here: https://www.sunshinelaos.com/ So you have 5 links to add to the podcast text: 1. Donation campaign 2. School website 3. Poetry Blog 4. Kiirtan 'Conversations' and Bhajans "I'm just a little child" CD downloads 6.

Sukhadeva is wildly passionate about living life with sincerity, with the touch of the divine. In this podcast he talks about how he got onto the yogic path and the transformative experiences he has had. Sukhadeva sings a short kiirtan. I end with a song called 'Lift Her Higher,' which is dedicated to Suzanne Nelson, Sukhadeva's his mother-in-law, who has just been admitted to hospital.

Anirvan Deva's music is a genuine revolution of the heart. To get there, he went through being in a punk band, to DJ'ing, to breaking down, to kiirtan and meditation to Dj'ing again but in a new style. The sequence of events that happened transformed his life completely. He created a unique style of blended world music, deep beats and bass, sound textures, mantra and the spoken word, a kind of emotional story telling. With this he sends inspiration to his live and online audience. Anirvan shares some kiirtan stories and a remix at the end. Listen to his weekly session at Base FM here: https://basefm.co.nz/show/beneath-the-surface/ - Wed 2-4 NZ TIME how to listen in worldwide..Check out his music at: https://anirvandeva.wordpress.com/home and on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/anirvandeva/baba-nam-kevalam-sojha-ad-remix-01?in=anirvandeva/sets/multicultural-downtempo.

Today I honour and celebrate this immensely special day 'Kiirtan Divas', when 51 years ago in 1970, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji gave the siddha 'empowered' mantra 'Baba Nam Kevalam'. I share five poignant kiirtans written over the past 5 decades, each one with a short story behind. Check out the Kiirtan Academy Video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We-Et-S62-8&t=737s

Tonya or Tapasii as I know her, is an educator and environmental scientist. She speaks about her longing to expand her life while growing up in Tasmania and her longing to become vegetarian and a yogii. These days she inspires youth to get to know and love their environment, to widen their perspectives and include indigenous knowledge, drawing on Maori mythology for example. I end with a kiirtan written in lockdown and recorded with Nina (drums), Sucitra and Liilavati in Waihi. Heres the link for my music video called 'Anything' in which Tapasii is sitting meditating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK0CEMVJUeM

Manasvinii is one of the new generation of kiirtaniyas. She started off with two kiirtans and now she knows so many and is composing her own. She's dedicated a year or more to working as a volunteer or LFT (Local Full time worker for Ananda Marga) service projects and kiirtan is her passion. She plays her own kiirtan at the end, with her rich melodious alto voice.

Dada Daneshanandaji has experienced the most heart wrenching births and deaths in Nigeria, yet he is full of hope and love for the African villagers where he works in reproductive health and emergency obstetric services. He has set up community owned and community Managed projects in these villages. In this podcast he speaks about his work, and also about his favourite musicians at present including Little Simz and Darren Hayman. I end the podcast with a Congo Kiirtan.

I have been friends with Michael and Sarah Lloyd since the nineties. We have done many recording projects together. Today Michael is working on a new album with Chris Banks (Ex Deep Obsession). In this podcast he is sharing his insights into the producers role as he navigates new musical arenas due to covid. He also speaks about his own new sitcom called 'Heaven', something of a radical tragic comedy. He ends with a demo of a song from Chris's new album, called 'Wherever You Are' that features Mike Garson (David Bowies pianist), guitarists Adam Fox and Dave Colquhoun (Bohemian Rhapsody film guitarist).