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 rol...

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...

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 beautif...

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 Mach...

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...

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 w...

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 Ba...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.ban...

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 in...

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 instru...