#88 – Keen on Yoga Podcast with Krishna Das

The journey started in the late 60’s, Krishna Das met spiritual seeker Ram Dass. He traveled across the country with Ram Dass as his student. And was captivated by the stories of his recent trip to India where he had met the legendary guru Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. 

Finally, following his heart, in August 1970, Krishna Das left behind his dreams of being a rock star and made his way to meet this remarkable Being. Basking in the love of Maharaj-ji in the three years that followed, KD’s heart was drawn to the practice of Bhakthi Yoga – the yoga of devotion and after two and a half years with Maharaj-ji, he returned to USA – alas, six months after his return, word came that Maharaj-ji had died.

“I will sing for you in the west” he had promised his beloved Guru in his own heart. This did not come easily. If you listen to KD in one of his many workshops or read his book ‘Chants of a Life Time’ you will know that it took almost 20 years for KD to sing with groups of people around the USA. In his book Chants of a life time, KD writes about his journey over all the years. If you would like to know more straight from Krishna Das himself, we invite you to read his book.

KD TODAY

In 1994, he started leading chant at Jivamukti Yoga Center, NYC. Over the years, he continued chanting, developing his signature style, fusing traditional kirtan of the east with western harmonic and rhythmic sensibilities. The audiences have been ever growing. 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 been called yoga’s “rock star.”  He has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling western chant artist of all time.

KD now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path, and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops.

To date, KD has released 16 well received albums, including Live Ananda (released January 2012)  that was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.

In February 2013, Krishna Das performed at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles, CA streamed online to millions of viewers. The award-winning film ‘One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das’ has been in over 100 US cities, over 10 countries worldwide and is available on DVD everywhere.

In 2014 the Kirtan Wallah Foundation was formed. This 501c3 is dedicated to spreading the teachings of KD’s guru and spiritual teacher, Neem Karoli Baba, Lovingly called Maharjji, his teachings can be summed up by his saying:

‘Love Everyone. Serve Everyone. Remember God”

To visit the website click here.

IG: @krishnadasmusic

YouTube: Krishna Das Music