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