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.