Chanting with Krishna Das

By early 1973, Krishna Das had already spent several years in India, dedicated to serving his guru, Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das was content in India, practicing Kirtan – chanting the names of God. Then one day, without warning, Maharaji-ji asked Das to return to America.

Das was stunned by this request, and did not know what to do. He could not understand how he could serve Maharaji-ji all the way in America. Of that day in 1973, Das recalls:

"At what would turn out to be my last darshan of Maharaj-ji's physical body, I was petrified with fear about returning to the U.S. after so many years. I hadn't worn a pair of jeans or shoes for such a long time that I couldn't imagine what it would be like. I didn't want to ask Maharaj-ji what I should do in America, but all of a sudden I blurted out in anguish, 'Maharaj-ji! How can I serve you in America?'
 
"He looked at me with mock disgust and said, 'What is this? If you ask how you should serve then it is no longer service. Do what you want.' I couldn't believe my ears. How could doing what I wanted to do be of service to him? I didn't have that kind of faith. I just sat there, stunned. Then after a minute or so he looked over at me, smiling sweetly, and asked, 'So, how will you serve me?'
 
"My mind was blank. It was time for me to leave for Delhi, to catch the plane back to the States. He was looking at me and laughing. I bent down and touched his feet for the last time and when I looked up he, he was beaming at me, "So, how will you serve me in America?" I felt like I was moving in a dream. I floated across the courtyard and bowed to him one more time from a distance. As I did, the words came to me, 'I will sing to you in America.'"

Since that fateful day, Krishna Das has been chanting in yoga centers in the U.S., and all over the world. He has taught with Ram Dass and sung for many saints and yogis here and in India.

Keep listening to New World Buzz to hear a conversation between host Martin Curti and Krishna Das. Das will be the featured artist on the September 2003 show, where he will talk more about his spiritual journey. So be sure to log on often here at New World Buzz.

(Shea Ballard is a freelance writer)