Sri Gopi-gita

I feel blessed to have received the opportunity to depict this sacred subject matter in oil paint on canvas.  The making of it has marked a profound personal journey for me.  It has been printed as the cover of the recent Hindi edition of Sri Rasa-Pancha dhyay, and the English publication Gopi Gita.  By this offering, I pray that the deep purport and reality of this pastime may enter my heart, that its katha (narrations) may always adorn my ears, and that its kirtan may always dance upon my lips.

About the book:

This celebrated Sanskrit classic of India reveals the purpose of human life and the nature of pure spiritual love. Its divine poetry was originally sung by the young cowherd-maidens (gopis) of Vraja to their beloved Sri Krsna, God Himself, while searching for Him in the autumn moonlight on the banks of the sacred river Yamuna. Concealing Himself from their sight, He listened in adoration and wonder to their expression of amorous love for Him.

This authoritative edition of Gopi-gita is yet another of Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja’s invaluable literary gifts to humanity. Enlightening and thought-provoking, it illuminates the glories of the transcendental maidens of Vraja, and especially of Srimati Radharani, the Supreme Feminine Personality and the embodiment of the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna’s pleasure potency.

“I repeatedly offer my respects to the dust from the feet of the women of Nanda Maharaja’s cowherd village. When these gopis loudly chant the glories of Sri Krsna, the vibration purifies the three worlds.”

Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.47.63)

To find out more about the book please visit its official website:

http://www.gopigitabook.com/

A rough sketch for an upcoming publication.

Sri Krsna (as a King in Dwarka) sits alone in the moonlight, gazing out over the ocean in rememberance of the dear ones He has left behind in Vrndavan.

This, and many other profound narrations, are the subject of Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrtam by Sanatan Gosvami ji.  Composed in three volumes, this ambitious work will very soon be translated and published in English.

A great epic not to be missed by inquiring minds.

It’s been a very restful few days in Seattle, reminding me of forgotten summers and long cherished dreams.  After a couple of nights at a youth hostel, we are now couch surfing with two very awesome girls. These days are all about being one’s self, making music, and living art.

Today was my official first day busking at the market. It was a very spiritual experience. To share my own songs for the first time in a public setting felt very liberating.  There is a power in singing in a language that the general public can understand.

Singing in English, singing my own words, felt so honest and simple.  The more I sing my own songs, the more I feel I am following my own sure compass; the more I feel that I am myself.

Still, as grounding as it is, it doesn’t bring the joy that kirtan brings.  The way that kirtan touches the soul goes beyond words and language barriers.  Both seem to be elements of my art, my life.

If kirtan is the boat (as the famous Bengali bhajan states “harinamer naukakhani”) then my songs are its wake, trailing through the ocean water which is this world.

Vrnda Devi from Sri Rupa-Sanatan Gaudiya Math, Vrndavan, 2009

Last month was the month of Keshava. Kesava is a name of God, Sri Krsna, meaning, ‘He who is expert at decorating the hair of his beloved’.

During this month, all those who desire to achieve transcendental loving service to the Divine Couple, sri sri Radha and Krsna, take a vow to water the holy basil plant, Tulsi devi, every day and worship her along with Giriraja ji or Salagram sila.

Check out the sweet li’l bhajan link below. The song starts at about :30 sec. It’s just a rough recording on an MP3, so it peaks at times…but well worth the listen! This was recorded with about seven little girls from Vrndavan and myslef for my going away party. We did kirtan for almost 2 hrs! Awww… I miss them.

Vrnda Devi Astakam