East West Yoga/Books/Living is a group of beautiful conscious spaces in Manhattan on 5th Ave – bookstore, yoga studio, ayurveda, and now also a gallery of the work of Alex and Alyson Grey. Our friend Michael Ferranti, who’s the Ayurvedic doctor on staff there, hosted a fundraiser for the victims of the Mumbai massacre. There were silent auctions and raffles and wonderful refreshments and beautiful company. It was fantastic. We were invited to play music along with other musicians like our dear friend Radha Gopinath and his band “One” and new friend flutist, Eric Fraser.

The special treat for us was His Holiness Radhanath Swami was there speaking about his experience in Mumbai during the terrorist attacks. He was right in the middle of speaking at a gathering that day in Mumbai on November 26th when the bombs starting going off. I’m not sure if you know that he’s my guru (teacher) and he’s usually travelling abroad. It’s always wonderful to see him and hear from him in person. He spoke about the need to combat the inner terrorists of Lust, Anger and Greed. He also spoke highly of Michael Ferranti for organizing this amazing gathering for the selfless cause of helping Mumbai’s victims through the establishment of trauma centers in the city. So far no one’s done that at all.

Of course, the kirtans at East West have always been thumpin’ and intense; dancing and spinning. The line-up for As Kindred Spirits that night was me – Gaura Vani, Acyuta Gopi, Ananta Govinda on mrdanga, Janaki singing, Ray Ippolito on electric guitar, John Kruth on flutes. Last time we were there, Kamaniya and As Kindred Spirits teamed up for an evening of divine wildness. This was no exception. Kamaniya came to dance and sing and all our friends uplifted the evening even more than where it was already at. Fantastic.

Listen to the entire Kirtan!

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