Kirtana Kaleidoscope

Prabhupada sat down and began singing.  Hayagriva with his full beard and checkered shirt was hitting the big cymbal with the drumstick.  Swamiji accepted it.

With rough and ready hands (clap-clap-clap), we were like a group of peasants stomping their feet.  Our sleeves were rolled up.  Young men clapping as Swamiji sang the bhajana.  The boys played off each other’s voices, so we wouldn’t get bored.  The main thing, though, is to hear when the Swami sings.  Then you sing.

Look over at the others. Look at their faces moving back and forward with eyes closed.  Look up at the Swami.  Each one is into his own experience, but you are all together.  You are not long-time friends, but there is a bond.

This thick-bodied clapping keeps the kirtana solid.  It helps concentration; it is what Swamiji invites.

The kids are at the door.  Trucks grinding gears.  We are bunched at the Swamiji’s feet in that one part of the universe, drawing from the kirtana that he is giving – and they can’t get at us now.  Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.