Swamiji’s Kirtana

When the kirtana suddenly sprang up from the Swami’s cymbals and sonorous voice, they immediately felt that it was going to be something far out.  Here was another chance to “trip out,” and willingly they began to flow with it.  They would surrender their minds and explore the limits of the chanting for all it was worth.  Most of them had already associated the mantra with the mystical Upanisads и Гиты, which had called out to them in words of mystery: “Eternal spirit … Negating illusion.”  But whatever it is, this Indian mantra, let it come, they thought.  Let its waves carry us far and high.  Let’s take it, and let the effects come.  Whatever the price, let it come.  The chanting seemed simple and natural enough.  It was sweet and wasn’t going to harm anyone.  It was, in its own way, far out.

As Prabhupada chanted in his own inner ecstasy, he observed his motley congregation.  He was breaking ground in a new land now.  As the hand cymbals rang, the lead-and-response of the Hare Krishna mantra swelled, filling the evening.  Some neighbors were annoyed.  Puerto Rican children, enchanted, appeared at the door and window, looking.  Twilight came.