Flow of Grace: Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa [Hardcover]

Krishna Das (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2007

World-renowned recording artist Krishna Das gives readers a rare treat: commentary, instruction, and a CD exploring the classic Hindu poem Hanuman Chaleesa.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Das, a devotee of the Indian guru Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), spends his time introducing people to the path of devotion. Using his skills both as a guide and as a recording artist, he puts together a beautifully illustrated interpretation and primer to the Hindu literary classic, the Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-line lyrical poem written in praise to the monkey god best known for his limitless devotion. Das briefly shares his own path before giving a lengthy description of the Hindu tradition of the story of Hanuman, though he briefly touches on both the Tibetan and Chinese traditions as well. The explication of the text is very accessible, though a more thorough translation of the Indian words that pepper his writing would make this easier for the completely uninitiated. In addition to the transliteration at the end, one CD provides a well-paced reading of the poem, as well as a line-by-line recording. Most striking is the second CD, which offers a heartfelt chanting of the verses. In his deep, soulful voice (reminiscent of the Crash Test Dummies' lead singer, Brad Roberts), Das shows us all—devotees, seekers and the merely curious—the exquisite beauty of the Hanuman Chalisa. (Aug.)
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About the Author

Krishna Das is an internationally acclaimed recording artist and cofounder of the Triloka world music label. His albums include All One (Karuna, 2005), Door of Faith (Karuna, 2004), Breath of the Heart (Karuna, 2002), Live on Earth (Triloka, 1998), and Pilgrim Heart (Triloka, 1996). Together with Ram Dass, as a devotee of renowned Indian guru Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), he introduces people to the path of devotion. He currently resides in New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 100 pages
• Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591795516
• ISBN-13: 978-1591795513
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In the winter of 1968, Krishna Das met spiritual seeker Ram Dass and was enthralled by the stories of his recent trip to India, where he met the legendary guru Neem Karoli Baba. Soon thereafter, he left behind his dreams of being a rock 'n' roll star and was on his way to India to meet this remarkable Being. In the three years he spent there with Neem Karoli Baba, Krishna Das's heart was drawn to the practice of Bhakti Yoga--the yoga of devotion--and especially to the practice of kirtan (chanting the Divine Names). Krishna Das returned to the United States and, as he continued chanting, developed his signature style, fusing traditional kirtan structure with Western harmonic and rhythmic sensibilities. He travels the world, leading call-and-response kirtans and sharing this deep, experiential practice with thousands of people.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the timid, June 5, 2008

By 

P. Sennett (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Flow of Grace: Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa (Hardcover)

Don't ask me how I came to find this CD. It comes as two CD's: one is the pronunciation guide the other is the chant itself. You will need ninety minutes if you want the real effect. It has taken me a bunch of times to learn the pronunciation, and I am still learning as every time I turn this CD on and chant with it, I get a little better. The effort has been more than worth it. Chanting is relaxing and somehow empowering even if you only do it by yourself. The story of Hanuman opens up all of Hinduism, he is the monkey god or better yet the perfect middle man. If you want to introduce some spirituality into your life and are not up for twisting you leg around your head, try chanting. This is by far Kirshna Das' best CD since it is a rhyming song with a beat rather than just one very long, repetitive note.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, beautiful book and CD set., August 30, 2008

By 

Noni (NYC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Flow of Grace: Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa (Hardcover)

The design and quality of this book are just stunning, and I actually have it standing up all the time so I can see it. The photo can't do it justice. The CDs have great audio quality and content. One CD is music, and the other is the Hanuman Chalisa phrase by phrase and slowly, so you can learn easily. Even if you don't want to learn, the book is a wonderful read, all about Hanuman, Ramayana, Neem Karoli Baba, and the Hanuman Chalisa. The book itself is a beautiful object, and it would make a great gift, too!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Beauty, March 11, 2009

By 

G. Rodriguez (NY, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flow of Grace: Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa (Hardcover)

Krishna Das is giving us yet another beautiful product.
Graciously designed book, accompanied with a CD with several versions of the Hanuman Chaleesa. My favorite is Ben's version. But they all are very sweet and full of devotion. And the price is right. Includes a hard cover book and 2 CDs, one with the chants and another with the guides for pronunciation.

The book includes stories during his times in India, origins of the Hanuman Chaleesa and the reasons why it's such a powerful and beneficial chant.

Definitively a buy for someone who follows the path of Devotion, or someone who wants his/her heart revitalized by this beautiful chant.