Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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94 of 97 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
As always, KD's music is moving, heartfelt, profound . . ., September 1, 2003
I must begin this review by telling you my story with Krishna Das. It's not completely relevant to this specific CD, but to the artist's music in general. When I first started listening to KD's chants (15 months before writing this review), I was stunned to find that I was transported into a place very deep within my soul - a place that intimately knows every time, every place, and every being that ever was. Everything feels Universal in the moments that I am engaged in his chants, and I can see a glimpse of myself as one tiny, yet all encompassing piece of the greater whole (which one may perhaps call God/One/That/Universe). I have also had profound intuitive revelations while listening to KD, and an unfolding has taken place for me as a result of these revelations, whereby I have discovered a whole new way of being in the world. While attending my first KD Kirtan several months ago, I realized that I wanted the deep spiritual connection that I experienced that night every day of my life. So I became a Hindu, found a guru, started a meditation practice, and profoundly altered the way that I let everyday life matters (money, work, negative thoughts, etc.) concern me. I have been religion and spiritual experience shopping for about 12 years. I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would end up in this beautiful place. KD of course is not really responsible for any of this. He just opens his heart and his mouth to do his yogic practice, and thus opens up a wide channel through which the grace of God can freely flow.Door of Faith is yet another KD masterpiece. I would describe the music as "heavy" and "solemn", although this is not a bad thing. I have found that listening to this CD is a bittersweet experience which brings me to tears. Many of the chants on the CD connect me with my existential aloneness, which in turn creates longing for union with God, and thus becomes the ground for true bhakti (yoga of love and devotion). I believe that Door of Faith is an expression of heartfelt and serious devotion. I am especially moved by "Mere Gurudev" which is like a lullaby that KD performs with his daughter Janaki, and "Jai Jagadisha Hare", which is the Arti (ritual for dissolution of the ego) that is offered at the lotus feet of KD's guru Neem Karoli Baba. I am really tickled by "God is Real / Hare Ram", which has a Southern Baptist flavor combined with the chanting of Tibetan monks. This song is a little bit more light-hearted and can therefore provide a counter-balance to the more solemn spiritual pieces. I would say that this CD is probably best suited to 2 types of people - A.) The serious devotee or spiritual aspirant who can appreciate its spiritual tone, and B.) Those who wish to have non-invasive background music for taking a bath, meditating, doing Hatha yoga, getting a masage, or just drifting off to sleep. If instead, you are looking for something festive or celebratory; a lighthearted international selection, or music to chant along with, I would recommend KD's "Pilgrim Heart" CD. Please bear in mind that this review reports only my own experience and opinions of the CD and that "your mileage may vary". But I'd definitely advise climbing aboard the bus and going for the ride. I give Door of Faith 5 stars, and 2 thumbs up. It's well worth a listen to.
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34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I didn't think it could get any better..., October 16, 2003
... than Pilgrim Heart and Breath of the Heart, but it did. I call this man the voice of God. Listen to "Puja" and see if it doesn't pierce right through you. And "Hey Mata Durga" is soulful, spare, humble and equally touching. If you live a Yoga lifestyle and/or are a Krishna Das fan, buy this CD. You won't regret it.
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling; Heartful; Genuine, July 24, 2005
I consider myself a novice when it comes to Sanskrit Mantra, chanting, and the legends of Hindu Deities. All I can offer is the personal experience of listening to Krishna Das and his chanting. It is subtle, compelling, provoking, emotive, truthful, devoted, and inspiring. I purchased this CD on the blind, having never listened to any of the songs on it before, not knowing about the Shiva Stuti or Hanuman Chaleesa. I was just getting used to Krishna Das's Hits of the Kali Yuga when being fortunate enough to attend a Kirtan, "Door of Faith" was there too.
I've listened to these chants almost daily for the last few months, and its not like conventional songs where they become repetitive - these songs, using words of power, just keep building the internal vibration of love and compassion.
You don't have to be a Hindu, or practice Yoga, or even know Sanskrit words (the CD comes with a FULL listing of the words plus background notes) to get benefit from these songs. My kids automatically chant along now and miss it when its not being played.
Yes - it does pull at the heart, and yes - from time to time it does instill tears. If you want something groovy and light - this is not for you. But if you want something deep and resonant, powerfully drawing you into Love, then this Bhakti Yoga CD (devotion) is 62 minutes of pure bliss.
You don't have to spend thousands of dollars going to India to get the real thing. Just light some incense, a candle or two, grab a cushion, some hankerchiefs, and open your heart. Can't wait for Krishna Das's next compilation.
Shambo Sadaa Shiva!
Daniel John Hancock
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by Krishna Das 
