Bhakti Speaks

Artist Interviews • Ram Dass Interviews • A Bhakti Blessing

Artist Interviews

Bhakti Speaks!

An enlightening and mind-expanding video series produced by Sridhar the founder of Bhaktifest, features intimate and inspiring conversations between Sridhar, spiritual practitioners, kirtaneers, and authors focused on the value of yoga, meditation, on having a guru, and their own personal stories of the humbling struggle to experience an authentic connection to the Divine.

We hope each episode brings encouragement and inspiration to your personal journey

Jai Dev Singh

Bhakti Speaks features an intimate discussion between Sri Dhar (founder of Bhakti Fest and Jai Dev Singh.

Jai Dev Singh is a renowned international teacher of Kundalini yoga and Ayurveda, and founder of Life- Force Academy (LFA), a global training academy for the yogic arts and sciences with members in over 60 countries around the world.

Produced by Sridhar Siblerfein.

Karnamrita Dasi

An Intimate and enlightening conversation between Sridhar (founder of Bhaktifest) and druphad trained chantreuse Karnamrita Dasi.

Classically trained as a vocalist in India for nearly a decade and immersed in kirtan (devotional music) since birth, Karnamrita Dasi is one of the world’s leading kirtan singers as well as the first female Westerner to be classically trained in this sacred art.

Since her mother’s passing in 1998, she has dedicated her life to composing, recording, performing, and collecting rare Sanskrit poetry in order to continue and honor her mother’s passion for sharing the ancient bhakti tradition with others. Having toured for the last eight years, Karnamrita performs and teaches at hundreds of venues worldwide, from yoga retreat centers to music festivals to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. She has won numerous awards including Best Album of the Year and Best Song of the Year for her acclaimed album “DASI: Prayers by Women.”

Produced by Sridhar Silberfein

Scott Blossom

An intimate conversation between Sridhar (founder of Bhakti Fest) Scott Blossom.

Scott has integrated Traditional Chinese (TCM), Ayurveda, Yoga somatics, and evidence based nutrition into his clinical practice and educational offerings for more than 25 years. Experience has taught him that the one secret to health is not a what, not a product or a specific practice, but how to adapt whatever you are doing so it remains potent and agile through the days and seasons of your life. Through the pandemic his work shifted to more online offerings that integrate microbiome science with Ayurveda and hatha yoga somatics. Scott’s current offerings include clinical work, integrative wellness courses, and one-on-one health coaching in Longevity Mastery. Scott received his Biology degree in 1993 from UC Santa Cruz and his TCM licensure from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in 1998. Renowned Ayurvedic physician and scholar Dr. Robert Svoboda mentored Scott and they have worked together for more than twenty years. Additionally, Scott studied hatha yoga with master Shandor Remete (Sundernath) for over 20 years. Always passionate about integrative medicine, Scott began his career pioneering yoga-based wellness classes and acupuncture at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and Hospice of Santa Barbara in 1996. Since 2008, he has been a faculty member of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda.

Produced by Sridhar Silberfein.

Kia Miller

An intimate conversation between Sridhar (founder of Bhakti Fest) and Kia Miller yoga teacher, writer, lover of life & founder of Radiant Body Yoga.

IN HER OWN WORDS

I teach you how to use the yogic practices to awaken the unbounded, creative energy within. I help you create positive life rituals that support you in meeting the challenges of work, relationships, and family, with courage and grace. I empower you to go beyond your conditioned mind and experience the magnificence of pure being. My teachings draw from this ancient tradition of Truth Seekers, the wisdom of my teachers, and my own direct experiences of awakening. I offer clear and precise practices delivered in approachable ways with scientific and peer-informed data reflecting much of the efficacy of the techniques.

Produced by Sridhar Silberfein.

Zoë Kors

An intimate dialogue between Sridhar (founder of Bhaktifest) and Zoe Kors.

Zoë Kors is a sexologist, integrative somatic trauma therapist, and sought-after thought leader of intimacy and sexuality. Her book, Radical Intimacy: Cultivate the Deeply Connected Relationships You Desire and Deserve (Hachette, 2022) is available wherever you buy books. She is the resident sex and intimacy coach and contributor at sexual wellness app Coral. Zoë is the former Senior Editor and Creative Director of LA Yoga Magazine and has appeared in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Bustle, and many other publications.

Bhakti Speaks is Produced By Sridhar Silberfein.

Jahnavi Harrison

An intimate dialogue between Sridhar (founder of Baktifest) and kirtaneer Jahnavi Harrison

Jahnavi Harrison was raised in a family of Bhakti-yoga practitioners at Bhaktivedanta Manor, one of England’s most important spiritual landmarks. As a child she was fascinated with song and story, and has nurtured that interest through her life long exploration of music, dance, visual art and the written word. She is a musician who aims to channel her creative expression as a path to self-realisation and service. For over 12 years she has travelled the world, offering her voice and violin playing in the performance of sacred music and call-and-response mantra chant (kirtan). Her sound encompasses rich influences of East and West, and aims to offer an experience which truly nourishes the spirit.
Based in both London and New York, she offers regular concerts, sound baths and workshops.
She released her debut album, ‘Like a River to the Sea’ in July 2015, and features on the Grammy nominated ‘Bhakti Without Borders’ charity album (2016).
Jahnavi presents regularly for BBC Radio 2’s ‘Pause for Thought’ and ‘Something Understood’ on BBC Radio 4.

Jahnavi Harrison website: https://jahnavimusic.com

David Shapiro

Intimate discussion with Sridhar, founder of Bhaktifest and David Shapiro covering a range of fascinating stories from George Harrison of The Beatles, to Srila Prabhupad and the authentic translation of the Bhagavad Gita.

Jahnavi Harrison website: https://jahnavimusic.com

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji

An intimate conversation between Sridhar, founder of Bhaktifest and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, spiritual leader and author.

Sadhviji is a renowned spiritual leader and motivational speaker, based in Rishikesh, India. She’s the author of newly released #1 bestselling memoir, Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation. Originally from Los Angeles, a graduate of Stanford University, and a PhD in psychology, Sadhviji has lived on the banks of the sacred Ganga river, in the lap of the Himalayas for more than 25 years engaged in spiritual service, wisdom teaching, sacred action, and deep spiritual practice.

Sadhvi’s website: sadhviji.org/about/

Govind Das

An Intimate conversation with Sridhar, founder of Bhaktifest and Govind Das

Govind Das (Ira Jeffrey Rosen) took his first meditation class in September 1993 at University of Maryland, which first awakened his love for the spiritual teachings of the East. While living in Los Angeles in 1994, due to health concerns (ulcerative colitis) he began to look for alternative ways of healing. After years of different practices (vinyasa yoga, ayurveda, buddhist meditation etc), Ira Rosen found his yogic “home” in the path of Bhakti Yoga: the “yoga of the heart” or “the yoga of love and devotion”. It is in this tradition of “Bhakti/Devotion” where Ira was given his spiritual name, Govind Das, which means “servant of the Divine”. This path of service is at the root of his spiritual life – to serve the love and spirit that lives in the heart of all. His journey has led him to India on 9 different occasions to immerse himself in the ways of the bhakti tradition at the Ashram of his “Guru” or main spiritual teacher – Neem Karoli Baba, as well as spending time in holy yogic places like Vrindavan, Varanasi, Rishikesh and many more. Through his journeys to the “motherland of yoga”, India, Govind Das has enjoyed the company of many yogic saints, sadhus, and teachers. It is from these transmissions that Govind Das shares the authenticity of the Bhakti and Yogic path. He would like to place a flower of gratitude at the feet of his yoga teachers and guides here in California – Bryan Kest, Saul David Raye, Shiva Rea, and Mark Whitwell, and bow to his Bhakti and Kirtan teachers Ram Dass, Jai Uttal, Bhagavan Das, Krishna Das, Shyam Das, Raghu Markus and many, many more.

His yoga classes are an innovative approach weaving fresh and fluid Vinyasa yoga sequences & Yin and Restorative Lunar styles of yoga, all with the teachings of Bhakti and dharma. The emphasis is on yoga as spiritual ritual of devotion. And always a mixed with a deep dose of mantra, dharmic quotes, affirmation, sweat, dance, joy and laughter. As a healing artform, Govind Das intends to create an environment where the yogi/yogini can find a nurturing, nourishing, and balancing experience of breath, energy, and movement/circulation. As a bhakti art form he encourages yoga in the spirit of celebrating life, body as sacred temple and cultivating an intimate and loving relationship with the Sacred.

Govind Das’s uplifting and inspirational message encourages the process of spiritual awakening and the conscious affirmation that life is a great gift to be treated with great respect. Says Govind Das, “Now is the time burst out of limiting and fear-based social/family/cultural and environmental conditionings and live a fully empowered and creative life centered on love and truth.”

Govind Das and his wife Radha live in the hills of Pacific Palisades, CA overlooking the Great Pacific Ocean with their son Malakai and daughter Ruby Jaya.

Govind Das Website: www.bhaktiyogashala.com/

MC Yogi

This week we were joined by another long-time Bhakti family member and friend, MC Yogi.

Recording artist, author, and yoga teacher, MC Yogi’s unique style of music and teaching is joy filled and up lifting. He tells the story of his early years as a juvenile delinquent living at a group home for at risk boys, to discovering yoga and launching a career which would eventually lead to sharing yoga and music on the world stage, including the Forbidden City in China and the White House.

Settle in to your favorite comfy chair, or condense your drive time by listening to this exclusive discussion, diving into intimate reflections of spiritual journey with our very own MC

Shiva Rea

This week we were joined by long-time Bhakti family member and dear friend, Shiva Rea, on our new series of Bhakti Speaks interviews.

Shiva Rea will be headlining our upcoming November Retreat along with Vijay Krsna from Kirtaniyas, Michael Brian Baker, and Allison Eaton. Settle in to your favorite comfy chair, or on your drive to work to listen to this exclusive discussion diving into spirituality, navigating your own personal healing journey, the amazing juicy classes she will be offering at the retreat, and more.

Michael Brian Baker

This week we are so excited to have a special interview with Michael Brian Baker and Sridhar, the founder of Bhakti Fest.

They discuss the importance of breathwork in our daily lives, as well as some of the amazing things Michael will be offering during our November Bhakti Retreat. This interview will be the first of a series interviewing renowned teachers and artists in our community, inspired by and dedicated to the Bhakti Speaks series of interviews with our beloved Ram Dass, who we miss so dearly.

Ram Dass Interviews

Ram Dass has been a pivotal influence on American culture for three generations. For ten years, Bhakti Fest’s Executive Producer, Sridhar Silberfein, had the honor to meet with Ram Dass for a very special and intimate Bhakti Fest exclusive interview. Hear the timeless wisdom he has to share for Bhaktas young and old.

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About Richard Alpert / Ram Dass

Be Here Now, Ram Dass’s monumentally influential and seminal work, still stands as the highly readable centerpiece of Western articulation of Eastern philosophy, and how to live joyously a hundred per cent of the time in the present, luminous or mundane.

Ram Dass first went to India in 1967. He was still Dr. Richard Alpert, a prominent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr. Timothy Leary. He continued his psychedelic research until that fateful Eastern trip in 1967, when he traveled to India. In India, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name, which means “servant of God.” Everything changed then – his intense dharmic life started, and he became a pivotal influence on a culture that has reverberated with the words “Be Here Now” ever since. Ram Dass’ spirit has been a guiding light for three generations, carrying along millions on the journey, helping to free them from their bonds as he works through his own.

Since 1968, Ram Dass has pursued a panoramic array of spiritual methods and practices from potent ancient wisdom traditions, including bhakti or devotional yoga focused on the Hindu deity Hanuman; Buddhist meditation in the Theravadin, Mahayana Tibetan and Zen Buddhist schools, and Sufi and Jewish mystical studies. Perhaps most significantly, his practice of karma yoga or spiritual service has opened up millions of other souls to their deep, yet individuated spiritual practice and path. Ram Dass continues to uphold the boddhisatva ideal for others through his compassionate sharing of true knowledge and vision. His unique skill in getting people to cut through and feel divine love without dogma is still a positive influence on many people from all over the planet.

“I hang out with my guru in my heart. And I love every thing in the universe. That’s all I do all day.”
~ Ram Dass

A Bhakti Blessing

Ram Dass, author of the famous book Be Here Now, and one of the most beloved spiritual figures in our era, has gifted his teachings of loving service, harmonious living practices, and conscious care for our elders to millions of people.

For four generations, his luminous spirit has inspired the path of a spiritual journey for countless souls, including our very own Bhakti Fest Founder, Sridhar Silberfein.

Read on for an intimate first-hand experience of what it’s like be presented with a sacred opportunity, to rise up and care for one the most enlightened souls among us–and for some endearing advice just for you:

Reflections on Ram Dass by Sridhar Silberfein

On my annual retreat in Maui to visit Ram Dass, I merged into the arms of my dear friend.

I instantly recalled the many years of our close relationship since 1970. It wasn’t so long ago that I moved him from Northern California to Maui on the pretext of doing a retreat with him.

Once he arrived, I witnessed his deteriorating health. I immediately did what I would call a “spiritual intervention”, by refusing to let him go back to a dysfunctional community. I got him the best doctors and practitioners on Maui, found a suitable home for him, and proceeded to raise some funds with the help of the late Dr. Wayne Dyer.

This gave us a beginning, and settled him into what is now a very healthy, sweet and compassionate lifestyle for him.

However, like everything else, it took a major step to make it happen. By putting myself in a crib of immense challenge, I understood the will of doing the right thing superseded anything else.

What this has taught me is, you have to realize the importance of right association, of right action, of bhakti flow, of doing what you feel is right beyond any other objections and agenda’s…just do the right thing for everyone– you also have to remember that everyone has an agenda, and it’s mostly their own.

So tread carefully, and mindfully. Know who your true friends are, and spend time in solitude, or with spiritual elders, and read important texts.

Let’s make this year the best ever– peaceful, kind, loving and in the utmost of service.

Let’s look at each other for who we are today, not reflecting on the past or anxious about this or that in the future…we all have past histories of good and not so good, of treating each other with love and not so much love– but life is about forgiveness. Let’s all forgive each other for past indiscretions and ask for forgiveness in everything we do.

Wake up each day and be thankful we are alive, and have another day to be of service.

This year promises to be an amazing year for Bhakti and Shakti Fests. We have all-star line ups of teachers, sacred music leaders, and world teachers of dharma.

Thanking you kindly for your generous support.

Namasté,

Sridhar Silberfein

Watch the Ram Dass Interviews