This is the kind of music Iâd like to hear while dying!
I just came across this video of a Kali mantra that was made during the pandemic featuring some of the worldâs top kirtan musicians. The video is the brainchild of Portland kirtan artist Joanna Beekman. She writes the following:
Five years ago, during one of the scariest times in most of our livesâthe worldwide pandemicâI found myself on tour in Los Angeles. With shows canceled and uncertainty all around, I found myself retreating to a cabin three and a half hours from the city. It was there that I discovered a powerful mantra from Sri Sakthi Amma, the spiritual leader of Sri Narayani Peedam, a spiritual center in Thirumalaikodi, India. This mantra resonated deeply within me, and I felt compelled to begin a 30-day Sadhanaâa daily Japa Mala practice.
As I chanted, a melody began to form, and soon my teachers and Bhakti beloveds around the world appeared in my thoughts. I began asking them to join me in recording this mantra, and I learned to produce music, bringing 24 artists from around the globe together to create "Mantra Sangha: Health and Healing "âa project meant to support the world during times of crisis and negativity. The music video includes contributions from Sri Shakti Amma, Krishna Das, Ragani, Girish, and so many others.
The mantra is deeply rooted in the ancient Tamil Siddha tradition and was especially used in times of major crisis or negativity . It is as follows:
Om Krim Maha Kali Sara Rogan Nasi Nasi
(Translation:)
Om - The sound of the universe
Krim - The seed mantra for Goddess Kali
Maha Kali - The great transformative energy of Kali
Sarva Rogan - All diseases
Nasi Nasi - Be eliminated, be vanquished
Sri Shakti Amma explains that this mantra is based on the sound of bees and represents the five elements (panchabutas) that make up life itself:
Na represents Earth and Si represents Fire, which destroys disturbances of the Earth. By invoking these vibrations, we call on the elements to remove and destroy disease from the Earth, creating space for healing and restoration.
I invite you to experience this transformative mantra for yourself through our âMantra Sangha: Health and Healingâ video and music. All proceeds from this project benefit the Mitrata Nepal Foundation for Children, supporting children in Nepal with education and care.