Sacred Sound

~by Ananda Vrindavan devi dasi

Recently I worked on a series of 100 Haikus with the theme “Things I Hear”. Sound is the medium of transformation in the Krishna Bhakti practice - sacred sound to touch our true, eternal self. Even ordinary sound can prompt remembering Krishna if we are tuned in, what to speak of sacred sound. Here are a selection of the Haikus that were written around the Maha Mantra in Japa and Kirtan:

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The Vraja Gopi’s

Hear the sound of Krishna’s fluteAnd run to meet love Longing for KrishnaThey move through the full moon nightHearing their heartbeat A powerful NameInvites us to sit with itLean in and listen Hearing and chantingAre like sunshine for the soulGo stand in the sun Shh! Be still! Be still!Listen to the sound of loveIn sacred japa My wild crazy mindSometimes makes a lot of noiseI chant to calm it down The call and responseHearing voices in returnEcho Krishna’s love By hearing the NameWe give hospitalityTo the deep self All I have is meTo offer to You with NamePlease hear me calling Brilliant as the sunThe holy Name loves us allAnd keeps us closer Does the holy NameFall like the sound of raindropsOn my open heart? Uncountable loveThe sound of non stop chantingWhere we want to be Sweet and steadyingThe Holy Name remediesAll my worrying Dazzling Holy NameHeals, frees, cleans, holds, and much moreSound bath through the ear