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BlueGrass Kirtan

by Jon Seskevich

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1.
Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Hare Krishna Hare Ram
2.
Sri Hanuman Chalisa Mangala moorati maaruta nandana You are the embodiment of blessings, Son of the Wind Sakala amangala moola nikandana You destroy the root of everything that is inauspicious and harmful Shree Guru charana saroja raja nijamanu mukuru sudhaari Taking the dust of my Guru's lotus feet to polish the mirror of my heart Baranaun Raghubara bimala jasu jo daayaku phala chaari I sing the pure fame of the best of Raghus, which bestows the four fruits of life. Buddhi heenatanu jaanike sumiraun pawana kumaara I don’t know anything, so I remember you, Son of the Wind Bala budhividyaa dehu mohin harahu kalesa bikaara Grant me strength, intelligence and wisdom and remove my impurities and sorrows Seeyavara Ramchandra pada jai sharanam Refuge at the feet of Sita’s lord, Ram 1. Jaya Hanumaan gyaanaguna saagara, Jaya Kapeesha tihun loka ujaagara Hai lHanuman, ocean of wisdom/Hail Monkey Lord! You light up the three worlds. 2. Raama doota atulita bala dhaamaa, Anjani putra Pawanasuta naamaa You are Ram's messenger,the abode of matchless power/ Anjani's son, "Son of the Wind." 3. Mahaabeera bikrama bajarangee, Kumatiniwaara sumati ke sangee Great hero, you area mighty thunderbolt/Remover of evil thoughts and companion of the good. 4. Kanchana barana biraaja subesaa, Kaanana kundala kunchita kesa Golden hued andsplendidly adorned/with heavy earrings and curly locks 5. Haata bajra au dwajaa biraajai, Kaandhemoonja janeu saajai In your hands shine mace and abanner/ a sacred thread adorns your shoulder. 6. Shankara suwana Kesaree nandana, Tejaprataapa mahaa jaga bandana You are an incarnationof Shiva and Kesari's son/Your glory is revered throughout the world. 7. Vidyaawaana gunee ati chaatura, Raamakaaja karibe ko aatura You are the wisest of the wise, virtuous and very clever/ ever eager to do Ram's work 8. Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa, Raama Lakhana Seetaa mana basiyaa You delight in hearing of the Lord's deeds/ Ram, Lakshman and Sita dwell in your heart. 9. Sookshma roopa dhari Siyahin dikhaawaa, Bikata roopa dhari Lankaa jaraawaa Assuming a tiny form you appeared to Sita/ in an awesome form you burned Lanka. 10. Bheema roopa dhari asura sanghaare, Raamachandra ke kaajasanvaare Takinga dreadful form you slaughtered the demons/completing Lord Ram's work. 11. Laayasajeevana Lakhana jiyaaye, Shree Raghubeera harashi ura laaye Bringing the magic herbyou revived Lakshman/ Shri Ram embraced you with delight. 12. Raghupatikeenhee bahuta baraaee, tuma mama priya Bharatahi sama bhaaee The Lord of the Raghus praised you greatly/ "You are as dear to me as my brotherBharat!" 13. Sahasabadana tumharo jasa gaawain, asa kahi Shreepati kanta lagaawain Thousands of mouths will sing your fame!”/ So saying Lakshmi's Lord drew you to Himself. 14.Sanakaadika Brahmaadi muneesaa, Naarada Saarada sahita Aheesaa Sanak and the sages, Brahma, and the munis/ Narada, Saraswati and the King of serpents, 15. Yama Kubera digapaala jahaante, kabi kobida kahi sake kahaante Yama, Kubera, the guardians of the four quarters/poets and scholars-none can express your glory. 16. Tumaupakaara Sugreevahin keenhaa, Raama milaaya raaja pada deenhaa You did great service for Sugriva/ bringing him to Ram, you gave him kingship. 17. Tumharomantra Vibheeshana maanaa, Lankeshwara bhaye saba jaga jaanaa Vibhishana heeded your counsel/He became the Lord of Lanka, as the whole world knows. 18. Yugasahasra yojana para bhaanu, leelyo taahi madhura phala jaanu Though the sun is millions of miles away/ you swallowed it thinking it to be a sweet fruit. 19. Prabhumudrikaa meli mukha maaheen, jaladhi laanghi gaye acharaja naaheen Holding the Lord's ring in your mouth/ it's no surprise that you leapt over the ocean. 20. Durgamakaaja jagata ke jete, sugama anugraha tumhare tete Every difficult task in this world becomes easy by your grace. 21. Raamaduaare tuma rakhawaare, hota na aagyaa binu paisaare You are the guardian at Ram's door/ no one enters without your permission. 22. Saba sukhalahai tumhaaree sharanaa, tuma rakshaka kaahu ko dara naa Those who take refuge in you find all happiness/ those who you protect know no fear. 23. Aapanateja samhaaro aapai, teenon loka haanka ten kaanpai You alone can withstand your own splendor/ the three worlds tremble at your roar. 24. Bhootapisaacha nikata nahin aawai, Mahaabeera jaba naama sunaawai Ghosts and goblins cannot come near/ Great Hero, when your name is uttered. 25. Naasairoga hare saba peeraa, japata nirantara Hanumata beeraa All disease and pain is eradicated/ by constantly repeating of your name, brave Hanuman. 26. Sankata ten Hanumaana churaawai, mana krama bachana dhyaana jolaawai Hanuman, you release from affliction all those/ who remember you in thought word and deed. 27. Saba paraRaama tapaswee raajaa, tina ke kaaja sakala tuma saajaa Ram, the ascetic king, reigns over all/ but you carry out all his work. 28. Auramanorata jo koee laawai, soee amita jeewana phala paawai One who comes to you with any yearning/ obtains the abundance of the Four Fruits of Life. 29. Chaaronjuga parataapa tumhaaraa, hai parasidha jagata ujiyaaraa Your splendor fills the four ages/ your glory is renowned throughout the world. 30. Saadhusanta ke tuma rakhawaare, asura nikandana Raama dulaare You are the guardian of saints and sages/ the destroyer of demons and the darling of Ram. 31. Ashtasiddhi nau nidhi ke daataa, asa bara deena Jaanakee Maataa You grant the eight powers and nine treasures/ by the boon you received from Mother Janaki. 32. Raamarasaayana tumhare paasaa, sadaa raho Raghupati ke daasaa You hold the elixir of Ram's name/ and remain eternally his servant. 33. Tumharebhajana Raama ko paawai, janama janama ke dukha bisaraawai Singing your praise, one finds Ram/ and the sorrows of countless lives are destroyed. 34. Anta kaala Raghubara pura jaaee, jahaan janama Hari bhakta kahaaee At death one goes to Ram's own abode/ born there as God's devotee. 35. Auradevataa chitta na daraee, Hanumata se-ee sarva sukha karaee Why worship any other deities/ from Hanuman you’ll get all happiness. 36. Sankatakatai mite saba peeraa, jo sumire Hanumata bala beeraa All affliction ceases and all pain is removed/ for those who remember the mighty hero, Hanuman. 37. Jai jaijai Hanumaana Gosaaee, kripaa karahu gurudeva kee naaee Victory, Victory, Victory Lord Hanuman/ bestow your grace on me, as my Guru! 38. Jo satabaara paata kara koee, chootahi bandi mahaa sukha hoee Whoever recites this a hundred times/ is released from bondage and gains bliss. 39. Jo yahaparai Hanumaana chaaleesaa, hoya siddhi saakhee Gaureesaa One who reads this Hanuman Chalisa/ gains success, as Gauri's Lord (Shiva) is witness. 40. TulaseeDaasa sadaa Hari cheraa, keejai naata hridaya mahaan deraa Says Tulsi Das, who always remains Hari's servant'/ "Lord, make your home in my heart." Pawanatanayasankata harana mangala moorati roopa Son of the Wind, destroyer of sorrow,embodiment of blessings Raama Lakhana Seetaa sahita hridayabasahu sura bhoopa With Ram, Lakshman and Sita, LIVE IN MY HEART, King of Gods! Seeyavara Ramchandra pada jai sharanam Refuge at the feet of Sita’s lord, Ram From NinaRaoChant.com
3.
Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Pedme Siddhi Hum
4.
Om Namah Shivaya. Shiva Shiva Shiva Shiva Om Namah Shivaya
5.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison. Dona nobis pacem
6.
Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram
7.
Muni Muni Mahamuni Sakya Muniye Swaha Muni Muni Mahamuni Sakya Muniye Gate Gate Paragate Bodhi Swaha.
8.
Sita Ram Siya Ram Sita Ma Siya Ma Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma Durga Ma Ram Ram Ram
9.
Govinda Jai Jai, Gopala Jai Jai Radha Ramanahari, Govinda Jai Jai
10.
Radhe Durge Namoh, Radhe Durge Namah Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma. Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Ma
11.
Gopala Gopala Devakinandana Gopala. Devakinandana Gopla

about

BlueGrass Kirtan

“BlueGrass Kirtan” — a CD featuring Jon Seskevich and fiddle great AC Bushnell combining ancient sacred words in Sanskrit, Latin, and Tibetan chanted with old-time American Appalachian fiddle and banjo tunes. There are 11 cuts on the album, and they are all fantastic!

What Happens When You Mix Kirtan and Bluegrass Music?
BlueGrass Kirtan!

BlueGrass Kirtan is ancient sacred words in Sanskrit, Latin, and Tibetan chanted with old-time American Appalachian fiddle and banjo tunes. It is chanting that will knock your socks off!

“Mantra chanting can be an extension of shaking your ass or raising your voice in joyful exultation, with no fundamentalist associations. It’s sheer joy to sing, a good way to loosen one’s heart in the world.” — Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997)

This poem by the renowned beat poet skeleton Allen Ginsberg has delighted and inspired me as a veritable foreshadowing of the spirit and experience of BlueGrass Kirtan.

Jon notes: Living in the Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina, I have enjoyed old-time/bluegrass jam sessions. Listening to the melody of tunes as they repeated in a regular pattern, in my mind, heart, and soul, I began to “hear” a mantra that fit the melody and rhythm. These were the same mantras I had learned during my time of study in the 70’s and 80’s with Ram Dass, noted spiritual teacher, friend of chanting and author of the book Be Here Now.

In 2006, I went to a concert to hear fiddle great AC Bushnell playing with Stillhouse Bottom Band. Afterwards AC and I chatted, discussed this concept and began a fun musical and spiritual collaboration that has culminated in this album! AC who has many rich years of playing, recording, and performing, has brought together wonderfully talented North Carolina musicians for this East-West project. They highlight their skills and artistry with traditional bluegrass instrumental breaks woven throughout the pieces.

credits

released June 26, 2020

Jon Seskevich, AC Bushnell, and the Stillhouse Bottom Band
BlueGrass Kirtan Song List, Lyrics, and Credits
1. Krishna and Ram 5:59
Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Hare Krishna Hare Ram.

The words mean: Victory to God, Praise God Who preserves and sustains us. In the Hindu tradition, Ram and Krishna are incarnations of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Sandy Boys is a traditional old-time fiddle and banjo tune from the Appalachian Mountains.

Jim Beckwith, vocals, harmony vocals; Jon Seskevich, AC Bushnell, John Moore, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo; Robbie Link, bass; Bill Parsons, guitar.

2. Neat Hanuman Chalisa 6:40
This 40 verse praise for the mighty Hindu hero Hanuman combines neatly with Charlie’s Neat, a traditional old-time tune. Hanuman represents the perfect servant of God, as all his actions are in service of the Lord. Many around the world do this chant everyday.

Jon Seskevich, vocal; Ambika Cooper, vocal and harmony vocal; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo; Robbie Link, bass; Bill Parsons, guitar.

3. Allen Ginsberg Waterbound 4:09
The Tibetan Buddhist mantra, Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Pedme Siddhi Hum is added to the old-time North Carolina fiddle tune Waterbound. The Tibetan pronunciation of Pedme is used here. Allen Ginsberg gave this translation of the mantra “Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum” referring to Padma Sambhava, founder of N’yingma, the Tibetan Buddhist old sect. It translates as “Body Speech Mind Diamond Teacher Lotus Power Amen.”

Each singer takes a turn on lead, and all join the chorus at the end. Leads in order: Jon Seskevich, Mark Smith, AC Bushnell, Jim Beckwith, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo; Alan Julich, bass; Mark Weems, guitar.

4. Shiva at the Falls of Richmond (Remix) 3: 40
Om Namah Shivaya. Shiva Shiva Shiva Shiva Om Namah Shivaya

Devotion to Shiva the Lord of Change and Impermanence. A previous version of this tune is on AC Bushnell’s Dancing on the Water CD. For BlueGrass Kirtan, Jim Beckwith’s free form chanting is added to the mix! Falls of Richmond is a traditional old time banjo tune.

AC Bushnell, lead vocal; Jim Beckwith, Jon Seskevich, harmony vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, bass; Alan Julich, banjo; Mark Weems, guitar.

5. God Before Breakfast 5:37
The traditional tune Whiskey Before Breakfast is joined with the Latin sacred phrases of the Christian tradition “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison” which means “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.” The second part is the prayer “Dona Nobis Pacem” — Grant us peace. There is something profoundly healing for the family when one substitutes “God” for “whiskey” before breakfast!

Betsy Bickel and Marilyn Grubbs, lead vocals; Jon Seskevich, AC Bushnell, Jim Beckwith, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo and mandolin; Robbie Link, bass; Bill Parsons, guitar.

6. Money and Sri Ram in Both Pockets 5:01
Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Victory to God, Blessed God

Not a well known tune, Money in Both Pockets was first recorded by Charlie Bowman and his brother in the 1920’s.

AC Bushnell, lead vocal; Jon Seskevich, Mark Smith, Tim Wells, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, bass; Alan Julich, banjo; Mark Weems, guitar

7. Buddha’s Square Dance 5:17
Muni Muni Mahamuni Sakya Muniye Swaha Muni Muni Mahamuni Sakya Muniye Gate Gate Paragate Bodhi Swaha.

This chant refers to Lord Buddha: Silent One, Great Silent one of the Shakya clan, Gone, Gone Beyond, Hail the Enlightened One. So be it!

When asked the question, “Are you God?” Buddha is said to have answered “No.” “Well, who then are you?” “Awake!” was his answer. This chant inspires us to awaken. The traditional tune Seneca Square Dance was originally recorded by Fiddlin’ Sam Long of the Ozarks in 1925. The music and these words form a beautiful new creation.

Jim Beckwith, lead vocal; AC Bushnell, Marilyn Grubbs, Betsy Bickel, Jon Seskevich, John Moore, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo; Robbie Link, bass; Bill Parsons, guitar

8. River by the Temple in October 6:02
In India there is a small village in the foothills of the Himalayas with a temple on a riverbank. Every year in October hundreds gather there for a nine day ceremony in honor of the Divine Mother. These and other sacred sounds may be heard by the river. Sita Ram Siya Ram Sita Ma Siya Ma Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma Durga Ma Ram Ram Ram

This tune with chants honoring the Divine Mother is a wild sound painting. Like a river flows, what is experienced in the present moment will not be repeated in exactly the same way. The old-time tune Cluck Old Hen has been transformed here by AC and the Stillhouse Bottom Band, with Jon and Jim on vocals, all merging with the Great River of the Divine.

Jon Seskevich and Jim Beckwith, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, bass; Alan Julich, banjo; Mark Weems, guitar.

9. Walking with Krishna 3:47
Govinda Jai Jai, Gopala Jai Jai Radha Ramanahari, Govinda Jai Jai

Govinda is another name of Krishna. This chant is a love song celebrating the union of Krishna and his consort Radha. It reflects the joy of both lover and beloved of God. Walking Georgia Row is a rarely heard, beautiful fiddle tune.

Tim Wells, lead vocal; AC Bushnell, Mark Smith, Marilyn Grubbs, Betsy Bickel, Jon Seskevich, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo; Alan Julich, bass; Mark Weems, guitar.

10. Mother’s Sweet 4:37
Radhe Durge Namoh, Radhe Durge Namah Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma. Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Ma

Devotion to the Divine Mother of the Universe. Victory to the blessed Mother.

Radha is Krishna’s consort, and Durga the form of the Divine Mother usually pictured with a tiger. This chant is about the love of union with the Divine and unlimited power used for the benefit of all. This old-time fiddle tune Sugar Hill was first heard by AC played by Tommy Jarrell of Surrey County, NC. It has such a sweet feel, we couldn’t help but call this song Mother’s Sweet.

Jon Seskevich and Betsy Bickel, lead vocals; Jim Beckwith, AC Bushnell, Marilyn Grubbs, John Moore, vocals; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo; Robbie Link, bass; Bill Parsons, guitar.

11. Jimmy Johnson Gopala 3:35
Gopala Gopala Devakinandana Gopala. Devakinandana Gopla

Gopala is baby Krishna. Krishna’s mother is Devaki. Ananda is the word for bliss. This chant is about the bliss of the mother that comes from the unconditional love for her baby. This was the first BlueGrass Kirtan track we recorded. It is from the traditional Appalachian tune Jimmy Johnson.

Jon Seskevich lead vocal; AC Bushnell, harmony vocal; AC Bushnell, fiddle; Bobb Head, banjo; Alan Julich, bass; Mark Weems, guitar.

All tunes are traditional music and words arranged and titled by Jon Seskevich and AC Bushnell.

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Jon Seskevich Ojai, California

Jon began having regular satsangs with Ram Dass in 1974, learning chanting with KD, Jai and others.

Playing harmonium, he lead regular kirtans at Spring Hill. Moving to NC in 1982, he lead free monthly kirtans for over 20 years. He co-lead annual chanting retreats at Southern Dharma Retreat Center.
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