Nataraj, the Dancing Shiva

Nataraj, the Dancing Shiva

Nataraj is the dancing form of Lord Shiva. Usually you see this depicted in bronze as the god Shiva dancing in a circle of flames with his foot crushing a demon that symbolizes ignorance. It is said that Shiva can dance gently or violently — these are just two...
Bismillah

Bismillah

I’ve been haunted by the song “Bismillah” since I heard it several weeks ago. The word “Bismillah” comes from the Islamic tradition, and it can be translated in several ways. It expresses our prayer that we may have the blessing of...
Fresh Tracks 8

Fresh Tracks 8

What to say about this summer, except I’ll never forget it — and our family now has a new angel in Heaven. I’ve returned to Oregon for awhile, and I’m listening to kirtan again. It feels like re-discovering an dear old friend. All the music...