RARE MEDITATIVE MUSICAL OPPORTUNITY with ANTION!
Antion is back on island for a month. On Sunday, October 27th, 4.30-6.30pm, Antion Vikram Singh will present the first in a program of Gurbani Kirtan, spiritual music and singing, especially to honor Guru Nanak.
Sikh Sacred Kirtan is so divinely devotional and complex in its Sanskrit-based language, ragas and musical traditions that it has been sung only in Sikh temples – so far!
This is a rare opportunity to experience a hitherto secret tradition of meditative, ecstatic union through sacred sound. The Sanskrit-based words and language together with their dynamic soul stirring melodies were created to engender spiritual evolution and reunion with our Divine Selves, and with the Supreme Creator.
The compositions include Arabic and Persian poems from Sufi, Islamic and Hindu saints such as Kabir. The melodies are in the tradition of Shastriya Sangeet (Indian Classical Music) using Ragas, a system of musical modes and scales designed for specific times of day and to evoke different emotions.
A musician who masters this art is called a Ragi. The deeper meanings of the sounds, words, songs and stories – derived from a tradition of courage, devotion and sacrifice – are translated and interpreted by Antion. For easy understanding and for singing along, the words and meanings of all the compositions are provided.
The meditative experience possible through immersion in the vibration and frequency of the sacred sounds of this God-infused God/Goddess-praising language is so unbelievably divinely delicious… no wonder they kept it to themselves! And no wonder consummate musician Antion (60s rock star guitarist with the soul of a sacred bard) fell in love with it, mastered it, and became the first foreigner ever to sing in their holiest shrine the Golden Temple, and continues to sing in many temples worldwide.
This Indian musical mastery aspect of Antion the Ragi has been rarely performed in Hawaii because it calls for a master tabla player which Kauai does not have. Now by the power of timing and latest electronics Antion uses electronic tabla and tamboura while singing and playing live, creating a profoundly high frequency devotional meditative call-&-answer experience with transliteration and translation provided.
Antion Vikram Singh
Antion, originally known as Vic Briggs, was a touring 60s rock star when his soul’s longing called him to turn to yoga and delve deep into the sacred teachings of Nada Brahma – the Yoga of Sound. His interest in Mantra and Shastriya Sangeet led him to mastery of this hitherto secret tradition, and in 1979, he broke tradition by becoming the first non-Indian to sing in the Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs in Amritsar, India. Known as Vikram Singh (‘invincible lion of courage’) Antion became adept at both singing and interpreting Gurbani Kirtan, the sacred music originated by the miracle-manifesting Guru Nanak.
As a recognized authority and spiritual teacher, Antion traveled all over the world to teach and sing about Naad Yoga, (yoga of sound), Naam (the frequency of the Divine), Simran (repetition of the Divine Name), and Shabad (the Divine Word that manifests as Gurbani as well as the spiritual force that is Guru).
Later Antion studied Hawaiian mele (song, music) and oli (sacred chant), bringing him to an even deeper understanding of how the voice can create the power of Aloha (on-going, living love). As an expert in – not one but two – sacred traditions, his life, sessions, concerts, workshops and CDs are about sharing the use of sound and voice to become one with the Divine, in the context of the essential message of both cultures, to engender the core oneness of all people and denominations, along with the respect and equality of women, and the healing, helping and feeding people with love.
What is Sikh Sacred Kirtan? This year marks the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak. Born in the Punjab in the North West of India, Guru Nanak came as a shining light to a world where religion had become corrupted and tyranny was supreme.
His songs and simple message of spirituality, equality, justice and respect for women inspired millions as he traveled thousands of miles around India, Tibet, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and many other places. It is reported that he traveled to Rome and met with the Pope to condemn slavery. His followers became known as Sikhs and formed the nucleus of what is known today as the Sikh way of life. His poetic and deeply spiritual writings became known as Gurbani – the Message of the Guru – and are sung all over the world in Sikh Sangats (congregations) in Gurudwaras (temples).
Sunday, October 27th, 4.30-6.30pm
Please email [email protected] to register your space, and we will respond with info on location, directions and other details. Mahalo, Waves of Aloha Love and Blessings to you!