One of the goals of this blog is to show others how to incorporate indigenous culture into our lives. For many of us, our lives are filled with busy schedules, technology, media overwhelm, and way too many worries. For me, music has been a way to unplug from the hectic world and a way to connect with Self. My experience has been that including indigenous traditional or ritual music into my life has allowed me to be more grounded and uplifted. And by embracing something different, I’ve found that my mind remains open to change and I continue to evolve. But, listening to ancient music can be a different experience. For some, we are so connected to modern music that we sometimes find it difficult to connect to ancient mantras, chants, or songs. We don’t know the words. We don’t automatically connect with the rhythms. We find it different and maybe a bit weird.
So, I’m thankful for Jai Uttal and his music. He brings Hindu chants and mantras to us along with funked out rhythms and beats. His version of Om Namah Shivaya, from his 2004 CD entitled Kirtan! The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant, begins in a very ancient way and then builds expertly with blends of the ancient healing and supreme reverence with a reggae sound that will lift you from your knees and have you dancing and lifting your hands to the heavens. Through his music, Jai Uttal provides a path to the indigenous Spirit through a modern pathway. If you’ve been interested in experiencing indigenous music, I encourage you to check out Jai Uttal’s music.
