Gospel Grooves - Ashram Adventures

ASHRAM ADVENTURES
I went to an Ashram about a week ago and I can't stop thinking about the experience. The community is in Mt Eliza and the sister of my sister (i know it's confusing) is a member.

When Clare's sister went to the Ashram she was given her spiritual name, Bindu. She is quite delightful and very hospitable. Together with her partner, Manu, they live there and LOVE the Ashram. Of course want you to be enthusiastic and to LOVE everything about the place as well.

To be truthful I found it all quite confronting, though Clare assures me one day I’ll get used to it. On the wall there were heaps and heaps of pictures of exotic Indian almost naked gurus (mmmm) sitting in the lotus position. The Ashram of course has its own guru, Swamiji who the community reveres and hangs off his every word.

On Saturday nights there is ‘Satsang’. It's held in this wonderful circus like tent and you expect a ring master to appear at any moment. The evening consists of meditation, a 'sermon' from Swamiji and the giving of gifts and greetings to Swamiji (yep it's very much about Swamji, the women compete to sit as close to him as possible!).

The highlight for me was the music. Using traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar, they play this amazing music driven by some fantastic and incredible rhythms. Singing along with a beautiful mantra it can send you into a wild and wonderful psychotic state….well almost.

Bindu has been there for 8 years and according to Clare it's been a wonderful and empowering experience for her. I can't accept everything that is going on but I'll definitely go back to Satsang one day.

Have you had any interesting religious encounters ? Go ahead make a comment and tell me about it !

GG BLOG UPDATED EVERY MONDAY

Coming up this Sunday

COMING UP THIS SUNDAY on Aug 17th we’ll be playing some traditional Gospel . . . I know, it's about time ! Tune in and move to the grooves of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson and the Staple Singers.

Gospel Grooves Happenings

Last Week
LAST SUNDAY we featured music from Ladysmith Black Mambazo from their CD Ladysmith Black Mambazo Congratulations South Africa The Ultimate Collection. It is a double CD: the 1st CD has traditional and contemporary themes and the 2nd some fantastic gospel/spiritual music. Check it out !

Contemplative Thought for the Week
'If one desires a change, one must be that change before that change can take place.' Gita Bellin

A Guide for the Advanced Soul Susan Howard

Gospel News
# Advance Notice: A series of gospel concerts at Collins Street Baptist church in October. Watch this space !

If you have info on upcoming community concerts please let us know: gospelgrooves@joy.org.au.

Playlists
On past programs we have showcased music from:

Mavis Staples - We'll never turn back
Various Artists - Gotta Serve Somebody: Gospel Music of Bob Dylan
Sweet Honey in the Rock - sacred ground
Vika and Linda - Tell the Angels
Various Artists - South African Gospel
Mary Mary - truthful
Anakulaia - Anakulaia
Paul Capsis with Cafe at the Gates of Salvation - Paul Capsis Live


Future Programs
On Sunday the 24th we’ll have Michael Kelly back to talk about what happened in Sydney during world youth day a month or so ago.

In later programs we hope to have a representative from Changing Attitudes to comment on the Anglican Church scene which has been in the news lately.

Out and Black will also come on to GG to talk about indigenous spirituality and sexuality. Should be a great program !

If you have any ideas on speakers or topics for future programs send us an email. You may also know some great gospel artists you would like us to play gospelgrooves@joy.org.au.

GG BLOG UPDATED EVERY MONDAY