Bhagavan Das is a bhakti yogi, a shakta tantra adept, and traveling teacher of Nada Yoga. As a young man, he was the first Western initiate/devotee of the late Hindu saint Neem Karoli Baba, as well as the first American to meet Kalu Rinpoche of the Shangpa Kargyupas lineage. Bhagavan Das is most widely known for being the individual who brought renowned spiritual teacher Ram Dass, then known as Dr. Richard Alpert, to the feet of Neem Karoli Baba. As a young man Bhagavan Das shot to fame in the west after being featured in Ram Dass’ spiritual classic ‘Remember Be Here Now’. The term ‘Be Here Now’ came from Bhagavan Das, who would often say to Ram Dass, “Be Here Now”, to remind him to deepen in presence. BD’S groundbreaking album “Ah” (1971), produced by Jimmi Hendrix’s manager Michael Jeffreys, was the first World Music album from Electric Ladyland. Bhagavan Das also toured with Allen Ginsberg, opened for the Grateful Dead and sang with Bob Dylan. He has recorded many albums (including the album ‘Now’ produced by Mike D. of the Beastie Boys in 2002), and is the author of an autobiography, It’s Here Now (Are You?). At present, Bhagavan Das travels widely throughout the world as an ecstatic performer of traditional and non-traditional Indian bhajans and kirtans. You can connect with his work at www.BhagavanDas.com.
Ram Dass first went to India in 1967. He was still Dr. Richard Alpert, an already eminent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr.Timothy Leary. In India, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name and transformed his consciousness. Soon after returning to America, he wrote the best-selling spiritual memoir and guidebook ‘Remember Be Here Now’, which has influenced generations of spiritual seekers. Subsequent books include The Only Dance There Is; Grist For The Mill (with Stephen Levine); Miracle of Love: Stories of Neem Karoli Baba; How Can I Help? (with Paul Gorman); Compassion in Action: Setting Out on the Path of Service (with Mirabai Bush), Still Here: Embracing Aging, Changing and Dying; One-Liners: A Mini-Manual for a Spiritual Life; Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita.
Ram Dass’s spirit has been a guiding light for three generations, carrying along millions on the journey, helping free them from their bonds as he has worked his way through his own. He now resides on Maui, where he shares his teachings through the internet and through retreats on Maui. His most recent book, “Be Love Now” (co-authored with Rameshwar Das) follows the track of his own heart awakening and his quest to embody the unconditional love that he experienced with his guru Neem Karoli Baba. There is also a wonderful film about his life called ‘Fierce Grace’, produced by Mickey Lemle. You can connect with the legacy of Neem Karoli Baba at www.hanumanfdn.org. You can connect with RD’s beautiful work at RamDass.org.
Jeff Brown (the journeyer in ‘Karmageddon’) is the author of ‘Soulshaping: A Journey of Self-Creation’ (North Atlantic Books, 2009) and the soon to be released book ‘Ascending with Both Feet on the Ground’. He is also the author of the very popular blog ‘Apologies to the Divine Feminine (from a warrior in transition)’. Jeff then wrote another highly popular apology- Apologies to the Sacred Masculine- and an additional gender piece – The Awakening Man (A Portrait of Possibility for Humankind) – that continue to reverberate. Interviewed by CNN Radio and New Dimensions Radio, Jeff has also appeared on the ‘God Talk show’ on Fox News.com. Additionally, he has written a series of Weekly Inspirations for ABC’S Good Morning America and articles for the Washington Post’s On Faith Blog, Insight Magazine (Australia) and The Spirit of Ma’at. A body-centred psychotherapist and former criminal lawyer, Jeff is also the co-founder of ‘The Open Heart Gang’- the benevolent gang with a heartfelt intention that produced ‘Karmageddon’. You can connect with his work at www.Soulshaping.com.
Seane Corn is a leading International yoga teacher and impactful spiritual activist. An inspired communicator, Seane started her career as a vinyasa flow yoga teacher in California more than 15 years ago. In time, however, her role as yoga teacher morphed swiftly into that of conscious activist. In developing a yoga program for Children of the Night, a shelter that houses and educates teenage prostitutes, Corn found herself catapulted into her true life calling. Featured in commercials, magazines and named the National Yoga Ambassador for YouthAIDS, Corn now uses her national platform to bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS crisis. She trains leaders of activism through Off the Mat, Into the World®, an organization she co-founded in 2007. Corn has spent time in India, Asia and Africa working with prostitutes and street children, teaching yoga, providing support and educating them about HIV/AIDS prevention. She is co-creator of the Seva Challenge Humanitarian Tours, which raise money and awareness, as well as build leadership for international communities in need. Corn is the author of three award-winning DVDs on yoga and, most recently, a CD set entitled Detox Flow® Yoga from Sounds True. You can connect with her wondrous work at www.SeaneCorn.com.
Deva Premal and Miten began their journey into love and music in 1990 when they met at an Osho ashram in India. Birthed in the heart of their love for each other and God, their worldwide concerts and best-selling albums have since introduced millions of Westerners to the joy and deep relaxation found in chanting mantras from the Eastern meditation traditions. Their evocative, transcendent albums include Deva’s best-selling debut album- The Essence- and a string of subsequent solo and joint albums that have inspired souls everywhere (The Embrace, Satsang, Love is Space, Dakshina, Password, Songs for the Inner Lover). You can connect with the boundless legacy of their guru- Osho- at www.Osho.com. And you can connect with D & M at www.Devapremalmiten.com.
David Life is a yoga master, author, animal activist, and artist with a commitment to yoga as a path for spiritual activism and activation. He is co-creator, with Sharon Gannon, of the Jivamukti Yoga Method, which emphasizes vinyasa, scriptural study, devotion, prayer, music, chanting, and meditation, as well as animal rights, veganism, environmentalism, and political activism as paths to enlightenment. David is coauthor (with Sharon Gannon) of Jivamukti Yoga and The Art of Yoga. He writes regularly for publications like Yoga Journal and Yoga+ Joyful Living (formerly Yoga International). He teaches the Jivamukti Yoga Method both nationally and internationally. You can connect with David’s work at www.jivamuktiyoga.com.
Wah! is a sensation in the yoga world with her spiritual, Eastern-tinged sound and is recognized by the media as a leader and creative impulse for the yoga community. A trendsetter, spiritual pioneer, and record label founder, she has developed a large and dedicated following after more than 10 years of touring, recording, and releasing records. When she chants, the soul dances. Her mystical relaxation CD Savasana has sold more than 50,000 copies worldwide and continues to draw attention in the yoga community and beyond. Her latest CD, Maa, creates an up-tempo mix of New Age, world music, and ambient electronica, and features instrumentalists from the pop and hip hop worlds. You can connect with her and her music at www.wahmusic.com.
Robert Gass, EdD, has been known for leading edge work in human consciousness and organizational change for more than 30 years. His current work focuses on leadership development and movement building for environmental sustainability and progressive social change. Designer of the Rockwood Art of Leadership trainings, he has trained leaders across North America and currently consults to activist groups such as the Tides Foundation, Rainforest Action Network, and MoveOn.org, as well as leaders in the Obama Administration and Chiefs of Staff in the U.S. Senate.
Co-creator (with his wife and life partner of more than 40 years, Judith Ansara) of the Sharing the Path retreat and Opening the Heart workshops, Robert Gass has offered seminars to more than 100,000 individuals on leadership, relationships, and spirituality worldwide. Also a highly regarded composer and recording artist, Gass has released more than 20 CDs of chant with his renowned singing group ‘On Wings of Song’, including Om Namaha Shivaya and Ancient Mother. He is author of Chanting: Discovering Spirit in Sound. Connect with Robert at www.sacredunion.com.
David Newman (Durga Das) travels extensively, sharing kirtan and Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love. His music embodies a devotional mysticism and deep respect for India’s ancient chant tradition while exploring a variety of modern production methods. He performs with his wife Mira, a celebrated devotional singer, recording artist, and percussionist. He has numerous CDs, including his latest Stars, is the author of Merging With Grace; and is the founder of Yoga On Main in Philadelphia. You can connect with David’s work at www.davidnewmanmusic.com
Karma-Cube is a powerful foam form that can hold the space for the anger we often repress. At once a strange piece of furniture and an opportunity for healing, this is his first film. He has no press clippings to speak of, and no entourage in particular, but we somehow imagine that he will prove to be essential to the healing of the planet. Rather than burying our legitimate anger under a bushel of fear and pre-mature forgiveness, the cube invites it out of hiding, encouraging a healthy and appropriate forum for release and emotional clearing. You can purchase one of your own at Karmageddonthemovie.com/Shop.