Sing Sing Sing
I am bliss!
Song composed in Jaipur, developed in Bangkok, New Delhi and Dharmshala.
I'll postpone
Nirvana
till others
haven’t been
illuminated
from darkness.
I’ll rather wait,
and lose my turn,
while the world is crying.
For there’s no purpose in quick enlightenment
If we
cannot
really
help
the down-trodden
tie up
their
shoe laces
and help them
move into the light!
This song succinctly captures a major philosophical transition that took place many centuries ago, i.e., the transition from the 'selfish' pursuit of knowledge to the selfless practice of compassion till others have attained enlightenment. Thus serving others has been understood to be a means to achieve collective evolution of humanity.
The song is presented in three parts: It is sung in classical and funk style of the 70's in part 1, a slow piece with a tricky fast syncopated rhythms;
in parts 2 and 3 the song presents a long 70's Sly and the Family Stone 'Wanna take you higher', like the funky shout outs within a high energy sitar improvisation.
Nirvana Jam --
A classic from the repertoire of Mahamaya, the compassionate and enlightened Bodhisattva asks the listener to help the other, as, doing this, in the new scheme of things, will be considered to be more effective in solving the problems of humanity than just selfishly pursuing enlightenment.
In this song, the singer, the Bodhisattva asks the listener to help the other. Doing this will be considered to be more effective in solving the problems of humanity than just selfishly pursuing enlightenment.
With long sitar solos, funky rhythms.
Expand our
Circles,
Quicken Compassion!
We need to help everyone
pull up their socks.
We need to help every one
tie their shoe laces.
Kindness
is my
Second Nature!
Acknowledgements
Mixing: Stevan Krakovic
Vocals: Andrijana Jarsvka
Video: Sacred World Research Lab, Dragonmir, Sasikumar, Krishna.
ALBUM REVIEW: Mahamaya – “The Mahamaya Experience”
Written on: June 2nd 2022 by Matthew Bailey
“Postpone my Nirvana”, is easily one of the most eye-catching tracks of Mahamaya .
“Postpone my Nirvana” utilizes a vibrant combination of sitar, rock drums, retro keyboards and lovely female vocals to encourage listeners to postpone your own enlightenment until the suffering of others is dissipated.
But it’s not all verbal philosophy and spiritualism on “The Mahamaya Experience”. On the instrumental side of things, Ranjit explores the musical boundaries of the sitar itself, particularly its association with Hindustani classical music, through some subtle experimentation and improvisational work with ascending and descending scales.
Video Spotlight: Postpone My Nirvana Excerpt no. 2- Mahamaya Experience & Ranjit Makkuni
Published December 29, 2023 | 7:16 pm
7 Min Read
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the captivating visuals accompanying “Postpone My Nirvana, Excerpt no. 2″ by the Mahamaya Experience & Ranjit Makkuni. The Mahamaya Experience offers a riveting blend of world music that pulses with rhythmic vitality and radiates a hopeful essence drawn from the rich musical traditions of South and Southeast Asia. Their work is nothing short of remarkable, weaving together an array of styles and sonorities from the global music ocean of sounds. Ranjit Makkuni stands out as a versatile and inventive artist, whose proficiency on the sitar adds a profound depth to the ensemble.
Postpone My Nirvana, Excerpt no. 2” is a musical tale that spans continents, with its roots in Jaipur and branches reaching out to Bangkok, New Delhi, and Dharamshala. It encapsulates a profound shift in philosophical thought, a transformation that occurred ages ago, where the quest for knowledge evolved into the altruistic exercise of compassion until enlightenment is reached by all. It’s an ode to the collective progression of humanity through the act of serving one another.
The song itself is a mesmerizing blend of melodies that not only pleases the ear but also carries a profound message. And I think, it’s a very beautiful at that. It’s an anthem that celebrates kindness and the act of extending a helping hand to those in need. Complementing the song is a video that captures your attention with its compelling imagery, creating a multisensory narrative that is as impactful as it is beautiful. The result is an immersive experience that is both enriching and inspiring.
The video unfurls with an artistic array of visuals that immediately command attention. Dominating the scene is a circular motif, transitioning from white to gray, reminiscent of a drum symbol, at the center of which lies a vividly colored guitar. This fusion of shapes and hues creates a compelling tableau that is as visually arresting as it is symbolic.
Beneath this central icon, an intricate design unfolds, richly embellished with an assortment of ornamental details such as floral motifs and foliage, hinting at possible gemstone accents. This lavish illustration not only enhances the video’s aesthetic appeal but also reinforces its musical essence. Adding a touch of grace are ballet slippers, which introduce a narrative of dance and movement to this harmonious blend of artistry and music.
And speaking of which, we also see the backdrop of the video maintains the artistic continuity established at the outset, with a lush mosaic of arboreal and floral elements that evoke the enchantment of a secret garden. This verdant scenery enriches the overall tableau, lending an air of mystique and wonder that is serene.
Throughout, the video’s theme is artfully woven with threads of performance and the natural world, merging them into a digital mix that exudes creativity. The eclectic fusion of visuals suggests a rich, musical story, and the resulting collage is an example of a diverse and imaginative musical ethos. This visual feast not only complements the audio but enhances the storytelling, it totally drew me into a world where every note is mirrored by an equally expressive visual element.
The video then introduces us to the core sentiment and one of the lyrical hooks of the song: “we’ve got to help everyone tie their shoelaces.” This line resonates deeply with me; it speaks to the essence of communal support and the nurturing of fundamental life skills. It’s an elegant metaphor for the kind of foundational assistance we owe each other as part of a community – the simple acts that enable us to proceed through life with confidence and stability.
This lyrics encapsulates a philosophy of mutual aid and interconnectedness. It’s a call to action, reminding us that community is about lifting each other up, attending to even the smallest needs, because these are the ties that bind us together, preventing us from stumbling as we walk the path of life.
As the video progresses, a visual symphony of flora unfurls, with each frame blossoming with flowers and petals, and within them, the delicate presence of tiny violet avatars of dancers. These ethereal beings add a layer of mystique and wonder to the scenes. At the heart of this enchanting display is a young girl, attired in a ballet ensemble complete with a tutu, embodying the innocence and grace of a protagonist in a fairytale. She moves amidst a realm that seems to be spun from the threads of fantasy, with ornate accents that might be plucked from the pages of an otherworldly story.
From the poetic imagery of the lyrics to helping one another tie their shoelaces to the dance of the young girl amidst a cascade of flowers and violet avatars, the video illustrates the song’s essence—our interconnectedness and shared journey towards enlightenment. It’s a celebration of community and the simple acts of kindness that propel us toward collective growth.
The use of vibrant visuals, the dance of a child in her ballet costume, and the intricate details of the flowers and avatars all work in harmony to paint a picture of a world where beauty and compassion flourish. The song, with its rhythmic vitality and hopeful lyrics, finds its visual echo in the lush landscapes and the fluidity of the dance, creating a holistic experience that is both uplifting and grounding.
Both the video and the song remind us that the pursuit of personal enlightenment doesn’t have to be a solitary path. Instead, it can be a shared voyage where each act of kindness, each shared piece of wisdom, and each support in life’s simplest tasks, like tying shoelaces, becomes a step forward for all.
Mahamaya Experience uniquely brings together music from South and south-east Asia, bringing these incredible musical cultures together. It offers an virtuosic improvisation resulting in music that is better than AI, as its music is built with humanity and for humanity, ie., helping everyone to overcome suffering caused by excessive technology and the plunder of nature outside.
Expand Your Circles – Mahamaya Experience
(reviewed by Dave Franklin)
March 18, 2023
Even when you expect the unexpected, the music of Mahamaya Experience is still a beguiling and surprising prospect. This time out, it feels as if traditional south Asian sounds are being gently pushed through a free jazz filter to create something that echoes with authenticity but is formless and free, almost an anagram of its musical peers. It also embraces a western funk vibe to merge and meld with the drifting raga which lies at its heart.
But, as is always the case, music is just the vehicle for more profound ideas. Here, the music carries an important message and embraces the shift in some Buddhist teaching which stepped away from the notion of wisdom and self-enlightenment and embraced compassion and universal freedoms. Why, it asks us, should we strive for personal illumination when most will get left behind? Compassion can only lead to enlightenment for all.
Mahamaya Experience makes music which can be approached from any angle you like. Traditionalists will love its progressive nature. World Music fans will enjoy the creative collision of cultures. Those looking for new, eclectic and exploratory music will find something unique and inventive. And if you are after music seated in deep and free-spirited ideology, then you will find the more you play the music, the more it reveals some hidden philosophy to muse and mull over.