D
as, a devotee of the Indian guru Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), spends his time introducing people to the path of devotion. Using his skills both as a guide and as a recording artist, he puts together a beautifully illustrated interpretation and primer to the Hindu literary classic, the Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-line lyrical poem written in praise to the monkey god best known for his limitless devotion. Das briefly shares his own path before giving a lengthy description of the Hindu tradition of the story of Hanuman, though he briefly touches on both the Tibetan and Chinese traditions as well. The explication of the text is very accessible, though a more thorough translation of the Indian words that pepper his writing would make this easier for the completely uninitiated. In addition to the transliteration at the end, one CD provides a well-paced reading of the poem, as well as a line-by-line recording. Most striking is the second CD, which offers a heartfelt chanting of the verses. In his deep, soulful voice (reminiscent of the Crash Test Dummies' lead singer, Brad Roberts), Das shows us all—devotees, seekers and the merely curious—the exquisite beauty of the Hanuman Chalisa. (Aug.)
