LIVING IN SOUND

I'm in the village of Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh, a couple of hours drive from Delhi. Some people have gathered for the memorial of a dear friend, a lady who had a huge impact on a lot of the world through her singing (she recorded with George Harrison in the 70s), with her cooking (she published an international, huge-selling book on vegetarian cooking in the early 80s that is considered still to be "the Bible of vegetarian cooking"), and through her loving relationships (she was the first foreign lady ever to take up the practice of bhakti and the most senior lady in that spiritual tradition's international reach of millions). And she was adored by all. Her name was Yamuna Devi, and she died a year ago. Her memorial services were held in this sacred town, with friends from the world over gathering and remembering her. It is said that one whose lives were an example to others, whose spiritual practices were exemplary, and who chanted the names of the Lord in song and prayer, that they are "living still in sound." In temples the world over, a recording of her singing the morning prayers is played daily at 7am; millions hear her voice annually, and she is living in our hearts, and yes, living still in sound....