Let's Be an Instrument for Krishna/Harinam Standards
BY: PARASURAM DAS
Jun 12, 2013 — UK (SUN) —
By having an Irish body, I was blessed with a little brain,
The standards of Harinams in London, I will try to explain.
Srila Prabhupada once wrote:
"Regarding Kirtan party; my idea is that at least one dozen persons should form a kirtan party.
Two persons play mrdangas, eight persons play karatals, one person playing tambora and
one person playing melodious harmonium. The person who will play on the tambora will be leader singer"
(from letter to Hamsadutta, 4th Feb 1968)
The harmonium is played horizontally and the accordion is played vertically (no sound difference).
The Indian tambora is played vertically and the European tambora is played horizontally, as can be seen from the video. (the European tambora is also available in America in most Indian music stores, as the receipt shows.)
Don't get us wrong
don't take offence
if our choice of instrument
to you don't make sense
With the European tambora
clutched to my chest
I give out the mantra
I'm trying my best
Whatever sounds pleasing
to the ear of the crowd
should be utilised
melodic and loud
And without further ado
I take a straw between my teeth
I bow down again and again
at your lotus feet
Srila Prabhupada had no problem playing the bongo and he certainly engaged the harmonium (a recently invented French instrument) in the Lord's service. Kirtan standards in the temple room is another story, and what mantras we should chant is another more important story. And is Parasuram das trustworthy or not, is another story.
