OM SAI GURU DEV
Om Sai Guru Dev Namoh Namah
Sadguru Sai-ee Namoh Namah
Mere Guru Dev Namah Namah

Praise to the blessed guru who shines Divine Truth, Purpose, Love and Peace into our lives.

This picture of the Shirdi Sai Baba murti was taken in Shirdi, July 2011. This statue currently resides in Columbus, OH at the home temple of Philip Liptez. 

Om Sai Guru Dev

June 2014 remix of Kali Durge, track 6 on my debut album - Om Dattatreya (2009). Moteur Cite version produced by the amazing Jofus Smith and posse. 

KALI DURGE
Om Mata Kali, Om Mata Durge
Kali Durge Namoh Namah
Om Mata Kali, Namoh Namah. Om Mata Durge, Namoh Namah

An urgent plea to the Divine Mother in her fierce and protective forms. Please show me the energy of creation!

Original track produced by Jeff Ciampa, featuring vocalists Joni Allen and Allie Stringer and tabla wizard Jim Feist. 

Kali Durge Remix ( Moteur Cite).

Downtempo remix of Uma Parvati by DJ Taz. 

Uma - Parvati - Mike - Cohen - Dj - Taz - Rashid - Remix - Short

Illumination blends ancient Eastern mantras and modern Western grooves, masculine and feminine energies and the individual (I) with the collective (We) to create an extraordinary inner experience. As you chant along with the many voices on these tracks, you are invited to relax, listen to others and allow their voices to pull the energy of these potent mantras through your heart. This process creates a profound inner illumination. As your experience ripples outward, it can illuminate others and transform the world - creating a portal to the Satya Yuga (Age of Truth).

Produced by Ben Leinbach at Old Bull Studios in San Anselmo, CA and Jeff Ciampa at Studio Orange in Columbus, OH. Mastered by Hans Christian at Studio 330 in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Illumination features virtuoso guitarist Gawain Matthews, and exquisite vocalists Joni Allen, Allie Stringer and Suzanne Sterling. Front cover art and design by Emily Balivet. Back cover photo by Joy Santos.

Illumination: Soundtrack for the Satya Yuga

Om Shanti Om

Jay Jay Ma

Hanuman Bolo

Shiva Groove

Sita Ram, Sita Ram. Sita Ram, Jay Hanuman. 
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna. Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare. 
Hare Rama, Hare Rama. Rama Rama, Hare Hare. 

Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram Sita Ram Jay Jay Hanuman.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna. Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare. 
Hare Rama, Hare Rama. Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends. 
I Get High With a Little Help From My Friends. 
I Try With a  Little Help From My Friends.

Sita Ram (Soul Version)

Tirupati, a holy city dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is home to the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple. One of the richest temples in the world, it is also one of the most visited temples in the world with close to one hundred thousand pilgrims on an average day. Ecstatic pilgrims hike uphill to reach the temple, then wait in line for hours to experience just a few delicious seconds of deep connection with this profound deity. The energy of the journey is palpable and exquisite, punctuated with joyful shouts of “Govinda.” Before the deity, pilgrims ask Balaji to fulfill their biggest wishes for inner and outer prosperity, many of which are eventually realized. This chant is dedicated to Balaji and taps into the joy and energy found within a beautiful and ecstatic temple devoted to spiritual and material abundance.

Produced by Ben Leinbach (Old Bull Productions). Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (TurtleTone Studio). This track features vocals by Dawnia Dresser (Kirtan Leader Institute), guitar from Gawain Mathews (Mickey Hart), dilruba by Noah Rouse and bass from Rob Fordyce. Choir vocals by Robyn Broyden,  Toni Marinkovich, Sarah Waalkes and Chava Horowitz . All other instruments and vocals by Ben Leinbach. Photo of Mike Cohen, Ben Leinbach and Dawnia Dresser courtesy of Doug Dresser. Album art design by Laina Taylor.  

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna. Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare. 
Hare Rama, Hare Rama. Rama Rama, Hare Hare. 

Hare Krishna. Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare. 
Hare Rama. Rama, Rama, Hare Hare. 

Ram Ram Sita Ram, Ram Ram Sita Ram, Ram Ram Sita Ram, Jay Hanuman. 
Govinda, Govinda Gopala, Govinda, Govinda Gopala.

Balaji's Maha Mantra

Who says Kirtan can’t be funky? This chant to Shiva, Lord of Transcendence, is a fun jam that unites Eastern mantra with Western grooves with altitude and attitude. An invitation to chant, clap and dance, Shiva Jam will get you tapping your toes and scrunching your nose as you integrate Heaven (Spirituality) and Earth (Worldliness). Chant along to get your groove on while opening your heart and lighting up your soul.

Produced by Ben Leinbach (Old Bull Productions). Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (TurtleTone Studio). This track features beautiful vocalists Dawnia Dresser (Kirtan Leader Institute) and Sandy Griffith (Huey Lewis & the News), organist Eric Moon, guitarist Gawain Mathews (Mickey Hart) and bassist Rob Fordyce. Choir vocals by Robyn Broyden, Toni Marinkovich, Sarah Waalkes and Chava Horowitz. All other instruments and vocals by Ben Leinbach. Photo of Mike Cohen, Ben Leinbach and Dawnia Dresser courtesy of Doug Dresser. Album art design by Laina Taylor.

Om Namah Shivaya. 
Shivo Hum, Shivo Hum, Shivo Hum. 
Om Namah Shivaya. Om Namah Shivaya. 
Om Namah Shivaya. Om Namah Shivaya.

Shiva Jam

This Motown flavored anthem is a call to transcend partisanship and tribalism - an appeal to Unity as well as Diversity. You and me, can’t you see? We’re ALL in this together. Let’s bring Awareness (Shiva), Peace (Shanti) and Love (Prema) into our world, right here, right now!

Produced by Ben Leinbach (Old Bull Productions). Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (TurtleTone Studio). This track features beautiful vocalists Dawnia Dresser (Kirtan Leader Institute) and Suzanne Sterling (Off the Mat and Into the World), guitarist Gawain Mathews (Mickey Hart) and funky bassist Rob Fordyce. All other instruments and vocals by Ben Leinbach. Let Love Rule ©Leonard A. Kravitz.  Photo of Mike Cohen, Ben Leinbach and Dawnia Dresser courtesy of Doug Dresser. Album art design by Laina Taylor.  

Namah Shivaya, Namah Shivay. Namah Shivaya. 

Me and You, All Them Too. We’re in this Together. 
You and Me, Can’t You See. We’re in this Together.

Shi, Shi-i-va-ya. Shi, Shi-i-va-ya. Shi, Shi-i-va-ya.
Namah Shivaya. Namah Shivay. Namah Shivaya. 

You and Me, Soulfully. We’re in this Together.
Datta, Lalita. They’re in this Together.

Prema Om. Prema Om. Shanti Om. Shanti Om. 
Shi, Shi-i-va-ya. Shi, Shi-i-va-ya. Shi, Shi-i-va-ya.
Namah Shivaya. Namah Shivay. Namah Shivaya.

Let Love Rule. Let Love Rule. 
Prema, Prema Om, Prema Om. Shanti, Shanti Om, Shanti Om.

Together, Let Love Rule, Let Love Rule. 
When We’re Together, Let Love Rule, Let Love Rule.

In This Together

In an effort to win an epic battle against the forces of negativity, Durga (the goddess of protection) manifests from her brow the fierce goddess Kali. In one famous image, Kali is pictured amidst a background of orange and red flames, wearing a garland of skulls (representing the ego) and holding one that has been freshly chopped. Kali’s unmatched strength turns the tide of battle, repelling the demons of negativity. 

Fearsome Kali finds herself intoxicated by a battle lust that drives her to dance with a force that destroys everything in her path. She overpowers not only the Forces of Negativity, but also the Good, True and Beautiful. Can her rage be quelled before it destroys the world? Kali’s husband Shiva (the Lord of Consciousness) comes and lays down before her. As Kali unknowingly steps on his prone form, Shiva’s loving presence permeates her so fully that her wild energy is transformed from fierce rage into deep passion and love. Her tongue extends, indicating sincere remorse over her unconscious actions.  

The story of Kali and Shiva is particularly relevant now, and in many ways mirrors our current times. As the light of awareness shines on painful examples of masculine shadow, a Kali rage has erupted. How can we regain balance? Kali’s wild passion calls forth Shiva’s unflinching presence. Only his divine masculine consciousness can bear witness so powerfully that her anger can be transformed, allowing a greater love and deeper integration into our world. This passionate chant tracks Kali’s dance of destruction and Shiva’s emergence from meditation. As Shiva envelops Kali with his steady presence an exquisite transformation unfolds through this merging of Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine.

Produced by Ben Leinbach (Old Bull Productions). Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (TurtleTone Studio). This track features beautiful vocalists Dawnia Dresser (Kirtan Leader Institute), Suzanne Sterling (Off the Mat and Into the World) and Lakshmi Devi, frame drummer Ken Matarazzo (The Shakti Groove), cellist James Hoskins (The Shakti Groove), guitarist Gawain Mathews (Mickey Hart) and funky bassist Rob Fordyce. All other instruments and vocals by Ben Leinbach. Photo of Mike Cohen, Ben Leinbach and Dawnia Dresser courtesy of Doug Dresser. Album art design by Laina Taylor.  

Kali Durge, Namoh Namaha. 
Kali Kali Ma, Durge Durge Ma. 

Shivaya Namah Shivaya, Shivaya Namah Shivaya.
Durge Ma, Jaya Durge Ma. Durge Ma, Jaya Durge Ma.
Kali Ma, Jaya Kali Ma. Kali Ma, Jaya Kali Ma.

Om Namah Shivaya. Om Namah Shivaya. Om Namah Shivaya, Om. 
Om Namaha Shivay. Om Namaha Shivay. Om Namaha Shivay, Om.

Kali + Shiva

We invoke the Goddess Lalita, aka the “Divine-est” Mother. Lalita is "Ma Amba” (creator of the entire manifest universe) and is associated with “Sundari” (Beauty). In the spiritual lineage of Sri Kaleshwar Lalita is referred to as “ParaShakti” - the highest and most supreme form of feminine energy. 

Like her male counterpart Dattatreya, Lalita is superordinate. She integrates the polarities of Spiritual/Sensual (Worldly), Masculine/Feminine, Individual/Collective and the energies of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva along with their beloved consorts Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali. This traditional invocation is an invitation to feel fully held and healed by the Unconditional Love of the Divine Mother. 

Produced by Ben Leinbach (Old Bull Productions). Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper (TurtleTone Studio). This traditional mantra features sublime vocal performances by Dawnia Dresser and Samantha Keller (Kirtan Leader Institute) and exquisite instrumental offerings from Noah Rouse Wilson IV on dilruba, sitar and hammer dulcimer. Photo of Mike Cohen, Ben Leinbach and Dawnia Dresser courtesy of Doug Dresser. Album art design by Laina Taylor.

Ma Amba Lalita Devi, Parashakti Sundari. 
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasya Namo Namaha.

Ma Amba Lalita Devi, Mahalakshmi Vaishnavi. 
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasya Namo Namaha.

Ma Amba Lalita Devi, Tvam Brahmani Gayatri. 
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasya Namo Namaha.

Ma Amba Lalita Devi, Parashakti Sundari. 
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasya Namo Namaha.

Lalita Invocation

Shiva Prayer is a deep, heartfelt and tender call for the energy of Shiva, the Lord of Transformation. This sweet and soulful track will calm your mind, open your heart and light up your soul.

Shiva Prayer

Deep and tender, Om Mani Padme Hum is an invitation to be with, rather than avoiding or trying to fix, suffering.

Om Mani Padme Hum

Shiva Waltz + Maha Mantra is a fun jaunt through heart-opening call & response chanting. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Om Namah Shivaya. Om Namah Shivaya
Shivaya Namah Om. Shivaya Namah Om. 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. 
Hare Rama Hare Rama. Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Produced by Ben Leinbach at Old Bull Studios in San Anselmo, CA. Additional recording sessions with John McVey at Cinder Sound Studio in Longmont, CO and Evan Reeves at UI Sound Studios in Boulder, CO. Mastering by Michael Fossenkemper (TurtleTone Studio). Chants for Challenging Times features virtuoso guitarist Gawain Matthews, exquisite vocalists Dawnia Dresser, Sandy Griffith, Samantha Keller, Lucia Lilikoi and Suzanne Sterling. Front cover art is Nataraj by Piyali Chakraborty. Cover design by Shae Riley of SoulPwr Creative.

Shiva Waltz + Maha Mantra

Mike Cohen, MA, founder of Kirtan Leader Institute, loves working with those who feel called to share Kirtan with others, and who possess big ambitions around personal development and contribution through Kirtan. Mike guides his students to build thriving chant communities, lead with power and grace, write compelling original music, tour, play at festivals, create albums and much more.

A life-long musician with 15 years experience developing leaders, Mike created a proven methodology for training and apprenticing Kirtan Leaders based around four relevant domains for leading Kirtan: Musicianship, Embodied Leadership, Community Building and Spirituality. Mike teaches within the discourses of Western and Indian music, Somatics, Integral, Ontology, Enneagram, Embodied Leadership and Dattatreya Spirituality to help Kirtan Leaders build skill and confidence in serving others through the ancient/modern practice of sacred chant. Since 2010 Mike has trained and apprenticed hundreds of aspiring and emerging Kirtan Leaders across the globe.

Mike has released two critically acclaimed albums, and in 2016 will release new music created with legendary producer Ben Leinbach. For over a decade, Mike has toured North America, offering accessible and potent Kirtan events in yoga studios, healing centers and at yoga/chant festivals. Mike lives in Boulder, CO where he leads Kirtan, trains Kirtan Leaders and offers coaching, training. leadership development and mediation services.

Mike Cohen

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