Wednesday 25 November 2009

Ranchor's New Book

Ranchor Prime, well-known to Oxford chanters, for his blissful kirtans, is also a writer and publisher. His interest in conservation, the environment and animal welfare, has led him to write a new book, launched recently in London.

Cows and the Earth is a book about ancient methods of cow-farming, in which cows are enabled to live natural lives and deaths, instead of being slaughtered; and how these are being revived and practised in a Vaishnava community in England. Ranchor presents the case for more compassionate husbandry of dairy cattle, showing how this may ultimately be of benefit to the Earth and to humans, as well as the cows.

A pair of oxen actually attended the book launch in the centre of London, with their good friend Chrissie Hyndes who was also there, and who wrote a foreword to the book.




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Thursday 19 November 2009

Speaking of Pumpkins...



Look at these beautifully carved ones, by Jahnavi! She carved them for a Mantralogy Kirtan in Australia at the end of October. Vastly superior to our humble efforts - she can come and carve ours next year!

The top one is a lotus flower, and the bottom is 'Om' in Sanskrit character.

Jahnavi - a favourite amongst Oxford kirtaniyas - has been touring for many months now, with Gaura Vani and As Kindred Spirits, holding great kirtans in many far-flung parts of the world. I know that, although it has been a wonderful time for her, it has had it's difficulties, being apart from home and family for so long. So Jahnavi, we're routing for you!