Chant master

USA - Considered by many the "chant master of American yoga," Krishna Das, performs his traditional chants - the spiritual practice of kirtan, chanting the names of the divine masters - in live events 200 times a year.

In the past, he has collaborated with such notables as Sting, and Mike D of the Beastie Boys. "The way I do it, it is not a religious practice, but a spiritual one," he says. On his current tour, he is sharing a bill with Deva Premal and Miten.

From churches to yoga studios, all of his performances are audience-participation events. His background is an interesting one. At one time, he played with an early version of Blue Oyster Cult in New York City and began yoga and meditation with other seekers like Ram Das.

This month he releases a new album titled "Heart As Wide As The World." Krishna Das emphasizes, "One of the things chanting does is to give a very immediate sense of release from the daily grind."