Diwali special: What happens when a chance encounter changes the direction of your life forever? In 1996, Nina Rao attended a yoga retreat in New York, where she heard Krishna Das chant for the first time. What began as an unexpected experience became a spiritual journey spanning nearly 30 years.
In this special episode of Dream With Neeraj, Nina Rao shares her journey with Krishna Das, her connection with Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), and her deeply personal experiences with Siddhi Ma at Kainchi Dham. From discovering the power of kirtan to recording the beloved Nina Chalisa for Krishna Das’s album Flow of Grace, Nina reflects on the experiences that shaped her understanding of devotion, surrender, and the guru-disciple relationship. In this conversation, we explore:
How Nina Rao first met Krishna Das in 1996.
What Krishna Das is like beyond the stage.
The untold story behind Nina Chalisa and Flow of Grace.
Nina’s first visit to Kainchi Dham and meeting Siddhi Ma.
The spiritual teachings of Neem Karoli Baba.
Whether we choose our guru or our guru chooses us.
The power of mantra chanting, kirtan, and daily spiritual practice.
Finding inner peace, healing, and learning to surrender.
Nina’s perspective on failure, intuition, and living with compassion.
A special Om Namah Shivaya chanting moment with Neeraj.
This conversation is more than a discussion about music or spirituality. It’s about finding a path that brings us closer to ourselves through devotion, awareness, and consistent practice. Sometimes the journey isn’t about finding something new. It’s about remembering what has always been within us.