Mrdunga vs. Djembe
BY: ISVARA DASA
May 13, AFRICA (SUN) — What Locanananda Prabhu wrote on the above subject has no factual basis. It is a complete fabrication. I think Locanananda Prabhu has to travel more to various parts
of the world, observing other cultures before he starts making his comments. His
comments on Djembe drums were made out of his own bias towards certain
cultures.
Nonetheless, Djembe drum is one of the traditional African drums that have been used in celebrations since the beginning of time. Traditionally, Africans celebrate festivals through drumming and dancing, as a way to thank God. Because of the festive nature of these drums, they are very attractive to the inner core of a person and vibrancy in someone. That is why these drums are famous all over the world.
No one denies the divine attribute of a mrdanga. When I joined the movement, the first thing I learned was to play mrdanga. Playing mrdanga came naturally to me because of my cultural upbringing in Africa. The same applies to most African devotees. Srila Prabhupada taught us utility is the principle of Krsna consciousness. There is nowhere you find mentioned in the sastras that only a particular musical instrument can be used in glorifying Krsna. Mrdanga is native to India, so it is natural that kirtans in India are performed with the accompaniment of mrdanga and karatals. On the other hand, harmonium is not native to India. Harmonium was introduced to India by the British. However Srila Prabhupada loved singing with his harmonium.
When Srila Prabhupada started the movement in America, he was using Bongo drums. The famous Hare Krishna Album, the Krishna Mediation, was recorded using Bongo drum. Bongo drums are African. So we need to be careful and thoughtful before we start making all kinds of condemnations.
Of course, there can be regulation as to what types of instruments to play during different kirtans. I personally prefer mrdanga and kartals for early morning programs like Mangal Arati, because of the meditative aspect of those period of the day. However in other kirtans such as Guru puja, street harinams, etc., using a mixture of musical instruments need not be barred.
For Locanananda Prabhu to suggest that Djembe drum is a devil drum is totally baseless. Djembe or any drums can be used to glorify the Lord in the kirtan. I guess because Locanananda Prabhu is an old man, (as most older devotees are), he finds it hard to tolerate the often passionate sounds of the Djembe drums. I don't blame him. Most older people like quietness. Of course, if a person does not know how to properly play Djembe drums, it can create a nuisance environment. I am sure if Locanananda Prabhu heard the authentic Djembe drums from a trained person, he would have a different impression.
Most drums are played by passionate people, therefore the noises are sometimes intolerable. The reality is many ISKCON devotees are young and full of energy. They just want to sing and dance wildly in kirtans. Therefore they want Djembe, which is a very energetic drum. You cannot deny them this privilege of dancing to glorify the Lord. If Djembe was available in India during the time of Lord Caitanya, I am sure the Lord would have encouraged the use of it.
The main thing, as Srila Prabhupada instructed, is that utility is the principle, purity is the force, and books are the basis.
your servant,
Isvara dasa
