“A mantra is a mystical formula that’s made up
of sounds, and they’re very specific in
their effect on the energy system.”
A mantra is a mystical formula that’s made up of sounds, and they’re very specific in their effect on the
energy system.
– Deva Premal
Click here to get to an Overview of all of John David’s Interviews with Spiritual Masters
I have been drawn to Deva Premal and Miten’s music, and particularly the power of mantra (sacred sound), for many years. I wanted to include them in the book as I feel there is more than music happening in their concerts. They give Western audiences a masterful display of the way of the Heart through devotion to their master Osho, to each other and to all in their audience. They are delightfully human beings. Many have been deeply touched. Me too!
– John David
Questions and Answers
Seekers often have curious ideas about the enlightened state. Please describe your typical day and how you perceive the world.
It appears essential to meet a guru and stay with that guru. Who is the guru? What is the guru’s role? How to recognise a true guru?
What about Destiny? Do you expect things to simply happen or are you expressing your free will and choosing?
Are there any qualifications for enlightenment? Is sadhana (spiritual practice) necessary? If yes, what form do you advise?
Are there any qualifications for enlightenment? Is sadhana (spiritual practice) necessary? If yes, what form do you advise?
Many Western seekers come to India looking for enlightenment as if it is an experience, What is enlightenment?
Sri Ramana proposed the fundamental question, ‘Who am I?’- Who are you?
Deva Premal and Miten’s teachings focus on the transformative power of music and mantra, promoting healing and spiritual awakening. Their journey is rooted in devotion to their master, Osho, and the spiritual practice of embracing presence through sound. Their concerts are likened to spiritual gatherings or Satsang, where the audience is invited to connect deeply with the heart through mantra chanting. This approach encourages a surrender to the present moment and the experience of stillness, transcending traditional performance into collective meditation.
The couple’s philosophy intertwines love, healing, and spiritual unity. They emphasize the importance of living authentically and in harmony with oneself and others. Their teachings inspire seekers to shift from performing for external validation to engaging in activities that nourish the soul and encourage spiritual openness.
Deva Premal and Miten also believe in using music as a path to enter states of meditation and prayer. Mantras, rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, are their tools for promoting inner peace and dissolving ego. The act of chanting together fosters a deep communal bond that transcends language and cultural barriers, reflecting a universal human connection.
Their practices are enriched by their life experiences and devotion, which align with a broader lineage of spiritual traditions influenced by Sri Ramana Maharshi’s teachings on self-enquiry and Papaji’s Advaita philosophy. The intention is to help individuals awaken to their essential nature and experience freedom through a heartfelt, shared practice.
In their concerts and teachings, they invite people to participate fully, transforming their sessions into shared experiences of surrender, acceptance, and oneness. This inclusivity reflects their belief that everyone has the capacity for spiritual connection and transformation, grounded in the simplicity and power of sound and silence.
John David has been interviewing fourteen European Spiritual Masters. The result is a compendium of astonishing wisdom about the biggest secret of all times: the Nature of our True Self and how to realise it.
This book answers all questions of the spiritual search and is for everyone who has an inner passion to find out who they are.
Fascinating dialogues and stories of Ramana Maharshi recorded by Sri Gajapathi Aiyyer in the summer 1936, at Ramana Ashram.
Vichara offers a fresh and focused exploration of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi’s most profound teaching: Self-enquiry.
Sharanagathi explores Bhagavan’s direct and powerful path of dissolving the ego through surrender.
Biography
Born in 1970 in Nürnberg, Germany, Deva Premal grew up in a musically inclined and spiritually open family. Her father introduced her to Sanskrit mantras as lullabies, sparking her lifelong connection to sacred music. Blending classical music training with meditative practices, she developed a unique path that combined spirituality and artistry.
Miten, born Andy Desmond in 1947 in England, achieved success as a singer-songwriter in the 1970s, performing with renowned artists like Fleetwood Mac and Lou Reed. Despite his accomplishments, he felt unfulfilled and left the music scene to join Osho’s ashram in India, where his life took a deeply spiritual turn.
Deva Premal and Miten met at Osho’s ashram in Pune, India, in the 1990s. Their shared passion for music and spirituality brought them together, forming both a personal and professional partnership. Merging their talents, they began creating music that reflected their combined spiritual journeys.
Deva and Miten’s music uniquely blends ancient Sanskrit mantras with modern influences. Their debut album The Essence (1998), featuring the “Gayatri Mantra,” launched their global recognition. Over the years, they have released numerous albums, offering devotional and meditative music that inspires worldwide audiences.
Deva Premal & Miten emphasize the healing power of mantra chanting, creating transformative, meditative experiences in their concerts. Deeply influenced by Osho’s teachings, their work fosters love, joy, and presence. Their music has reached beyond spiritual communities, becoming a staple in yoga and meditation practices globally.
The duo, often joined by bansuri master Manose, has expanded their sound and influence. Their music, praised by figures like Eckhart Tolle and the Dalai Lama, continues to inspire mindfulness and connection. Through their art, Deva Premal & Miten have become leading voices in sacred music, offering a bridge between spiritual traditions and modern audiences.
“You can’t sing with a closed heart. You just can’t do it. And if you try, as soon as you start singing, your heart just naturally opens more and more.”
– Deva Premal
