On a random Saturday night at the revitalized Brentwood Country Mart at 26th and San Vicente, one might be bewildered by the sudden appearance of an intergenerational entourage toting pillows and water bottles upstairs.
So what’s up? Or what’s going down?
Steve Ross is hosting one of his signature evening chants. When the buzz subsides, the slender former guitarist who had at one time toured with Fleetwood Mac, and the man Vanity Fair dubbed “Guru to the Stars†welcomes his guests.
To the uninitiated, Ross may be described as irreverent, practicing yoga to the beat of a different drum. Others have discovered an accessible sanctuary and a unifying camaraderie in his studio, on his retreats, in his books and recorded music. Those with reception to the Oxygen channel join his daily early a.m. rigor.
To some he’s flip; to others he’s blatantly incisive and interjects unexpected “philosophical†truths and banter as a means of suggesting the value of self-study or reflection. Try integrating “you can’t get lost if you don’t know where you’re going†or “don’t just do something, stand there†.
Ross’s voice and range register somewhere between a lullaby and a prayer. He believes that chants are a pathway to bliss, to feeling the deep ecstatic joy, “ananda†, and the unconditional happiness that comes from within. His chants or songs evolve from the Sanskrit fifty-letter alphabet or heart language, which is thought to have powerful healing qualities and transformational energy.
Most “enchanting evenings†begin with three collective resounding recitations of the sacred syllable OM. The palpable vibration establishes the transition from the monkey mind to being present and awake in the Now and thereby experiencing these liberating and illuminating moments. In the Ayurvedic tradition the chanting is credited with lowering blood pressure, slowing the heart rate, and assisting the body into producing natural painkillers.
The melodies and the range of Steve’s voice as he strums his guitar to percussionist’s accompanying rhythms are spellbinding and infectious. They’ve been known to induce spontaneous dancing and clapping.
Among the most popular of the chants is the one Ross announces as “the airport chant†. Chuckles usually jump start rounds of “Hare Krishna†that gather in intensity and release an extraordinary energy.
Steve, a yogi for 30+ years, mixes several musical styles from pop to hip hop to accompany his unique asana flow classes whose spiritual roots are in the Vedic tradition.
Ross recounts his unfathomable reaction to being held hostage during a terrorist’s attack in Mumbai in 2008. “I looked outside and knew that was not a choice; so I showered and meditated each day until it was safe to exit my hotel room†Strange to some, he reported feeling a novel bliss in surrendering to what was.
Ross’s eyes seem presently elsewhere, as if he’s recalling an Indian street scene. He remarks on the dichotomy between our two lifestyles and purports that those whose foods are “measured†, whose homes are ramshackle, whose prospects are narrowed, seem to have the capacity to transcend these ‘inconveniences†.
What a resounding and courageous course of action to make one whole again. His “Happy Yoga†principles resonate with his philosophy. Taken from the cover: “you can’t get happy; you can only be happy†, “you’re not your daily grind†.
Come and enjoy an upcoming “enchanting†evening.
Steve’s website is: www.steveross,com/steve Or visit at 13050 San Vicente 2nd floor #202 L.A. 90049 * 310-899-0047
