Category Archives: Uncategorized

Our 25th Annual Rumi Celebration

By davidschmit | Published: December 16, 2025

We did it again!  Our Annual Rumi Celebration honoring Sufism’s greatest poet, Jelalludin Rumi, with the Wild Moon Bhaktas, Hakim Bushnell and Rev. Ted Tollefson.  This program features music, chanting, an open mic so people can share their favorite Rumi poem and more.  The band introduced our newest player that night, William Lyles, drums and […]

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William Lyles – New Wild Moon Bhaktas member

By davidschmit | Published: December 16, 2025

The band has a new player joining on drums and percussion: William Lyles, III.  William is a well traveled and seasoned musician with five decades of experience performing music in a variety of settings.  His passion for world music has led him into creative projects, including playing with the  Indian-American group Preetya and Sameer.  He […]

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Deep Source Experience – Sunday Morning, November 30, 2025

By davidschmit | Published: December 12, 2025

Wild Moon Bhaktas’ founder and bandleader, David Schmit, along with master drummer and percussionist William Lyles III, unveiled Deep Source Experience on the morning of November 30, 2025, at Tula Yoga in St. Paul.  This was a revision and refinement of what was formerly called Becoming Whole. Deep Source Experience features guided meditation with live […]

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Upcoming Rumi Celebration

By davidschmit | Published: December 4, 2025

On December 13, 2025, we will be offering our 25th Annual Rumi Celebration! For 25 years we have been gathering in the second week of December to celebrate the famed Sufi poet Jelalludin Rumi’s Urs, or death day.  In the Sufi tradition, one’s death day is special because they hold that is when union with […]

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Deep Source Experience

By davidschmit | Published: November 14, 2025

(Formerly Becoming Whole) This is a unique program created by Wild Moon Bhaktas’ founder David Schmit. For those who seek self-knowledge and rejuvenation.  Light stretches, yoga nidra, guided meditation, and live music moves you into deepening states.  Experience the depths of Being! Sunday, November 30, 2025, 11:15 am to 1 pm. Tula Yoga,  99 Snelling […]

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Summer Solstice 2025 With the Wild Moon Bhaktas

By davidschmit | Published: August 23, 2025

On June 21, 2025, the band celebrated Summer Solstice for the first time.  We opened the evening with the much loved, Gayatri Mantra.  Here it is with a translation followed by a photo from the evening: The Gayatri Mantra Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dimahi Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayaat We meditate […]

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8th Annual Great Mother Chant

By davidschmit | Published: May 31, 2025

Each year, we continue to dedicate a communal chanting & kirtan event to the Great Mother Power.  This year, on May 10th, we chanted and sang to the Divine Feminine in five different traditions!   With special guest, Minnesota songstress, Barbara Meyer. Below are some images from the evening and the flyer. The following is from […]

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One Minute Pearl of Wisdom

By davidschmit | Published: March 21, 2025

“When the ocean is searching for you, don’t walk to the language-river.  Listen to the ocean, and bring your talky business to an end.”     – Rumi As spiritual searchers, we often focus on our longing, our needs, and our desire for awakening.  In this stanza,  Rumi turns that around, and says, sometimes the ocean is […]

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New Wild Moon Bhakta – Suki Sun

By davidschmit | Published: January 2, 2025

The band is fortunate to have a new member (as of Fall 2024).  Suki Sun, who brings her talents on vocals, violin and harmonium to our group!  She is a fantastic addition, knowledgeable about music, an enthusiastic bandmate, and a sincere aspirant on the spiritual path.  Suki started playing violin in her childhood when she […]

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Coming Up! Our 24th Annual Rumi Celebration

By davidschmit | Published: November 24, 2024

Don’t miss our annual honoring of Sufism’s greatest poet, Jellaludin Rumi. For many contemporary people on the spiritual path, Rumi’s poetry  – despite having lived seven centuries ago –  speaks to their soul.   If you wish,  bring your favorite Rumi poem.  The Wild Moon Bhaktas provide the music and an open mic for you to […]

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  • Upcoming Appearances


  • Saturday, January 24, 2026
    The Wild Moon Bhaktas
    - Communal chanting, kirtan, spiritual music & joy
    7:00-8:45 pm
    Tula Yoga, 99 Snelling Ave. North
    St. Paul, MN 55104
    $15 cash at door
    $18 debit or credit card

  • Americana Kirtana

  • Rumi's Don't Go Back to Sleep

  • Sri Ram Jai Ram Kirtan