What is the mission of Cool Media, LLC?

Cool Media, LLC is an online magazine devoted to music, culture, books, tech, and ideas that challenge and inspire. We celebrate innovation, thoughtfulness, and connection.

What kind of content can I expect?

You'll find essays on music legends, deep dives into education, technology reviews, meditative practices, and tributes to underappreciated cultural icons.

Touching Pain with Love

My friends and Ram Dass brothers at Kripa and Mahesh Das made a short video about a jewel of caregiving:
Touching Pain with Love.

Upcoming Events

Ram Dass swimming with Jon Vasu Seskevich in Maui

Walking the Path, a Nursing Path to Wholeness

Jon Seskevich, AKA "Vasu" has spent his life walking a path that unites science with spirit, caregiving with consciousness. A beloved nurse, teacher, and longtime student of Ram Dass, Jon brought mind, body healing and spiritual awareness into the heart of modern medicine. His work at Duke University Medical Center and across North Carolina has touched thousands—patients, professionals, and seekers alike—through workshops, Healing Touch therapy, stress reduction classes, and loving presence. Among his most devotional offerings is a deeply personal recording of the Hanuman Chalisa in English, described by Nina Rao as “an offering into which our friend Jon has poured his heart, soul, voice, and energy”—a translation-interpretation not in Avadhi, but in love’s own universal language.

Jon "Vasu" Seskevich is a recipient of the Great 100 in NC Nursing award in 2005-06. He was nominated for the Fetzer Foundation Norman Cousins’ Mind/Body Medicine Award in 1996. In 1998, he received the Friends of Nursing “Excellence in Nursing Practice” award, and the “Alumnus of the Year” award from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Alumni Association in 1997. Jon has given over 300 presentations, lectures, workshops, and classes that teach stress reduction, mind-body, and complementary therapies to hospital patients, healthcare professionals, community and church groups, as well as high school and college students. He is the founder and president of the Flying Monkey Programs, which sponsors mind-body-spirit educational workshops and seminars in North Carolina. All of Jon’s programs are designed to help nurses, doctors, health care professionals, and peacemakers deliver more compassionate care to patients, families, and communities. Jon is a Certified Practitioner of Healing Touch therapy and is responsible for bringing this healing therapy to North Carolina through more than twenty workshops and seminars in the early 1990’s. Jon began his meditation practice in 1972. In 1975, at age 23, he started his training as a teacher of meditation and healing under the mentorship of meditation expert, psychologist, spiritual teacher, and writer, Ram Dass (Richard Alpert, Ph.D.), who wrote about Jon in 1996:“His recognition of the need for both a spiritual dimension in healing work and grounded, responsible social action in spiritual work has defined his career in nursing. To that career he has brought a creative energy for integrating, in mind-body healing, meditative practices with stress reduction, healing touch with traditional nursing practices, and a spiritual perspective for patients facing traumatic illness.”“The integration of spiritual dimensions in his work is very personal for Jon. His inner work takes the form of being fully present for both patients and fellow staff members, and offering a very warm, heart-full human dimension to what are too often impersonal medical procedures.”“Jon is truly a brilliant example of compassion in action. He not only serves his patient community, but seems tireless in his willingness to share and teach, and to explore innovative techniques for humanizing nursing for nurses and patients alike.” Ram Dass (Richard Alpert, Ph.D.)

Who is Jon Seskevich, RN, BSN, BA, CHTP

Seskevich was a nurse clinician at
Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. Since
1990, this trailblazer in mind-body and mind-body-
Spirit healing modalities provided a highly regarded
inpatient stress and pain management education and
consultation service. He worked throughout the
medical center with patients who have complex and
challenging health conditions. During his career at the
hospital, Jon also served as a resource for the staff in
dealing with the challenges inherent in the health care
world of today.

Jon is an entertaining, insightful, and inspiring
speaker and is widely recognized as a leader in the
education of stress management, relaxation
techniques, building resiliency, mind-body, and other
holistic therapies to health care professionals, hospital
patients, community, church groups, and college
students. Throughout the years, he has provided over
400 presentations, lectures, workshops, and classes.
Jon is a Certified Practitioner of Healing Touch
therapy and is responsible for bringing this touch
therapy to North Carolina through more than twenty
workshops and seminars in the early 1990s.
Jon has received quite a few recognitions over the
course of his career.

This Tar Heel grad recently received a Duke Blue Devil of the week award

He has received a Great 100 in NC Nursing award in
2006. In 1998, he received the Friends of Nursing,
"Excellence in Nursing Practice" award, and the
"Alumnus of the Year" award from the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing,
Alumni Association in 1997. Back in 1996, Kevin
Sowers nominated him for the prestigious Fetzer
Foundation Norman Cousins' Mind/Body Medicine
Award. (link to request a presentation page)
Jon began his meditation practice in 1972. InIn
1975, at age 23, he started his training as a teacher of
meditation and healing under the mentorship of the
meditation expert, psychologist, spiritual teacher, and
writer, Ram Dass (Richard Alpert, Ph.D.), who wrote
About Jon in 1996:

"His recognition of the need for both a spiritual
dimension in healing work and grounded, responsible
Social action in spiritual work has defined his career
In nursing. To that career, he has brought a creative
energy for integrating, in mind-body healing,
meditative practices with stress reduction, healing
touch with traditional nursing practices and a spiritual
Perspective for patients facing traumatic illness.

"The integration of spiritual dimensions in his work is very personal for Jon. His inner work takes the
form of being fully present for both patients and fellow
staff members, and offering a very warm, heartfelt
human dimension to what are too often impersonal
medical procedures."

🌟 Coming December 2026

40,000 Mantras

Navigating Uncertainty & Stress Management

By Jon Vasu Seskevich

As a nurse clinician at a major academic medical center in Durham, North Carolina, Jon taught mantra meditation to more than 40,000 hospitalized patients. His new book brings that experience to anyone facing stress, uncertainty, or a long wait for answers.

The meaning and practice of mantra, and how it helps us release unwanted thoughts
Mind-body medicine research on self-selected mantra meditation
How to choose a mantra that fits your beliefs, secular or spiritual
Lessons from a lifelong practice with Ram Dass, as teacher, mentor, guru brother, and friend
Practical teachings for coping with “waiting and not knowing”

Publication details to come.

Cover and book details courtesy of Jon Vasu Seskevich.

Contact Jon

ram1008@hotmail.com

Jon Seskevich

Recording Artist, Public Figure

Jon-Vasu-Seskevich-ATC yesenia_bocanegra Photograher

Jon Seskevich Hanuman Chalisa at the Psychedelic Social Club

Jon "Vasu" with Raghu Markus

Raghvindra Das/Mitchell Markus, Executive Director of Love Serve Remember Foundation

The Love Serve Remember Foundation is dedicated to preserving and continuing the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. The foundation facilitates the continuation of these teachings through online courses, blog content, films, podcasts, social network channels, and collaborative projects with conscious artists and musicians.

Raghu Markus spent two years in India with Maharaji and Ram Dass. He has been involved in music and transformational media since the early 1970s when he was the program director of CKGM-FM in Montreal. In 1974 he collaborated with Ram Dass on the box set Love Serve Remember. In 1990 he launched Triloka Records and Karuna Music in Los Angeles, California. Triloka established itself as a critical leader in the development of world music and for 17 years was home to such artists as Krishna Das, Hugh Masekela, Walela, Jai Uttal, and transformational media projects that featured Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, and Les Nubians. He owns Yatra Media and lives in Ojai, CA.

Meet Jon Seskevich

Nina Rao says:

Our friend Jon Seskevich has poured his heart, soul, voice, and energy into this offering and the Hanuman Chalisa not written in the Indian avadhi language but the English translation-interpretation. ?

Upcoming Events

Maharaj Ji's English Hanuman Chalisa by Vasu Jon Seskevich (sung slow).

English Hanuman Chalisa words below.

Maharaj-Ji, Neem Karoli Baba, planted a seed in 1971 that bears fruit in this video. This is an exploration of the beloved Hindu prayer the Hanuman Chalisa through an English translation he requested. Here Jon Vasu Seskevich shares a 6 month Yatra, (spiritual journey), with the extended practice of this great mantra that is said to have the power to change fate. Satsang friends Ram Govinda & Kripa contributed all through the Yatra, & the making of this video. Neem Karoli Baba Kee JAI. Hanuman Chalisa by Tulsidas. Forty verses in praise of Śrī Hanumān. English translation by Sadhu Ramdas Lamb at Neem Karoli Baba’s request in Vrindavan 1971 The radiant form of the son of the wind eliminates all causes of afflictions. With the pollen of the Guru’s lotus feet, I cleanse the mirror of my heart and sing the pure virtues of Lord Raghuvir, the bestower of life’s four fruits. Knowing this body to be lacking in wisdom, I meditate on the Wind God’s son. Give me strength, wisdom, and intelligence, remove my faults and afflictions. Hail the refuge of the feet of Sita and Ram

1) Hail Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue, the awakener of three worlds, Monkey lord Hail to you.

2) Unmatched in power, the messenger of Ram, Anjani’s offspring, the Wind God’s son.

3) Valiant Mahavir, body like lightning, dispeller of ignorance, inspires good thinking.

4) Golden colored body, clothing so fair, with rings in your ears, and very curly hair.

5) Lightning bolt in one hand, banner in the other, sacred grass thread worn across your shoulder.

6) Avatar of Shiva, Kesari’s delighter, your radiant glory is adored the world over.

7) Storehouse of knowledge, virtuous and clever, absorbed in Ram’s work, tiring never.

8) Ever immersed in the stories of Sri Ram, you’re present in the heart of Sita, Ram, Lakshman.

9) Donning a minute form, you appeared to Sita, then in giant form, you burned down Lanka.

10) Mightily destroying demons everyone, ever fulfilling the work of Lord Ram.

11) Bringing sacred herb to revive Lakshman, you received a joyous embrace from mighty Sri Ram.

12) Raghupati lovingly extolled your merit, saying, “You’re as dear to me as brother Bharat.”

13) It would take a thousand mouths to sing your praises, saying so Lord Ram held you in his embrace.

14) Sanaka, all sages, and even Lord Brahma, Narada, Sarada, along with Ahisha.

15) Yama, Kubera, and others try to praise you. How can a poet ever hope to describe you?

16) Doing for Sugriva a very great thing, you brought Ram to him who made him a king.

17) Vibhishan listened closely to your word, became Lord of Lanka, known throughout the world.

18) Traveling many miles, you went to the sun, thinking it a fruit to eat when you were young.

19) Holding in your mouth Lord Ram’s precious ring, you sailed across the sea which is not at all surprising.

20) Difficult work wherever it may be, by your kind blessings is done so easily.

21) At the door of Ram, you are the guardsman, no one can enter without your permission.

22) All joy is gained by those in your shelter. What is there to fear when you are protector?

23) Such is your power only you can handle, hearing your roar the three worlds tremble.

24) Ghosts & evil spirits can never come near, to one who repeats the name of Mahavir.

25) All illness is dispelled, and suffering is gone, by constant repetition of thy name, Hanuman.

26) By Hanuman’s grace from all troubles freed, for those who remember you in thought, word, and deed.

27) Greatest of all is Ascetic King Ram. All of whose works you have easily done.

28) Whoever comes to you with any desire, receives the highest fruit of eternal nectar.

29) In all four ages your glory is sung. Your fame enlightens the whole of creation.

30) For Saints and Sages, you are protector, beloved of Ram, demon’s destroyer.

31) You can bestow all perfections and power; the boon was given to you by Janaki's Mother.

32) You know the essence of devotion to Ram; in his service, you will ever remain.

33) By devotion to you the Lord is attained, freedom from lifetimes of suffering is gained.

34) At the time of death, the Lord’s abode is won, any rebirth will be of pure devotion.

35) Remembering any other deity is needless, devotion to Hanuman brings all joy and bliss.

36) Sufferings are dispelled, rebirth cycle cut, for those who remember almighty Hanumat.

37) Lord of my senses, Hanuman hail to you! Bestow thy grace as does the Guru.

38) For those who sing this, one hundred times, all bonds are broken, the highest joy they find.

39) For those who read the Hanuman Chalisa, perfection is attained, the witness is Shiva.

40) Tulsidas, the eternal servant of the Lord, prays, “Make my heart, Lord, thy abode.” Son of the Wind God, dispeller of distress, most auspicious in form, with Sita, Ram, and Lakshman, please make my heart into your home. The radiant form of the son of the wind eliminates all causes of afflictions.

Old news story about Duke Medicine, a leader in Mind/Body Medicine. Jon performs Healing Touch

Casey Cloninger shares about pain-relieving benefits from his Healing Touch sessions at Duke University Lung Transplant Clinic in the late 1990s with Jon Seskevich. Dr. Ralph Snyderman, Dr. Harold Koenig, Laura Blue, Ruth Hamilton, and others are seen in this national news story from the end of the century.

What Works for Stress

Jon Seskevich RN - Topic

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby What Works for Stress · Jon Seskevich RN Stress Management ℗ 2008 Jon Seskevich Released on: 2008-01-01

Neat Hanuman Chalisa

Provided to YouTube by CDBaby

Neat Hanuman Chalisa · Jon Seskevich & AC Bushnell

BlueGrass Kirtan

℗ 2008 Jon Seskevich & AC Bushnell

Released on: 2008-01-01

$229,000

118 Don Felipe Way, Ojai, CA 93023 beautiful Orange Grove community

2beds

2baths

1,040sqft

Spacious primary suite
Scenic views
Updated windows
Large walk-in closet
Higher ceilings
Beautiful mountain views
Newer deck

Enjoy comfort, charm, and beautiful mountain views in this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offering approximately 1,040 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Featuring higher ceilings, vinyl plank flooring, and updated windows including a large picture window that fills the home with natural light this residence is both inviting and functional.The spacious primary suite offers a large walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, while the guest bathroom includes a convenient tub.

Now, Jon’s Mantra Meditation: Navigating Uncertainty & Stress Management.