This weekend, I will be leading a kirtan with my friend and fellow yoga teacher Brendalee Wilson. I have participated in many kirtans, but this will be my first time taking lead. I am excited! It will take place on Saturday, December 1st, from 5-6pm, at Vraie Nature Yoga in Chelsea, QC. This is a free event, open to everyone in the community.
“Kirtan” is the gathering of people to sing yoga mantras in a call-and-response format: one person (me this time) sings the mantra, and the others echo the mantra back.
We will first talk through the yoga mantras, then dive in and sing them together. The mantras we have chosen are in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. Sanskrit is a unique language, in that the words convey not only a meaning, but also a feeling, or energy. In saying or singing the words, it is most important to notice the feelings that arise. Take, for example, the Sanskrit word “ananda.” The “a” is pronounced like the English “ah.” Say it – “ananda” – let the word resonate in your body and mind, and notice what you feel. For me, “ananda” feels so light, joyful and contented. And its translation is… “bliss”! (Sneak peak: We will chant the mantra “Anandoham” – “I am bliss” – this Saturday.)
As part of the kirtan, Brendalee will lead a japa meditation on the mantra OM. “Japa” is the repetition of a mantra, usually 108 times. It can be done silently or aloud, alone or in a group. We will chant OM continuously 108 times. Why 108 times? I’ll let Brendalee explain on Saturday! Let me just say that it is a powerful experience.
And why chant yoga mantras at all? Kirtan, like all yogic practices, leads us towards an experience of our true Self. Through the mantras, we affirm, invoke and experience aspects of our Self – beautiful, powerful and sacred aspects – that like a treasure, are buried deep within our being, beyond the surface appearance of our daily existence. Even glimpses of this treasure bring us greater clarity, energy, and peace. In the words of Swami Sivananda,
Kirtan gives you strength to face the difficulties in the battle of life; it is a powerful mental tonic. There is a power in every word . . . In this Kali Yoga (Iron age), Kirtan alone is the best yoga; it is the prescribed method of devotion. When the mind is intent on singing the [mantras], worries and stress are released . . . The heart opens and purifies.
(Source: “Kirtan: Sivananda Chant Book”, p.9)
Come and experience kirtan for yourself, this Saturday, 5-6pm, at Vraie Nature Yoga. Just before kirtan, Vraie Nature will be hosting an Open House from 3-5pm. All are welcome!
If you cannot come this Saturday, but are interested in kirtan, Wishingtree Yoga in Kanata is hosting a kirtan on Sunday, December 9th. My kirtan teacher Stewart McIsaac will be leading the chants, and I will be there too.
Join us! Come sing and be merry!