Mantra and Kirtan are part of a Bhakti yoga practice, the path of Devotion. Through breath and voice, the yogi seeks to connect with the Divine and fall in love. Chanting and singing simple mantras and prayers creates in the practitioner the vibrations needed for connection to his or her Higher Self. It is both meditation and joyful noise!
We will keep to very simple mantras in the class that will be delivered in a call and response format: the leader sings and the group follows after, back and forth. It is a repetitive practice done long enough that the group can easily learn the words and tune and then fall into heart space. No singing expertise is needed.
Introductions to the mantra will be provided as well as chant sheets to read. Questions about the words or history are welcomed. The instrument accompanying us will be a harmonium or shruti box. Famous chanters and Kirtan Wallahs: Krishna Das, Deva Premal, Sean Johnson, Jai Uttal—you likely have heard them in your classes.