Community Kirtan
"Kirtan is for all people. There are no experts, no beginners. The practice itself is the teacher, guiding us to ourselves.
With Kirtan, we create a temple inside the altar of our hearts, a place of refuge, a place of love, and a place of just being." -Jai Uttal
With Kirtan, we create a temple inside the altar of our hearts, a place of refuge, a place of love, and a place of just being." -Jai Uttal
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Kirtan is a devotional practice of mantra singing/chanting which helps us to center, focus and calm our minds, leading us to the space behind the chatter and into the silent stillness of our hearts where we can re-establish our direct connection with The Divine.
I was first exposed to the practice of Kirtan over 20 years ago when I learned about the yoga path known as "Bhakti" (devotion) in which music, mantra and chanting are used as a means to focus attention on connecting with and celebrating Divine Spirit. Over the years my interest and knowledge of the practice has deepened through studying with and accompanying many "Chant Artists" including: Krishna Das, Deva Premal, Wah!, Shyamdas, Bhagavan Das, Russill Paul, Gurunam Singh, Jai Lakshmi, Irene Solea, Shubalananda, Swan Kirtan and many others. In 2010 I co-founded the chant group Kirtonium! which performed at over 100 events and released one full-length CD of original kirtan style music. Since 2021 I have been actively involved in facilitating community kirtan events with my current group: SHANTI KIRTAN While anyone can do kirtan, it is most helpful for the Chant Leader or "Kiran Wallah" to possess a balance of both musical ability and an understanding of spiritual/devotional practice as well as the ability to create and hold Sacred Space that will encourage and empower participants into their own deep experience of connection with the Divine. Over the past 15 years I have had the honor of sharing this beautiful practice at yoga studios, festivals, churches, house concerts and spiritual gatherings throughout New England and the US. "Todd, thank you for sharing your joy, wisdom and musical/spiritual talent by leading us in the experience of kirtan at our annual retreat . It was a beautiful introduction to this sacred practice and you made it accessible and easy for everyone to participate.
The questions everyone's now asking is, "When can we do this again?" - Rev. Patricia Ellen, Abbess, Chaplaincy Institute of Maine "Your kirtan was a powerful and perfect final event for this years Yoga Festival.
Thank you for sharing your amazing gifts and talents." -Heidi Audette, Organizer, Great Falls Yoga Festival "Your Kirtan the other night was so wonderful. I loved the blend of different instruments and sacred sound practices and also your intros and explanations to the songs. Thank you for sharing your special talent and I look forward to doing it again soon!"
- Bill Keller, Portland Community Kirtan |