So What is Kirtan?

Kirtan is an ancient Indian practice of chanting the many divine names of God.  Just as a tree has many leaves or a flower has many petals yet they are still one so to is God.  The names we chant are a prayer a calling to the various aspects of the Divine.  Some names represent the Mother, others the Father.  Some names represent the Divine as the remover of obstacles, or the embodiment of total Love and Devotion.  Each name is infused with so much power and so much energy.  It is said that there is only one thing more powerful than God and that is the name of God; because even God must answer when the Divine Name is called.

This practice is considered to be Bhakti Yoga.  Bhakti is the yoga of the heart.  It is the path of devotion.  When one practices Bhakti they allow themselves to totally surrender and open to the Divine in whatever form is most appealing.  Some look upon God as a Loving father while others see God as the Mother of all things.  You can look to God as a friend, or even a lover.  When you become a true bhakta of the Divine you open yourself up to states of such sweetness and tender joy that can only be experienced in the deepest depths of your being.

While Kirtan originated in the traditions of India it is not limited to people of  Indian descent or Hindus.  God understands the love and intention behind the words which we sing and offer.  This makes the practice of Kirtan open and accessible to everyone irregardless of their spiritual background.

What To Expect at the Program:

We want to showcase all of the great Kirtan Artists in our area as well as give all participants the opportunity to experience ecstatic states of Bhava or Spiritual Ecstasy.  To this aim we have laid out a general structure of the program to allow for people to get the most benefit of this beautiful practice.

Upon arrival anyone that wishes to perform should check in with the event coordinator and let them know of your intention to perform.  All performers are welcome to bring along any CDs of their own personal music they wish to offer to the group for a nominal donation or promotional materials for upcoming events. Kindly provide your own instruments and if you have extras please bring them along to share.  We want to create a space that will allow everyone to participate. This event is about co-creating an experience of the highest vibration.  During the performance portion of the program performers are asked to refrain from speaking about themselves and keep the focus and intention on the prayers and mantras.

 We will begin the evening with the chanting of AUM followed by a brief moment of silence to allow ourselves to become centered and present.  It is at this time that you may offer any prayers or intentions for the Highest Good of All Beings.  Once the program begins all talking should be kept to a minimum in order to preserve the meditative atmosphere.

To to allow for the highest energy possible to be generated by this practice we will start the evening with slower paced songs building to fast paced lively and active songs.  Once we reach the apex of the evening we will transition to songs of a slower more meditative nature. Once the music has subsided we will take a few moments for silent reflection.

At the conclusion of the performance portion of the program there will be plenty of time for people to share their experience and socialize.  We are here to create community so please stick around and get to know your new friends.  Refreshments will be provided but if you wish to offer a potluck style dish you are more than welcome to do so.

  This event is always free of charge however Donations are Greatly Appreciated to help support the space

Click Here if you would like to Join this Event on Meetup.com