Kirtan
Joyful and uplifting community chanting for opening the heart and connecting to the divine! Our voices join with the sacred sounds of the classic Kirtan Harmonium played by Paul Coggins, crystal sound healing bowls with Amanda Willis, and Cape Cod’s Leslie Gage leading us with her soulful, expressive voice and guitar.
Together we explore a variety of sacred chants in the divine language of Sanskrit. These chants are natural and easy to follow along with as they take us into a truly meditative collective energy.
The Sanskrit language is composed of sound waves that are believed to have a profound effect on the human body and mind. In essence, sound waves can be used as a form of meditation, and many believe that when Sanskrit mantras are chanted, they can help to bring about balance and harmony in the body and mind.
About
Kirtan~~Group Chanting for inner peace
Kirtan is a Sanskrit word meaning “praise” or “eulogy.” It's also known as sankirtana and is used to describe a form of call-and-response chanting involving mantras or hymns. Kirtan is a tradition that originates in Indian religions, notably Sikhism, Buddhism and Vaishnavism.
Kirtan is a type of meditation through group chanting of Vedic mantras that are typically in the divine language of Sanskrit. Unlike other meditation, Kirtan allows you to sing, sway, dance and participate in the chanting.
The difference between chanting and kirtan is music. Kirtan incorporates instruments and a call and response method between the vocalist and the attendees. Practicing kirtan with a large group is just as powerful as chanting, and the added sound vibration from the instruments makes this practice unforgettable.
Kirtan was created to fuel a sense of connection and unity. As an added benefit, it creates a sense of flow. Kirtans were originally written in Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language. The Sanskrit alphabet has a strong energetic and vibrational component—it is said that the words, when chanted, create a powerful vibration in the body, affecting a person's mind and spirit.
Not only does kirtan help relieve stress, worries, and anxiety, it awakens and cultivates the innate wisdom, happiness, and spiritual love lying dormant within you. By gradually cleansing your heart and mind, you can discover and experience your real identity, self-worth, and purpose in life.
Is kirtan a mantra?
Kirtan differs from mantra, in the way that mantras are often intended for personal use, whereas kirtan is all about community. A coming together of people, the sankirtana chants are usually sung in call-and-response style and derive from religious ceremonies or celebrations.
How does kirtan uplift the mind?
One of the simplest ways to open your heart, bring about inner peace, and uplift the mind is through the powerful practice of kirtan. By singing praises to the divine—in whatever form it manifests for you—you'll experience unity with those around you and a sense of true joy.
Sunday April 28, 2024
3;00PM-5:00PM
635 West Falmouth Highway, Falmouth MA