I recently shared an article on Elephant Journal about Kirtan singing and how here in Southern California it seems like there is lack of authentic Kirtan singing. While writing about it, I also touched upon the topic of pronunciation and why it bothers me when I hear yogis not putting any effort into proper pronunciation. My main issue is not so much with someone not pronouncing a foreign language right but is with not trying, not learning, not taking time. I also got some comments saying that there is no universal way of proper Sanskrit pronunciation just like there are
Why are people drawn to Kirtan? For the past years, an increase in the number of people that seem to be connecting with Kirtan can be observed in the US. What is it with Kirtan that gets people’s attention? Is it the chants and melodies used? Is it because it is offered at a favorite Yoga studio? Is it the novelty of the language, or passion for music?Is it because it is the latest trendy thing to do or is it because it leaves us totally relaxed and rejuvenated? Whatever be the reason, Kirtan singing connects people. It brings a
What does science say about Kirtan and Chanting? Is there any scientific research to prove all the claims made by Kirtan singers/teachers ? Turns out there is !! I compiled a list of research: Kirtan and Chanting can effect the Physical Body, Mind and Spirit. When a person chants, studies have shown: “According to a research done at the Cleveland University, USA, the rhythmic tones involved in chanting create a melodious effect in the body called the Neuro-linguistic effect [NLE]. When we know the meaning of the mantra we are reciting, it creates a Psycholinguistic effect [PLE] on the body. The NLE
Kirtan singing and chanting involves Yoga of Sound. Kirtan is an ancient technique that connects us to our inner selves, the Universe and our higher consciousness. It makes you feel more alive, fresh, peaceful and Happy. Like we need physical exercise for good health, we need chanting to nourish our souls, heart and spirit. When we listen to Kirtans or chants for meditation it deepens our Yoga Practice. Chanting and listening to chants for meditation empowers our mental and spiritual processes. It takes us into the deepest state of Yoga. Participating in Kirtans is one of the easiest ways to handle stress in
Kirtan from other side of Pacific- Finding true meaning of Kirtan I still remember that day with overcast bluish-grey sky, sun trying hard to peek out from clouds, cars zooming past ours on multi-lane freeway and a sense of almost child-like wonderment that I had when I first landed at LAX, from India in Dec 2002. I was a newly married bride then and my husband worked and lived here in the USA. This country, its tall skyscrapers, American English, dollar bills, vast freeways, thousands of cars on them, everything was a new experience for me. For the first couple of
I come from a very strict Indian Classical music background. However, I LOVE singing Kirtans and sharing my music, singing together, feeling the love flow. Singing Kirtans is extremely meditative, rejuvenates and relieves stress. I always believe that all good things need to be shared and sharing Kirtans with other multiplies its positive effects. I organize a Kirtan MeetUp group in Simi Valley, CA. http://www.meetup.com/SimiValleyKirtan/ I will be sharing my thoughts on Kirtans in this page. We all know that Meditation offers innumerable benefits for your body, mind and spirit. The rest you gain in meditation is deeper than