KIRTAN, RAGA, AND WORLD MUSIC

Last month I wrote a blog post about Kirtan.   Click below for more information about this lovely practice of devotional chanting:  http://circlingthemat.blogspot.com/2015/12/make-joyful-noise-kirtan-coming-to-yoga.html

Want the condensed version?
Kirtan is:
1.  Devotional singing/chanting in the Hindu tradition (simple melodies)  (You DO NOT have to have a great voice, anyone can do it!)
2.  A place to "rest" your mind as the repetitive words become a meditative mantra.
3.  Usually in Sanskrit, but easy enough to pronounce (and lyric sheets are available)
4.  Call and response: the leader sings a line and the participants repeat the line (easy!)
5.  Sweetly meditative and/or rousing and uplifting (clapping, even dancing, greatly encouraged if so moved!)
6.  Not a performance, but a participatory experience -- after each song, sit in a time of silence to feel the resonance of the experience (no applause).
7.  Fun!  Moving!  Meditative!  Community building!

Yoga Circle will host a Kirtan (and more!) by Richard Russell on 2/13/16.  It's a perfect opportunity to treat your Valentine Heart to an evening of love.   Kirtan is generally NOT available to us locally; I usually have to drive to Seattle to go to a Kirtan, so this is a special opportunity and if we support it, we can build a Kirtan community here too!

Potluck at 6:00.  Kirtan at 7:00.  Hope to see you there!!! ©