New World Kirtan

What is kirtan? Kirtan is a participatory call and response music experience that originated in India centuries ago. It is one of the oldest sacred music traditions in the world. Because of its Indian roots, many of the chants are sung in Sanskrit, although they can be sung in English. Kirtan helps the mind to become quiet, and when the mind is quiet we can open to the experience of peace.

I'll be posting a weekly podcast at the New World Kirtan website that will have the set from our weekly kirtan satsang here in Oregon. The music in the podcast reflects the Western infuence on classic Indian chanting. I hope you'll see this podcast as a tool. You can play it from your computer, or download it to an IPod. The chants can be played in the background as you go about your day, or you can sing along with them. If you want a meditative experience, sit down and follow the chant in your mind. Sing if you wish. Another use for the podcast is to use it as our kirtan group does. We started with three people who liked to sing and meditate, and the group has grown to a choir that meets every Sunday night. It is a magical way to start the week.

Practicing kirtan can help ignite your spiritual life. No wonder the great yoga master Swami Sivananda said, "Chanting is the easiest of all ways to approach God."