The transformative power of sacred sound
Mantra in Sanskrit literally means to free the mind. Mantras are spiritual chants done alone or with others for spiritual benefit. Think “om”, or for bhakti yogis, the hare krishna mantra. Kirtana is the act of chanting these mantras. You can do kirtana alone or with others. Today, we are going to speak about doing kirtana with others.
Kirtana or congregational chanting of mantras is an age-old spiritual practice dating back thousands of years. In the bhakti yoga tradition this is a call and response technique: whoever is “leading” the kirtana will “call out” the hare krishna mantra and everyone else will respond with the same mantra. This is all set to music, traditionally the harmonium (a reed organ), kartels (cymbals) and a mrdanga (a clay drum). Because of the musical element kirtanas are enjoyable to hear, but because the mantras are sacred it is actually an uplifting sacred sound experience for all.
Harnessing the healing vibrations of kirtana
You don’t need to do much to harness the healing vibrations of kirtana: just attend! These mantras, which have been chanted throughout history have their own transcendental sound vibration and this is healing. All you have to do is sit back, relax and dive deep into hearing and chanting. In the company of friends this is not hard to do at all!
A journey through meditation and mindfulness
Doing kirtana encourages mindfulness because when focusing on the mantra you let go of all other things in your mind. This is not only peaceful but can help in your day-to-day life. When you regularly practice chanting mantra you will find your daily concentration and focus skills improve. And your stress lessens.
Soothing the soul and elevating the spirit
Perhaps the best thing about kirtana is that it can be done with others. There is nothing more enlivening than to share this spiritual experience. The simple call and response technique not only increases momentum but uplifts the heart. Try it out for yourself!
