About Kirtan
Kirtan or devotional chanting originated in India, hundreds if not thousands of years ago. However, similar practices can also be found in other traditions, including Christianity and Native American spirituality. Simply put, kirtan is the repetitive singing of prayers or mantras, either as a spiritual practice in itself, or as a prelude to prayer or meditation.
The word kirtan (KEER-tun) is usually used to refer to the practice (for example, "I love doing kirtan!") and also to chanting events ("I'm going to a kirtan on Saturday!").
Kirtan works on many levels:
At Jeffji's kirtans, no prior experience is necessary. The chants are easy-to-learn mantras and affirmations from Yoga, Buddhist, and New Thought traditions---in Sanskrit, English, and sometimes other languages---sung to traditional and contemporary melodies. Some are slow and calming, others are more up-tempo, but even those resolve into a meditative space. The chants are simple in content, usually done in a call-and-response fashion, so they are very accessible to beginners. Brief, silent meditations follow each chant to deepen the experience, which can range from exhilaration and enjoyment to relaxation, insight, and healing.
Jeffji usually holds kirtans in churches and other venues that have plenty of chairs. If you prefer to sit on the floor, a few pillows or cushions may be available, but it would be best to bring your own cushion, zafu, or backjack. If you are not able to arrive by the starting time, come whenever you can. But if you arrive late, please enter quietly in case a meditation is in progress. If you have questions, contact Jeffji via the Contact page.
The word kirtan (KEER-tun) is usually used to refer to the practice (for example, "I love doing kirtan!") and also to chanting events ("I'm going to a kirtan on Saturday!").
Kirtan works on many levels:
- Whenever people sing together, it's an enjoyable and perhaps bonding experience.
- Singing repetitive words or phrases can bring about a trance-like state.
- Singing for a long period of time is similar to the pranayama or breath control practices of Hatha Yoga.
- Singing produces vibrations in the body that reduce stress and open the heart.
- The words and mantras used in kirtan are powerful intentions for transformation.
At Jeffji's kirtans, no prior experience is necessary. The chants are easy-to-learn mantras and affirmations from Yoga, Buddhist, and New Thought traditions---in Sanskrit, English, and sometimes other languages---sung to traditional and contemporary melodies. Some are slow and calming, others are more up-tempo, but even those resolve into a meditative space. The chants are simple in content, usually done in a call-and-response fashion, so they are very accessible to beginners. Brief, silent meditations follow each chant to deepen the experience, which can range from exhilaration and enjoyment to relaxation, insight, and healing.
Jeffji usually holds kirtans in churches and other venues that have plenty of chairs. If you prefer to sit on the floor, a few pillows or cushions may be available, but it would be best to bring your own cushion, zafu, or backjack. If you are not able to arrive by the starting time, come whenever you can. But if you arrive late, please enter quietly in case a meditation is in progress. If you have questions, contact Jeffji via the Contact page.
Photo by Angel Eason