What is Kirtan

The purifying power of the Name of God is mentioned in almost every spiritual tradition. In Yoga, Kirtan is the practice of singing and repeating the Name of God (in both male and female aspects), as well as using descriptive phrases or divine attributes.

The word kirtan comes form the Sanskrit root "kirt" which means "to name, to communicate, to celebrate, to praise, to glorify." Bhajan, another form of spiritual music in the yogic tradition, usually refers to singing prayers or hymns rather than the repetition of God's name. Its root, "bhaj" means "to worship, to revere, to love."

Kirtan is a devotional practice and an important aspect of the path of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion. In the Ashtanga Yoga system, kirtan is categorized as pratyahara (methods which draw the mind inward). Kirtan can be seen as a bridge between our outer and inner selves and an expression of our desire to know and love God within. Concentration on the different Names, the meanings, or the ragas (melodic structures) increases the focus of the kirtan.

For some, finding out the translation and meaning of the kirtan enhances concentration and devotion, while others prefer to dwell on the Name itself or on the raga. Concentration and focus are important aspects of singing kirtan. To this end, closing ones eyes, clapping, and listening intently both to the song and to changes in rhythm can help. Rhythm carries the energy of the kirtan; if the group is in sync, kirtan is enhanced and the atmosphere becomes charged with spiritual energy.

Kirtan, then is a method of attuning ourselves with God, whatever inner meaning that has for each of us. As in any spiritual practice, what we bring to kirtan will determine what we receive from it. If concentration, aim, feeling, rhythm, and repetition of the name of God combine, kirtan can be raised to a level that may carry the minds of all involved to a higher place, where communication becomes Communion, an offering and a True Prayer.

Kirtan is nectar. Kirtan is singing Lord's name. It is the easiest, surest and safest way for attaining God. May you attain God through Kirtan.

Prayers

The Maha Mantra

Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasaya Dheemahi
Dhiyo yo Nah Prachodayat
Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life, Remover of pain and sorrow, The Bestower of Happiness, Oh! Creator of the Universe, May we receive thy supreme sin destroying Light,
May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

Lokaha

Lokaha Samastaha Sukhino Bhavantu
Lokaha Samastaha Sukhino Bhavantu
Lokaha Samastaha Sukhino Bhavantu
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti-hi
May all beings in all worlds be blessed with Peace, Contentment and Freedom

Om Asatoma

Om Asatoma Satgamaya
Tamasoma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya
Lead us from Deception to Truth, from Darkness to Light, from Death to Blissful Immortality

Twameva

Twameva mata cha pita Twameva
Twameva bandhuscha sakha Twameva
Twameva vidya dravinam Twameva
Twameva sarvam mama deva deva!
You are my mother and my father, You are my friend and my Beloved,
You are knowledge, you are wealth
You are my everything, O God of Gods!