A fundamental practice of Bhakti Yoga, Kirtan chanting is the easiest and most joyful way to achieve peace of mind. Popularized by the Bhakti movement of medieval era Hinduism around the 6th century, the foundations of this tradition are found in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna describes Bhakti Marga (path of loving devotion) as a means to liberation, alongside Karma Marga (path of action) and Jñana Marga (path of knowledge).
In Maharashtra, where Saraswati grew up, Kirtan includes story-telling and a call-and-response chant, led by the main performer — the kirtankar — and accompanied by traditional indian musical instruments such as the harmonium, tabla and karatala (cymbals).
Kirtan is for everyone. Its practice dissolves the notion of separation by connecting us to the moment through sound, guiding us deep into our heart. It creates a sense of connection and unity: at first, when the kirtankar sings a mantra and you sing it back, you are aware of yourself. But as time passes and you relax into the chant, your perspective shifts and your sense of “me” evaporates.
Some experience this as joy and ecstasy, others describe it as boundlessness or timelessness… In a world filled with messages about how we’re separate from each other and separate from the divine, chanting mantras together unites us in a way that no other form of Yoga does.
Last Saturday, we had the honour of welcoming pandit Sri Hanuman. A master and teacher of Nada Yoga (the Yoga of Sound), he offered us some beautiful Bhajans — devotional songs — before accompanying Saraswati on the tabla.
1. GANGADHARA SHIVO'HAM
Sri Hanuman - lead vocals, harmonium
Saraswati - vocals, karatala
Om Namah Shivaya
Gangadhara
Shivo'ham Shivo'ham
Gauri Shankara
I offer my salutations to Shiva
Lord of the river Ganga
I am Consciousness and Bliss, I am Shiva
Beloved of Gauri, dispeller of all doubts