Kirtan

Kirtan means "to repeat". It is a call and responce form of chanting that has been known for centuries and is an integral part of many cultures and spiritual traditions throughout the world.

Yogini Valarie Devi begins every Yoga class with Kirtan, specifically, the Shanti Mantras, or Peace Chants. After a busy day, rushing to Yoga class, sitting down, being still, and raising your voice with others creates a spirit of community that is soothing yet powerful, transformational and relaxing. "Kirtan is an opportunity to decompress", says Yogini Valarie.

Today, some Yoga classes have no music, and others have blaring hip-hop beats that are far from calming. The Shanti Mantras at Hamsa Yogashala are sung softly and gently to help find our quiet mind.

Kirtan is a form of Bhakti Yoga, or the Yoga of devotion, which is a beautiful tradition of love and acceptance of self and others. Nor is any singing ability required, for Kirtan is something everyone can do.

A primary emphasis at Hamsa Yogashala is Pranayama, or 'Yogic breathing', and Kirtan is the simplest way to learn how to breath. The natural rhythm requires no special training or preparation, so from the beginning the cadance releases surface tension and prepares the bodymind for Yoga.

There are many wonderful examples of Kirtan on youtube. For example:

Jai Uttal has an Introduction to Kirtan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFEFxrb_yJ8

Krishna Das - Grace:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a19I8FtPscs&feature=related

JaiMa James - Let Peace Begin With Me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv8bHRHYyvM

David Newman - Shiva Shambho:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_YfrIYEaW4

George Harrison - Gopala Krishna:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7eFQMakhDE&feature=related