MANTRA
Sacred sound syllable – in ancient Sanskrit, 'mantra' refers to a word or phrase which helps to uplift or free the mind. These days it’s become popular to call anything which is repeated over and over, a ‘mantra’, but an authentic mantra is passed from teacher to student over thousands of years, and through meditation and repetition, can unlock our deepest potential
MUSIC
Mantra + music = kirtan. Singing the mantra along with musical instruments is a way to help focus and absorb ourselves in the sound. If the mantra is the remedy, the music is the capsule that makes it easy to take. Practically every culture around the world has its own spiritual music tradition; it's so powerful!
MEDITATION
To meditate, is to focus deeply on something. While great masters of the past were able to sit silently in the forest and concentrate – most of us are navigating the urban jungle, with ‘always-on’ lives and endless notifications to check. In the time we live in now, mantra meditation is the easiest way to achieve inner clarity and focus.
What is Kirtan
Kirtan is a call and response musical meditation that takes a minute to learn, and makes you feel good just as fast. The practice goes back more than 5000 years and can be practiced by anyone. You do not need to be a good singer, a flexible yogi, or a follower of any religion or set of beliefs to experience the power of kirtan. An open mind and your attention are all that is required! Combining music, mantra meditation and full body, mind and heart participation, kirtan offers a rich, immersive experience that is both energising and deeply relaxing all at once.
Inspiration
Many of our team members found kirtan through the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (Prabhupada), a monk from India who travelled to America in 1965, at the age of 70, desiring to share the teachings of bhakti yoga with the Western world. Not knowing anyone and with hardly any possessions or money, he arrived in New York City, where he sat in a city park daily and sang kirtan. As crowds gathered by the day, he shared the message of bhakti – that each of us is an eternal spark of the divine. While we discriminate on the basis of class, race, gender and religion, beneath the temporary covering of the body, we are all equal. All material pleasure is temporary and can never bring lasting satisfaction. Awakening our relationship with our divine source through service and love, anyone can find a deep happiness that will never diminish.
Kirtan Sydney
Kirtan Sydney is a collective of bhakti yoga practitioners from diverse backgrounds who regularly come together to share the philosophy and practice of group mantra chanting. We facilitate warm and inclusive community events which allow new and experienced participants to taste the pure bliss that comes from sharing kirtan, transcendental literature, spiritual company and delicious plant-based meals! We are an entirely not-for-profit, volunteer-run project and would love to see you soon for kirtan, community and delicious food :)
All are welcome at our events! We are an LGBTIQA+ safe space. Chairs provided at our indoor events for those who would like one. Children are welcome as long as you think they will be comfortable. Please contact us in advance if you have dietary requirements/allergies. Love from the Kirtan Sydney team.