Serene Evening of Mantra
Music and mantra has always been a mysterious teacher of its own kind to me. When I first found the practice of Kirtan, totally by chance, in 2013 walking into a traditional Satyananda Kirtan during a yoga retreat visit in Thailand, the mantras stuck in my head for days on end. Even without me remembering the exact words or even being able to pronounce the words correctly, the process had started and I was sucked into this beautiful world full of melodies and chants that would somehow bring me a little bit more peace and calmness.
Recordings of these first few Kirtan nights guided me through many years, re-listening and singing again and again, as it just felt right. It took a few more years, until I was in a position to join regular in person events in Bali and not long after that I joined a traditional Indian Kirtan ensemble. Learning to sing in the different languages: Traditional Sanskrit and Sikh mantras, Spanish Medicine and Rainbow songs and even a few Qawwalis.
Many of the intentions that I had placed during my Kirtan practices, came one by one into existence - to my surprise. Time had shifted many things and I became aware of the power of mantra. The power of being fully present, opening the heart and not worrying for once.
As I studied more about the meaning and lineage of certain mantras, I developed
more and more of my own melodies and compositions. In my opinion, the pure sound of the guitar always added an extra spark and beauty to the mantras, and a modern spin.
In the last two years, me and my partner created more of our own tunes, to share with different audiences online and in person - and the most common effect to them has always been one of peace and serenity. Each mantra invites a specific focus, an intention and has an inherent power.
During this evening of chanting mantras and singing together, we always create a bigger field of harmony and connection. It simply happens through the act of singing and breathing together as one. Our bodies relax and our minds attune to this elevated field of love and unity.
We feel it ourselves, that whatever may have disturbed our minds before an event, the music helps it all dissolve and we are all left a little lighter and more “in tune” with our hearts than before. Regardless of the country that we play in or the level of expertise, we always feel that the music opens up a space of vulnerability and gentleness. People can be moved to tears or just relieved to relax for this one moment in time.
Over time we also work on the specific pronunciation of the words and meanings, which can be manyfold. Diving deeper into the understanding and skill of chanting mantras, the first step, is to feel the mantra and to let it work its way out from the inside.
This is the devotional part of it. The surrender to a mysterious force will most likely feel very familiar and known, the more you participate.
Your next opportunity to do so, is Wednesday 18th of September 5.30pm-7pm at Ubuntu.