Kirtan is a chance for people to come together, open their hearts and sing. For years chanting has helped people to effortlessly reach a state of quite and stillness that easliy leads to meditation. While it's true that we can chant in our car or in the solitude of our home, there's nothing like chanting with others and with live musicians. Every kirtan is different depending on the energy of the participants, but as the evening progresses one becomes saturated with the Mantras and the mind becomes one–pointed. At times the tempo of the chant may increase but all the while there is this soft center, this open heart to which we always return.
For over two years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and to meditate together and on December 6th, 2008 we began offering a monthly Kirtan in Amherst. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm. In between we join our voices together and sing!
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Namaste,
Rick
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Billie Jo Joy (founder, and co–manager of Art & Soul) is an Iyengar trained, Kripalu certified yoga instructor and has been a close friend for over 10 years. To celebrate her 50th birthday we offered a kirtan at her Yoga studio in Cambridge, MA. It was an intimate gathering of about 40 friends that chanted together (including the traditional happy birthday chant) and then had prasad and birthday cake together. Sorry but no pictures were taken that night.
Where: Art & Soul, 91 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
On Saturday November 1st we played our first Kirtan at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, MA.
The Kirtan was offered on Saturday evening from 7 to 9pm as part of the Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy workshop taught by Mukunda Stiles and was open to everyone. The evening began with a talk by Mukunda followed by chanting and meditation. Kevin Germain had to leave after the chant so missed out on the photo opportunity the following morning, but everyone else enjoyed a nice overnight at Kripalu with breakfast and lunch the following day. From left to right: Melanie Hedlund, Divya Shinn, Marilyn Hart, Rick Roberts and Dona O'Dou.
Where: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
In November we had a special guest Doug Donnell who gave a short introduction to Sanskrit pronounciation and the system of transliteration that uses familiar characters from our alphabet to represent Sanskrit sounds. One important point was to think of the Sanskrit language as being made up of sounds, not letters. These sounds make up the mantras that we chant and being able to understand the elegance with which the sounds are strung together helps appreciate the mantras as we chant them. Thanks Doug for this short introduction.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
For my birthday this year I asked a small group of 13 friends to chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya with me. We gathered at the home of Vidya and Orphe in Sherborn, MA and for 3 hours we filled the space with the sweet sound of Om Namah Shivaya. Following the chanting I asked everyone to share with me something they found inspiring. May you (the reader) also be inspired by these words!
Namaste,
Rick
*****************
I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world.
I may not complete this last one but I give myself to it.
I circle around God, around the primordial tower.
I've been circling for thousands of years and I still don't know: am I a falcon, a storm, or a great song?
– Rilke
*****************
DAREST thou now, O Soul,
Walk out with me toward the Unknown Region,
Where neither ground is for the feet, nor any path to follow?
No map, there, nor guide,
Nor voice sounding, nor touch of human hand,
Nor face with blooming flesh, nor lips, nor eyes, are in that land.
I know it not, O Soul;
Nor dost thou–all is a blank before us;
All waits, undream'd of, in that region–that inaccessible land.
Till, when the ties loosen,
All but the ties eternal, Time and Space,
Nor darkness, gravitation, sense, nor and bounds, bound us.
Then we burst forth–we float,
In Time and Space, O Soul–prepared for them;
Equal, equipt at last–(O joy! O fruit of all!) them to fulfil, O Soul.
– Walt Whitman from Leaves of Grass
*****************
Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the world with an all embracing love.
– Fyodor Dostoyevsky from The Brothers Karamazov
*****************
The Ultimate Understanding is a seeing and a knowing rather than a comprehending. And it does satisfy all questions, though not answer them. Answers become as irrevelant as the questions themselves; both cease in the seeing.
Do not judge the questioning or the longing, the seeking or the sadness, the impatience or the resistance, the opening or the letting go. It is all the perfect unfolding as it is: only watch it and know you are not that. You are Loving Awareness in which all this arises. You are Quiet Compassionate Space in which the life that you think of as "yourself" unfolds.
This Still Expanse of Acceptance between the thoughts is All That Is.
That is What You Are.
Let the Love that is this Stillness that You Are Embrace you, Overcome you.
Svaha!
– David Carse from Perfect Brilliant Stillness
*****************
What one calls awareness of I is the resting place of consciousness in itself.
– Ajadapramatrsiddhi, 22 – Utpaladeva
*****************
In the garden of gentle sanity May you be bombarded by coconuts of wakefulness.
– Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
*****************
All that is required to realize the Self is to be still. What can be easier than that?
– Ramana Maharshi
*****************
Women and cats will do as they please and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
– Robert A. Heinlein
*****************
Jill Bolte Taylor: My stroke of insight
*****************
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The first Kirtan at Yoga Center Amherst was a huge success!
I was joined by Dona O'Dou (tamboura), Kevin Germain (yayli tanbur) and about 15 wonderful chanters. We had limited time to setup due to Patty's advanced Yoga Teacher Training which ended at 7pm but still managed to begin opening mantras a little past 7:30pm. The space was already charged from the 30 or so Yoga students who had spent the entire day in the space, so I found it easy to drop into that quiet place in my heart where sound originates. If you (the reader) were one of the chanters this night, I hope you also experienced the stillness that arises after the chanting ends.
Our next Kirtan at Yoga Center Amherst will be the Saturday just after New Years, and then every 1st Saturday forever. I hope you can join us for the first Kirtan of 2009.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This will be the last Kirtan in 2008 so I hope you can join us before the holidays begin. We'll pick up again at Green River Yoga on Jan 17, 2009 and then every 3rd Saturday forever.
NOTE: I'm also leading Kirtan in Amherst on the 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst. The first one was Dec 6th with about 15 lovely chanters filling the space with their voices. The next chant in Amherst will be Jan 3 over the New Years weekend.
For over two years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm. In between we join our voices together and sing!
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Start the New Year chanting! Please join us for our second Kirtan offered at Yoga Center Amherst.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over two years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm. In between we join our voices together and sing!
This week I'll be joined by some of the regulars: Marilyn Hart, Dona O'Dou, Divya Shinn and Bob Weiner. Also joining us this month will be Warrick Moses on clarinet. I hope you can join us too!
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Every Wednesday night is Kirtan night at Kripalu and in January we offered Kirtan just after the Presidential Inauguration. It was a powerful evening of chanting accompanied by Kevin Germain on yayli tanbur, Marilyn Hart on kartals, Warrick Moses on clarinet, Dona O' Dou on tamboura, Bob Weiner on percussion and Divya Shinn singing. I played harmonium and sang.
The hall we chant in is fairly large with an awesome image of dancing Shiva on the alter behind us. Most of the people that night were new to chanting and decided to sit towards the back. But after explaining that it was a group practice rather than a performance, and a gentle suggestion that moving forward would enhance the experience for all, everyone moved in close and we had a lovely intimate time together.
After each chant we paused and sat quietly together, experiencing the power of the silence. Pictured here is Warrick, Kevin and Dona hanging out after the Kirtan.
Where: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This was our first chant with Gurucharan on tabla. If you didn't make it, you missed an ecstatic chant but don't worry because Gurucharan will be playing with us again in Amherst on March 7, along with Kevin Germain, Dona O'Dou and Divya Shinn.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
I intended to record this evening's chant, but sometimes technology just doesn't cooperate ;–) Still, we had a lovely time with Gurucharan on tabla, Marilyn Hart playing cymbals along with another woman that I didn't know but who played the cymbals lovely. If anyone is reading this and knows who this woman was, I wish I could be put in touch with her.
We also had Dona O'Dou playing tamboura and Divya Shinn singing with us.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
We celebrated Shivaratri on Monday evening February 23 this year and it reaffirmed for me what this practice is all about. There were four of us gathered and for two hours we chanted the mantra Om Namah Shivaya together. It was simple, but powerful. I realized again that devotional singing and chanting can be a powerful means for self–transformation, freeing the mind for awhile from the concerns of daily life and allowing one to experience deep meditative states. Chanting can take us on a journey from wherever we are into some other state of consciousness and inward towards the center of our hearts. After chanting for two hours, the silence that followed was profound.
I plan to do this again next year.
Maha Shivaratri is the annual celebration of Shiva. It is a time that is charged with spiritual energy and Divine Love. On this evening, one can make great strides in their Sadhana through one–pointed chanting of the Name.
Shivaratri falls every year on the new moon night in the Hindu month of Phalgun which corresponds to late Feb – early Mar in the English calendar. According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or 'Shiva's Great Night' symbolizes the wedding day of Shiva and Parvati. Many however, believe, Shivaratri is the night when Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya – the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
On this evening we will chant the sacred Maha mantra Om Namah Shivaya from 8–10pm. One repetition of this mantra on Maha Shivaratri is like chanting it 1,000 times on any other occassion. This is the boon granted to those immersed in the chanting of Shiva's Name on this day.
Note: I'm hosting this one at my home in Montague. Please call for directions: Rick 413–367–9777
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This month I'll be joined by Gurucharan on tabla, Kevin Germain on yayli tanbur, Dona O'Dou playing tamboura and Divya Shinn singing. Missing only Marilyn Hart on cymbals, this makes an almost perfect combination of musicians to create a meditative space in which to experience the power of chanting. I hope you can join us!
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters.
For over two years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm. In between we join our voices together and sing!
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Please join us for a special 2–hr chant this night in celebration of Scott Belanger's 43 birthday and to help raise money for his Pilgrimage to Fiji where last November his Teacher Adi Da passed away. Donations for the night will go to support Scott's effort to reach Fiji before the one year anniversary of Adi Da's Passing.
We'll be supporting Scott, but we also have an opportunity to dip a little deeper into that place of stillness that will come from chanting a little longer this night.
For this special event, I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over three years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow. This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
with special guest Melanie Hedlund!
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This month I'm honored to be joined by special guest Jan Frazier, who will give a short 15–minute talk before the chant!
There is a presence within you
that has never suffered.
It lives in joy that has no cause.
It is who you most deeply are.
– Jan Frazier
To learn more about Jan Frazier (author of When Fear Falls Away) you can visit her website and blog at JanFrazierTeachings.com.
For over two years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow. This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The regular 1st Saturday Kirtan at Yoga Center Amherst will be cancelled this night.
Go out and enjoy the fireworks!
We'll be back in Amherst on August 1st.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over three years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow. This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow.
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Every Wednesday night is Kirtan night at Kripalu and in August we've been invited back to play again.
The hall we chant in is fairly large with an awesome image of dancing Shiva on the alter behind us. Pictured here is Warrick, Kevin and Dona hanging out after the Kirtan at Kripalu in January.
This night I'll be joined by:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over three years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow. This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
This Labor Day weekend, while Omega is offering their Ecstatic Chant retreat we'll be having our regular monthly 1st Saturday chant at Yoga Center Amherst. I hope you can join us!
For almost a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
This year we'll be accompanying some of the area's top yoga instructors during the afternoon 108 Sun Salutations. The day–long event held at the Northampton Center for the Arts is a fundraiser with all proceeds being donated to The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and Food For Life Vrindavan.
For more information, please visit GlobalMalaNorthampton.com, or call 413–367–0377 or 413–367–3021.
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over three years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to sing the Name and to meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The singing is accompanied by harmonium, drum, cymbals and tamboura with lead voices that you can easily follow. This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join us for a FREE yoga class followed by chanting to celebrate National Yoga Month!
At 3:00 Hart Yoga will offer a yoga class that is free and open to the public. Immediately following the yoga class, we'll chant and meditate until 6:00 PM.
Asana practice gets us into our bodies, chanting helps to quiet the mind and provides a way back to our center. Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation.
I'm hoping all the musicians will be joining us on Sunday!
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Terry Rousso.....................violin
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Hart Yoga
1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
413–768–9291
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For almost a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over three years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For almost a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over three years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For almost a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over three years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou.......................tamboura
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
NOTE: In January this event will be held in Greenfield. See below.
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
This program is supported in part by grants from the Buckland, Charlemont–Hawley, and Greenfield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Maha Shivaratri is the annual celebration of Shiva. It is a time that is charged with spiritual energy and Divine Love. On this evening, one can make great strides in their Sadhana through one–pointed chanting of the Name.
Shivaratri falls every year on the new moon night in the Hindu month of Phalgun which corresponds to late Feb – early Mar in the English calendar. According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or 'Shiva's Great Night' symbolizes the wedding day of Shiva and Parvati. Many however, believe, Shivaratri is the night when Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya – the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
On this evening we will chant the sacred Maha mantra Om Namah Shivaya from 8–10pm. One repetition of this mantra on Maha Shivaratri is like chanting it 1,000 times on any other occassion. This is the boon granted to those immersed in the chanting of Shiva's Name on this day.
Note: I'm hosting this one at my home in Montague. Please call for directions: Rick 413–367–9777
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over four years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Every Wednesday night is Kirtan night at Kripalu and in March we've been invited back to play again.
The hall we chant in is fairly large with an awesome image of dancing Shiva on the alter behind us. There is a cost for this event unless you're staying at Kripalu, and an awesome vegetarian dinner is also available before the chant. For more information about this weekly event call guest information at Kripalu.
Pictured here is Warrick, Kevin and Dona hanging out after the Kirtan at Kripalu in January 2009.
Where: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over four years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over four years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Every Wednesday night is Kirtan night at Kripalu and in March we've been invited back to play again.
The hall we chant in is fairly large with an awesome image of dancing Shiva on the alter behind us. There is a cost for this event unless you're staying at Kripalu, and an awesome vegetarian dinner is also available before the chant. For more information about this weekly event call guest information at Kripalu.
Where: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
For over four years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
*** Cancelled until September ***
For over a year we've been meeting every 1st Saturday at Yoga Center Amherst to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain...................yayli tanbur
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Yoga Center Amherst, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
*** Cancelled until September ***
For over four years we've been meeting every 3rd Saturday at Green River Yoga in Greenfield to chant and meditate together. We start with opening mantras at 7:30pm and finish with a short silent meditation that ends at 9pm.
The experience of Joy is available to everyone, not just experienced chanters. The singing is accompanied by traditional instruments with lead voices that you can easily follow. If you're just beginning to be curious about chanting then come and check it out. The chants are easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary.
Divya Shinn.......................cymbals/vocal
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
Where: Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
*** Cancelled until September ***
Join Lindel Hart and Rick Roberts for an afternoon of physical, spiritual and mental rejuvenation as we enter into the stillness that promotes self exploration through yoga postures, chanting and meditation. Come together in community with others for this mindful retreat from an overactive world to reconnect with your natural state of balance, harmony and peace.
The afternoon will include an asana practice guided by Lindel Hart and chanting with Rick Roberts and friends, as well as time for silent meditation together. There will be no specific instruction for meditation; we'll simply sit quietly together.
Like the quiet space between the in–breath and the out–breath, the stillness that arises out of yoga and chanting leads one easily and naturally into meditation. No vocal/musical, yoga or meditation experience is necessary to experience the joy of this afternoon of contemplative practice. All are welcome, regardless of the type of yoga, meditation or spiritual practice you may have.
This event is FREE. However, donations are appreciated.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart or Rick Roberts:
lindel@hartyoga.com – 413.768.9291
rick@pioneervalleyyoga.com – 413.367.9777
Where: Hart Yoga, 1 Ashfield Street, Suite 8, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370