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Kirtan — Singing the Divine Names

An experience of music, community and joy, open to everyone, whether you can sing or not.

Kirtan — Singing the Divine Names

Just sing - Simplemente canta

Kirtan is an ancient practice of devotional singing: together we sing the Divine Names, accompanied by music and traditional instruments. There is no need for musical knowledge, previous experience, or belonging to anything in particular. It is enough to come with an open heart.

Benefits of taking part

These are some of the things you might experience when singing the divine names

Calm the mind and release built-up tension

Singing together helps to release the mental noise of everyday life. Little by little, the mind grows quiet and you give way to a space of calm and inner rest.

Supports concentration and makes later meditation easier

After singing, the mind is calmer and more receptive. Many people notice that meditating is simpler and deeper just after a Kirtan circle.

Opens the heart and creates a sense of community

Singing in a group creates a special connection among those who take part. A space of genuine joy is shared in which the heart opens naturally and without effort.

No requiere experiencia musical ni conocimientos previos

There is no need to know how to sing or to know the lyrics. It is enough to arrive with a willingness to take part: the melody and the rhythm are learnt simply by singing along with the group.

It is a joyful, accessible pause in the middle of the day

In just an hour, Kirtan offers a real respite within everyday life. A simple, joyful pause, open to anyone who wishes to try it.

Benefits of taking part

Don't think about what the neighbour next door thinks

Don't be shy — focus your mind

Don't think about what the neighbour next door thinks

Only you know what is in your mind. When those birds fly away, you will be free — and with your freedom, others will benefit afterwards as well. Because when the negative thought goes, what takes its place is pure love, and that pure love is who you really are.

"Do not become a pumpkin: as Krishna said, if the mind rests on an external object, one becomes like that object. That is why it is said that the mind should be allowed to rest in the Divine."

What is Kirtan

Calm your mind

What is Kirtan

Singing is one of the simplest and most joyful ways to quieten the mind. When we sing together, the mental noise of everyday life falls away and a space of calm and connection appears. It is not about singing "well": it is about taking part, allowing yourself to be carried by the rhythm and by the group.

Can't sing? Clap along

Everyone knows how to clap

Can't sing? Clap along

If you go under a tree and clap, the birds fly away. The tree is your body, the leaves your head, your mind full of negativity. The birds are that negativity. When you clap, you tell all that negativity to fly away

As it is traditionally said: "If you think you cannot sing, sing anyway. And if you truly cannot, clap". Clapping is also part of Kirtan — it is one more way to release tension and join in the shared joy.

On the joy of singing

profundiza dentro de ti mismo

On the joy of singing

When you feel a joy that you cannot even express in words, treasure it. Eternal joy is within you. You have to go deeper within yourself, unite your mind with your heart to find that eternal joy and receive its grace. The easiest way to find it is by singing the Name of God.

A way to reach the Divine

awaken the divine within you

A way to reach the Divine

It is said that in this age (Kaliyuga), the easiest way to reach the Feet of the Lord is through bhajan, kirtan and japa. Kirtan and the continuous remembrance of Him solidify that bond of love. When you are completely absorbed in the bhajan, wherever you are, He is with you

Recite a single Name

Sing anywhere, at any time

Recite a single Name

Take a single Name and recite it continuously. Let the power of the mind unite with the power of the mantra. Let the mantra take control of the mind. Become the mantra yourself. It does not matter where you are — travelling, in the shower, cooking — recite the name of God. Let that love you carry within be reflected outwardly. You will become a divine instrument.

Otros Testimonios

What others who have lived it say

“A darshan, for me, is like a meeting of the heart with a long-lost friend”. It is Guruji’s way of opening our hearts. With an open heart I can hear Him speak in every heartbeat, vibrating a love I had never felt before. If I can tell you anything from experience: do not waste time; give your heart the chance to rejoice in His presence.

Stefano Razeto
Nadador profesional

“Darshan is a blessing that goes beyond the limits of the mind.” When I received Darshan from Paramahamsa Vishwananda my mind could not comprehend what I was feeling: more love than I had experienced or believed possible. Darshan awakened in me a deep longing for connection with God.

Paola Cruz
E-RYT · Yoga and Meditation Teacher

“When Paramahamsa Vishwananda looked into my eyes, I felt unconditional love”. I realised that my greatest spiritual block was seeing myself as unworthy because of past mistakes. But He kept looking at me with love and acceptance. If I can see myself as He sees me, then I can truly align myself with the divine will. That helped me begin to feel worthy and to feel part of something.

Justin
Customer support

Frequently asked questions

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On shyness and other people’s judgement

"Do not be shy. Don't think about what the neighbour next door thinks. Only you know what is in your mind. When those birds fly away, you will be free — and with your freedom, others will benefit afterwards as well. Because when the negative thought goes, what takes its place is pure love, and that pure love is who you really are."

"Do not become a pumpkin: as Krishna said, if the mind rests on an external object, one becomes like that object. That is why it is said that the mind should be allowed to rest in the divine."

On singing anywhere

Yes. You may bring books, photographs, murtis (deities) or malas. We will also have items available in our shop. Hand them to a volunteer before you receive Darshan.

Do I need to know how to sing to take part?

Not at all. Kirtan is participatory; it is not a performance. If you do not feel like singing, you can accompany with clapping or simply enjoy listening. What matters is to be present.

Do I need to know the lyrics in advance?

No. The chants are repetitive and simple, so they are learnt as you go, simply by following the group.

Is it a religious event? Do I have to believe something specific to come?

No. Kirtan is a practice open to anyone, whatever their background or beliefs. You are neither asked nor expected to share any particular belief: only to come with an open attitude

On singing with sincerity

"Sing with your heart, not like a robot. When you sing His name, your mind has to have His image. Visualise Him seated on your forehead, in your heart, in every breath you take. Only Him."

"If you are singing while doing something else, without true attention, it does not help much."

On going beyond the mind

"The name of God is God Himself. That is the secret of the divine name: it is the fullness of the divine."

"The more you sing the name, the more the love of God is revealed within you. The more you sing it, the more you acquire the qualities of the divine."