Kirtan—Devotional Singing
Yogananda called devotional singing, whether singing alone or in groups, “Chanting.” When someone sings to God, repeating lines of devotion, aspiration and affirmation of truth over and over to melody, the heart is awakened and expanded. The consciousness lifts in Spirit.
About to the efforts one makes on the spiritual path, Yogananda said, “Chanting is half the battle.” He wrote several dozen moving, devotional songs and adapted many more from traditional Indian sources. His disciple, Swami Kriyananda, wrote many beautiful, uplifting, liberating chants as well. At every Ananda gathering, chanting is an essential, joyous element. You will enjoy chanting at all our services and meditations.
Several times a year we offer Kirtans, special evenings that are devoted wholly to chanting, with short periods of meditation interspersed. Most kirtans have a theme, celebrating spiritual holidays focusing on the Divine Mother, the guru, Shiva, Krishna, and Christ at Christmastime.
Check our calendar for special kirtan dates.
