“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” - Aristotle

Last night, I attended a magical Kirtan event in North London led by the soulful voice of Krishna Das. It was a dose of sheer bliss.

If you're not familiar, Kirtan is the practice of chanting. I didn't know anything about it until I learned more about it during yoga teacher training. While studying in London, I came across chanting before only in the form of the Hare Krishnas, who wore long robes, sang repetitive mantras, and played the drums as they walked down Oxford Street. Other than assuming they must be some form of a religious cult, I noticed how joyful they seemed.

Bhakti Burning Bright

In Kirtan, mantras or sacred names are chanted. Kirtan chanting is a Bhakti yoga practice - a practice used to awaken Bhakti, a kind of loving devotion in the heart. Mantras are considered sounds that contain wisdom and transformative power. It’s not necessary to always understand the meaning behind the vibration. Chanting is purported to tap into something beyond language and understanding that puts you directly in touch with the spiritual.

Full transparency - I’m not religious, nor do I follow any particular faith. I hesitated to try chanting at first because I thought it might dishonestly align me with Hinduism or some other religion. I needn't have worried about trying out Kirtan. I found it freeing, joyous and affirming. Sounds intended to carry and facilitate love, wisdom, and unity seem to transcend any religious association. Opening to the simple experience of being more loving (by chanting or any other means) just can't feel wrong.

Break Down the Walls

Do you build up any barriers against experiencing more love? I think we all do at times. Emotional and physical tensions release whenever I chant, and tears can start to stream. In my experience, traces of sadness and loneliness melt away little by little. I always come away thinking I should do more of it (much like many other yoga practices)😀

“Chanting breaks down the barriers between you and your own heart” - Gurumayi Chidvilasanada

Gurumayi (of the Siddhi Yoga tradition) says, “Chanting has a purifying force. It has the power to annihilate the effects of even the most stubborn faults. It dissolves every ounce of bitterness and malice. If you are experiencing self-hatred or doubt or envy, just chant.”

What I love about chanting is that you become less self-conscious once you start. It allows you quickly to focus on the vibration without worrying about your voice, appearance, or meaning. And singing loudly together without inhibition doesn't just release tension - sometimes, it really does evoke pure JOY. Who needs drugs when you have this type of ecstasy on tap? It’s easy and accessible - a tool to help penetrate defensive walls and pierce a path directly to our hearts!

Educate the Heart

For anyone interested, there is an upcoming event in West London on 2nd July called ALL LOVE, an all-day 12-hour live Kirtan to support Crisis for the Homeless. Nikki Slade, who leads with the most beautiful energy is participating in the event. If you don't know her already, I'd love to recommend her work; you can also find her gorgeous voice on Spotify.

Details about ALL LOVE here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/nikkisladefreetheinnervoice/874094

As I prepare to send this newsletter this morning, I still feel as high as a kite from hours of chanting long into the warm night. Bhakti burning bright; please, please let it not be slow to fade! I wonder what I can do to keep this loving energy flowing.

Evoke Love, lead with Love, and Be Love.

Let’s practise.