Read the Kirtan Blog: All about the kirtans
Writen by Gopal Anandini Schleusener
Gopal Anandini Schleusener
We have 22 students, all determined, sincere and serious. It’s been a real pleasure working with them so far. The first week, Sacidanadana Swami guided them in understanding the importance of doing kirtan in the right mindset and mood. Immersing them in the holy names, he got things off to a blissful start. The past two weeks, the teachers focused on teaching mrdanga mantras and kartala beats. Also, each student by now knows a melody on the harmonium. By next week they’ll be playing in and leading kirtan. All the students have their own styles, and it is a great experience to see it.
Kirtan Course students at Rathayatra in Antwerp
Moments of mercy flowed from Lord Jagannatha during His chariot procession. Holy names filled the air, and the mrdanga beats awakened each soul who heard them. We celebrated with kirtan and shared kirtan with others.
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Radhadesh Summer Holi
After a month of study and a week of intense practice, the Kirtan Course students took part in the festival with a half-hour stage performance of mellow, choral chanting. Shivani and Cherl sang solos. Braja made a mrdanga presentation. With sweet tunes of Braja, the lead singers were Shivani, Cheryl, Paraschiva, Surya, and Murari. Their joyful mood helped the audience experience the glories of sankirtana, the congregational repetition of the maha-mantra.
In a kirtan tent, our mrdanga teacher, Krsna Das, led workshops on playing this instrument. Students demonstrated their skills, and the people could join in to learn the basics. Shivani, Cheryl, and Sam led workshops on voice toning and gong-sound healing therapy. The happiness of Holi spread to everyone. The weekend was filled with kirtan and devotion, relaxation and self-realization.
Moments to be remembered . . . relished . . . carried in the heart.
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The Shamanic Festival in Namur
The Kirtan Course students, along with the teacher Jahnavi Harrison, spread the holy names around a bonfire. Dancing and chanting purified the hearts of many, and those who joined us became absorbed, letting themselves be carried away by the angelic voice of Jahnavi and the transcendental Holy Name.
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Balarama Purnima at Radhadesh
It was a day filled with kirtan and dancing, swinging Deities, and offering one’s heart in blissful worship. Taking part in such temple programs and doing kirtans for Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha have become a natural part of the students’ everyday life. The sweet late-evening kirtan at Radhadesh is one activity that every student will miss after returning home.
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First to Leave
Day by day we come closer to the end of the two-month Kirtan Course, which has given new skills and deep realizations to the students.
Some of these memories will last, as will friendships that formed by bonding in kirtan. Precious moments will stay with them throughout their lives. In gratitude we said goodbye to three wonderful students who had to leave a bit early: Paraschiva Florescu, Chih-Chen Chen, and Kuan Lee. We were blessed to have delicious donuts made by a cupcake master, Gopalanandini Schleusener, who has the sweetest talent for baking and decorating cupcakes. Happy we were to have nice chats on the grass before we all wandered in different directions throughout the world. As Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha were waiting to hear the kirtans of Paraschiva Florescu and Kuan Lee, we all joined them in the temple room, where their heart-melting devotion made it seem that the Deities danced.
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Graduation ceremony
The Kirtan Course’s graduation ceremony provoked tears and laughter, certificates and comments. We had ice cream and cold drinks. Knowing that each of us would feel strong separation from these relishable months we shared, connected by kirtan, we anticipated our friendships lasting when we are far away from one other. The staff will miss you and wishes you all the best on your kirtaniya path!
May you all flourish in the garden of kirtan and blossom with the holy names in your hearts! Kirtan Course 2016, ki jaya!
Sankirtana-yajna, ki jaya!
Deepen your transcendental knowledge from everywhere and anytime!!