Kirtan Blog

  Katelin’s Kirtan Course 2015 diary Written by Katelin Knapp   Opening week The class of 2015 has been launched into the kirtan course with blissful kirtans, deep insights and meaningful experiences. From Vancouver to London, the 18 students come from all different backgrounds to one peaceful place in order to chant the Holy Names, learn the basic instruments and unlock the nectar. Week one lays a h4 foundation for the temple of the heart, beginning with Sacinandana Swami’s mercy, stories and humour. Before even picking up an instru

What is the purpose of the new Kirtan Course at Radhadesh and what is it`s significance for devotees? Krishna Kshetra Swami: Kirtan is our most essential activity. We have sravanam – hearing and kirtanam – chanting or glorifying the Lord. This is the movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in late 15th, early 16th century Bengal. He spread the chanting of the holy name, especially the Hare Krishna mantra all over India and it`s now being spread all over the world. In order to help facilitate this spreading process, musical ability in the practice of kir

Sacinandana Swami set the mood of the course with his seminar on the Theology of the Holy Name, based on the book Harinama Chintamani by Vaishnava saint Bhaktivinode Thakur. In it, he covered the secrets of attentive chanting, how to move past offensive chanting, how to enter into a relationship with the Holy Name, and the lessons we can learn from Srila Prabhupada’s amazing relationship with the Holy Name.

  Written by Abighail Rocchi. Week 1 The first week laid the foundation for chanting the holy name: the importance of faith and prayer, focusing the mind and avoiding offences, and forming a relationship with the holy name. Week 2 The second week was fully practical. Three hours on the mridanga in the morning, and an hour each of karatals and harmonium in the afternoon. Week 3 The third week, with Kadamba Kanana Swami, was spent learning about the history and tradition of kirtan, and how music is part of the spiritual world. Students surveyed I

Our general policy for devotees joining the course on a part-time basis is that they can join part time during the weeks when one of the five main guest teachers are teaching. But the practical courses during those weeks with the resident teachers (who teach the instruments and singing) are open only to full-time students (about 2-3 hours a day).