Montreal, Quebec
Workshop Day
In some respects, it was a long
hard day; a workshop on kirtan standards. It went well though and I was
happy with the turnout at our ISKCON Montreal center. The course covers
directions or standards on conducting chanting sessions either by those who
lead or those who respond to kirtan. As usual, we go through the points of the
mood behind chanting, the execution, the collaboration, the inclusiveness, the
etiquette, etc.
Kirtan has become popular among our youth around the world and much of
that inspiration comes from a trailblazing kirtan master, Aindra, who
was quite expert. This late and great soul demonstrated his passion for the
art. The unique thing about Aindra is that while he has a kind of “rock star”
status, that empowerment of his did not go without a strong backbone of sadhana.
Power comes from the practice of sadhana, which in the bhakti
tradition involves personal japa chanting, puja worship and a
regular reading of the books of bhakti teachings.
Our guru, Prabhupada, set
standards and moods for kirtan through his books and his example. In my
presentation for the workshop, I failed to mention the point that the popular kirtan
leaders today carry excellent devotional practices, enabling them to have power
in their delivery of chanting the mantras. I guess I will include it in
my next workshop, which will be held in Brampton next week.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
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