"In whatever situation God places you, it is only for your betterment. Kindly do not be discouraged." – Sri Swami Sivananda
Nothing Moves Me Quite Like Kirtan
from Jessica "Gauri" Avila
Nothing Moves Me Quite Like Kirtan by Gauri (reporting from the Yoga Warehouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL)
When many in the west think of yoga, they think of asana. Bending, flexing and stretching our bodies toward bliss is the common association. But Yoga, as dedicated practitioners know, is so much more than the physical postures we do. Stretching the body is a small part of a larger, beautiful practice.
Stretching the vocal chords and heart through kirtan, call and response chanting of the many names of the Divine, is another amazing part. Kirtan uplifts. It almost instantly changes the energy of any room or physical space that its vibrations permeate, not to mention one's own energy. To chant in a group from the heart with real passion and full abandon is one of the most incredible experiences.
Recently Fort Lauderdale's Sivananda-affiliated Yoga Warehouse hosted kirtan artist and Sivananda teacher Narayan Jyoti for an amazing gathering. Narayan's melodic voice, easy demeanor and wonderful harmonium playing were joined by local musician Richard Brookens' broad range of percussion and wind instruments, including tablas and flute. The energy of the evening was so joyful as a crowd full of faces of different ages, backgrounds, lifestyles and interests came together with one voice, one heart. To be in that space, sharing so purely and openly, is truly sacred and special.
For me personally, chanting is the highlight of my yoga practice. I love asana, I believe wholly in the benefits of meditation, but nothing moves me quite like kirtan. It is my hope that more and more people, asana practitioners or not, will have the chance to experience the magic that chanting mantras creates. Namaste!
Why yoga works—simply
Ancient yogis knew the benefits that came with regular yoga practice. Today, advancements in technology enable scientists to show precisely how these ancient practices work to benefit the mind and body. Yogis have been passing on the teachings of yoga for nearly 5,000 years.
Most simply, using proper breathing, especially during asana practice, enables the average person to develop the breathing apparatus and strengthen the vital life force. Once that begins, everything else flows from it. Why yoga works is really that simple. Any time you lie on the mat and breathe, the benefits of yoga begin.
There is a saying in yoga that when we control the breath, we control the life force, and when you think about that, it's really true.
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The Universal Prayer by Swami Sivananda
O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love,
Salutations and prostrations unto Thee.
Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniniscient.
Thou art Satchidananda.
Thou art Existence, Knowledge and Bliss Absolute.
Thou art the indweller of all beings.
Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision,
Balanced mind, faith, devotion and wisdom.
Grant us inner spiritual strength to resist temptation
And to control the mind.
Free us from egoism, lust, hunger, greed,
Hatred and jealousy.
Fill our hearts with Divine Virtues.
Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us ever remember Thee.
Let us ever sing Thy glories.
Let Thy name bve ever on our lips.
Let us abide in Thee for Ever and Ever.
Om Bolo Sat Guru Sivananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
Om Bolo Vishnu Devananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
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“Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way.”
