The Transformative Power of Kirtan
Kirtan: A Modern Path to Ancient Wisdom
Even if you’re not completely familiar with kirtan—the ‘yoga music’ genre often devotional in nature—you’ve probably encountered it, perhaps at a yoga studio or online. Though chanting and mantras have ancient roots, kirtan itself is relatively modern, dating back to the 15th century. Originally a means of expressing devotion to deities, kirtan still retains this element, though it is not always the focus. Prominent kirtan artist Dave Stringer, for example, uses it to unite people, transform consciousness, and foster a universal awareness akin to what yoga itself can achieve. Stringer emphasizes that kirtan offers a psychological and neurological transformation rather than purely a religious one.
Stringer highlights that kirtan was largely pioneered by the Bhaktis, a joyously rebellious movement that took music from temples to the streets. They believed that if yoga aims to access a state of unitary consciousness, then distinctions between sacred and profane, or temple and street, become irrelevant. Through simple songs and dances, they aimed to convey the essence of yoga and alternative states of consciousness to everyday people. “Music can be the fastest way to get there,” Stringer explains. “It gives you a taste of the state, and that experience sticks with you. It’s far more efficient than lectures on yoga philosophy. Even if only briefly, through music and dance, you can transcend your limited sense of self.”
Kirtan, therefore, served as a means to democratize yoga, offering its benefits to everyone rather than reserving them for the upper castes. It only began to gain traction in the West in the last century, and its popularity has surged over the past 50 years. Today, kirtan is quite popular in the U.S., where various styles are blending, enriching the practice further.
As a call-and-response style of mantra chanting, kirtan is notably participatory. Stringer is amazed by how “consciousness-transformative” the experience can be. “We’re not just aiming to feel good but to connect with others and enter a timeless, ecstatic awareness. Kirtan involves the audience’s response, making them an integral part of the music, blurring the line between performer and audience.”
Kirtan also connects participants with one another. The pieces often start slowly and build in speed and energy, creating a cumulative effect. By the end, you feel a deep connection not only to the music but also to those around you, reinforcing the experience of unitary consciousness.
Stringer notes that kirtan, like asana, involves breath awareness. “With both asana and kirtan, we get everyone to breathe in unison and modify their breath. This affects the mind and nervous system, slowing the body down and turning off the stress response while enhancing relaxation.” The music’s increasing speed can induce a sense of weightlessness, combining relaxation with heightened presence.
In addition to its physiological effects, kirtan shifts attention from the usual mental chatter to the music itself, similar to the focus found in yoga. Stringer states, “Yoga philosophy teaches that you and the world exist in a state of interconnection. Practices like kirtan are designed to give you the experience of breaking down the distinctions between self and other.”
In conclusion, kirtan, along with asana and meditation, serves to heighten awareness and deepen compassion. “They all impact the mind, brain, and nervous system, and were developed long before modern neuroscience understood their effects.”
Explore Local Kirtan Sessions and Experience the Transformation Yourself
Learn More About the Different Styles of Kirtan and Their Benefits
Share Your Kirtan Experience or Reflections with Us
Alice G. Walton, PhD is a health and science writer, and began practicing (and falling in love with) yoga last year. She is the Associate Editor at TheDoctorWillSeeYouNow.com and a Contributor at Forbes.com. Alice will be exploring yoga’s different styles, history, and philosophy, and sharing what she learns here on the YogaGlo blog. You can follow Alice on Twitter @AliceWalton and Facebook at Facebook.com/alicegwalton.
