Kirtan

Watch the recording below, go to Kirtan live-stream or see recorded Kirtans!

Kirtan is group devotional chanting to God.  Kirtan usually begins with a simple prayer, followed by energetic chants that gradually become more and more inward as the kirtan progresses.  There are occasional brief moments of meditation as inspiration allows.  Gradually the mind and heart become calm and focused—you might be surprised how easily! Kirtans usually end with a period of silent meditation.

Free to all; no need to register. Scheduled kirtans are also live streamed.

It bypasses the intellect and goes straight to the heart.  That’s why Paramhansa Yogananda said, “Chanting is half the battle”—battle, in the sense of mustering all our heart’s energies in a positive, upward direction.

You’ll hear chants by Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda, usually accompanied by harmonium and guitar, and sometimes other instruments.  Words are simple and repeating, and easy to learn and follow.  Our Temple has booklets with the words as well.

Upcoming Kirtans!

Go to Kirtan live-stream or watch recorded Kirtans!

Harmoniums

We also stock harmoniums. See our Harmoniums page for more information.

Music of Ananda

“Music is so much more than entertainment. It doesn’t merely reflect a state of consciousness: it also generates it.” —Swami Kriyananda

Ananda Music began in 1964 when Donald Walters—also known as Swami Kriyananda—was inspired to introduce a new kind of music to the world: music that expresses spiritual aspiration and a desire for a more meaningful way of life. This music is quite simple, yet beautiful.

At first, Walters wrote only songs with lyrics. Then he realized that words are not needed to express deep meaning. Thus, he has written instrumental works also: a piano sonata; a string quartet; and other, similar works. Later came a complete oratorio: Christ Lives!

Experience it on Ananda.org’s music page!