KIRTAN
Kirtan is a way to chant mantras. It involves a call and response of that mantra. Man is the root of the Sanskrit word for mind and tra is the root of the word instrument. Therefore, a mantra is an instrument to train the mind. The practice of Kirtan brings greater concentration to the moment, which allows us to lessen our attention on the continuous stream of habituated thoughts and to be in the now. This practice comes from the bhakti yoga tradition, the yoga of love and devotion. I am grateful to have learned how to lead this practice from my teachers Jai Utall and Janet Stone.