#LakshmiDevi & #KirtanVancouver at our #Free #Yoga and #Kirtan festival!

Excited to share that Lakshmi Devi is joining the KirtanVancovuer's lineup of amazing artists, August 10th 2013 at our FREE outdoor yoga and Kirtan Festival!

Lakshmi is an inspired and ecstatic multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and kirtan leader. Since 1999 she has been performing her original world music across the United States and Internationally, including Bali, Thailand, and Hawaii.

Lakshmi is a world influenced vocalist of many styles including Indian, Qawwali, Folk, Balinese Gamelan, and Gospel. She also plays Harmonium, rhythm guitar and hand percussion. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnomusicology lends itself to her music’s world influence.  Her music is best understood by its spontaneous aspect and her current immersion in the tradition of Indian chanting called “Kirtan” is a great platform for the spontaneous aspect to be expressed. Her English lyrics describe the raw depths and soaring heights of a spirit’s journey through a human life.

Join us in welcoming Lakshmi Devi!

www.lakshmidevi.com

www.facebook.com/lakshmimusic

#NASIMO, #Graffiti, #KirtanVancouver!

Hold the phone! No, spray can! World acclaimed graffiti artist NASIMO flew in from Bulgaria and created the most spectacular backdrop for KVan, North America’s largest FREE outdoor yoga and Kirtan Festival. NASIMO’s work spans many variations – from the sublime to the childlike and back again. We will post glimpses of his masterpiece over the next weeks – for now, check out NASIMO’s website and see what we are so excited about!

http://nasimo.org

Season of Giving in June = FREE GIVEAWAY!

Season of Giving in June? Why not! #Kirtan Vancouver has teamed up with our favorite people and will be giving away #FREE items EVERY week on Wednesday until our big event on August 10^th 2013!  The giving starts THIS Wednesday, so be ready to receive

Call and Response Foundation

What a great mission statement.  The Call and Response Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation that has a goal of promoting peace and harmony by sharing the chanting experience with 1million people by 2020.  Their efforts include live events, community outreach projects, and support to artists.  Take a look at what they are all about at http://www.callandresponsefoundation.org/ How do you promote peace and harmony?

Note: Kirtan Vancouver is not affiliated with this project. This post is meant to inform of other organisations that share the goal of promoting the benefits of Kirtan and yoga.

An Article on Kirtan - Interesting

Flipping through the pages of the internet, I just came across a great article on Kirtan in Psychology Tomorrow magazine - At the intersection of art and psychology, by The Rev. James Reho Ph.D..

http://www.psychologytomorrowmagazine.com/kirtan-chanting/

The article talks about the meaning of Kirtan, it’s timeline in history, the science behind the sounds and instruments, and a unique look at the comparisons between other meditative dialogues.

As Kirtan mainstreams, there will be more and more opportunities to participate and practice in the meditative state that the call and response form of yoga invokes. I can’t help but smile and rejoice “Halleluiah”, or should I say, “Hari bol” to that!

Musical Impressions

Did you know that the music we listen to leaves an impression on our mind and consciousness?  Here's a video of Sacinandana Swami speaking about the impression Kirtan leaves on us.

One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das

Krishna Das is a 2013 Grammy award nominated kirtan artist. Originally from the United States, Krishna Das traveled to India in pursuit of true happiness. This new documentary follows his struggles, spiritual development and eventual success as a kirtan leader. As of yet, no screenings have been scheduled in Canada, but we hope that changes soon!

Click here to watch the trailer for One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das

An Evening at Enchant

For the last two years, Enchant has been taking place every other Saturday at Unity Yoga. What started as a small group of people coming together to experience kirtan, spiritual discussion, and vegetarian food, has now become a gathering place for the spiritually inclined to connect in Vancouver. Guests simultaneously experience calmness from mantra meditation and building energy from the sound vibrations. This week's gathering was no exception. About 40 people ranging in age from babies to grandparents came together to chant and learn. There was a nice blend of regular attendees and those new to the kirtan world. For people unfamiliar with the mantras, sheets with words are provided to allow for maximum participation.

This Saturday, we were lucky enough to have Mahat Tattva das, who has been a monk for the last 17 years, share his insight and lead some kirtan. The discussion was thought-provoking, and the kirtan lively. Enchant is a great place to check out some up and comers in the kirtan world as the melodies are often led by young adults eager to share their music. The night ended off as it always does…with plates full of vegetarian food! It was fun having the chance to meet new people, especially while eating samosas, salads, rice dishes and cookies! Make sure to check them out on meetup at: http://www.meetup.com/Enchant108/