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kirtan
One of the main practices of Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotional love) is Kirtan, which is chanting. During kirtan, the leader “calls” out a mantra, usually one of the names of the Divine, and the rest of the group repeats it back. In this call-and-response form, we exchange energy and raise our vibration to the powerful mantras. Click Here to download the Shanti Mantra Invocation, which Cheryl often chants at the beginning of yoga classes.
bhakti
A rich part of the yoga tradition revolves around rituals, mantra, mythology, and devotion. In order to honor the Indian traditions and culture from which Yoga originates, it’s important to learn about these beliefs and practices, even though you don’t have to adhere to them. In classes, Cheryl will often talk about Shiva and Shakti (the God and Goddess), or tell bits of the “creation” stories of the Universe. While Yoga is not a religion, and can be practiced by people of any (or no) religion, we learn a little bit about Hindu religion and perspectives as part of our study, as a cultural backdrop to yoga in America. In this way, our practice is not one of cultural appropriation, but one of cultural appreciation.
Chant to Ganesha to remove obstacles
Om Gam Ganapati, Namo Namah
Ganesha Sharanam, Sharanam Ganesha
Om Gam Ganapatayei Namaha
These mantras are beautiful ways to tap into the power you have within to turn your obstacles into opportunities. Ganesha (or Ganapati) is known as the remover of obstacles. By chanting his names, you align yourself with the vibration of optimism
Sign up for the Kirtan Newsletter below to receive a free download of Cheryl’s Om Gam Ganapati chant from her kirtan album, Prashamana. You can get the whole album on iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, or anywhere you stream music.
Upcoming Kirtan Events
Weekly Kirtan every Wednesday at 7:30 pm at Rosemary Court Yoga
First Friday Kirtan every month at 7 pm at Unity of Sarasota
for details, visit the Workshops and Events page
MANTRAVISATION
MANTRAVISATION
Mantravisation:
A musical improvisation using mantras and instrumentation to create a spiritual soundscape. You’ll be moved to groove and dance and chant along with us!
Mantravisation on Ganesha Sharanam- live improvised on 7/31/2023
Chant with Cheryl
Have a listen to Cheryl’s first kirtan album, Prashamana. It’s great as background music for your home yoga practice, or for chanting along with in the car! You can purchase a digital download on iTunes, Amazon Music or Bandcamp or contact Cheryl to get a physical copy mailed to you for $15 plus shipping.
Chant the Hanuman Chalisa
One of Cheryl’s favorites! Here’s a link to download the words and an English translation.