Beginning March 20th for the Spring Equinox we will be holding Drumming, Kirtan and Circle Singing events regularly.Drumming
In this century, when it seems we are moving further away from ourselves
and our deeper needs, the simplicity of a drum provides us a link
back to that which we knew before technology separated us from our
soul. For ancient civilizations, drumming created a sense of community
and belonging. Actually, it is no different today. Drum circles
are quickly catching on throughout the world for the same reasons
they flourished thou-sands of years ago. This fascinating
activity engenders a sense of personal group-worth through self-expression,
sharing and contributing to the whole. It is a living metaphor of
our capacity as humans to join forces and work together effectively.
read more about the health benefits of drumming at:
www.balancedlivingmag.com/2003/Sept - Oct 03 Issue/Drumming Up Good Health.htm
Kirtan
What is Kirtan?
also known as sankirtan, is the call-and-response chanting inspired and popularized by the great saint Sri
Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The roots of kirtan go back over 500
years to Renaissance India. During this period the influence and style
of kirtan became the focal point for the upsurge in religious
expression in Bengal led by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This joyful mood
quickly spread throughout India, where today kirtan is accepted as one
of the surest paths to enlightenment. The singing is accompanied by the
ancient musical raga tradition with a rhythmic drumming style that
transports the chanters to profound spiritual realms. In its religious
fervor, it has been likened to modern American Gospel music, and in
its heartfelt expression it compares to profound states of deep
meditation.
Circle Singing in (Song)
Circle Singing can be described lots of ways:
vocal improvisation, vocal "jamming", add-a-part/change-a-part,
vocal orchestra, "voicestra", a "drum circle" for singers, or just plain "make it up" singing.
It's done all over the world in countless different ways and it dates back to the earliest forms of human singing.
