Kirtan has become popular at many venues in the West throughout the US and internationally, especially in Europe. But what exactly is kirtan, beyond the simple answer: a call-and-response chant from India? This class is an opportunity to learn about kirtan. We will discuss many aspects, including it’s roots, how it became popular, it’s history at Harbin, the musical instruments that accompany it and how it is used as a devotional spiritual practice.
In addition to discussion there will be plenty of time devoted to singing kirtan with musical accompaniment. Attendees may also lead a kirtan chant that they might already know in an “Open Mic” style. The class will be tailored to the attendees and their interests.
Mahavir has been leading kirtan for more than 50 years. He first learned kirtan in Berkeley in 1972, while a graduate student at UC, Berkeley and living in a meditation ashram. A devotee of Neem Karoli Baba, he travelled to India in the mid 1970’s and studied music with Jai Uttal, a renowned kirtan leader. For many years he hosted monthly kirtan events at his home in the Bay Area, before retiring and moving close to Harbin in 2008. Mahavir was a member of the Harbin Kirtan Band for 20 years from the mid 90’s until 2015. He currently performs monthly musical events at Harbin: Music Meditation Bliss and Bhakti Music, the latter of which generally includes some form of kirtan.
Mahavir is currently a student of Sufism and has extensive experience in Hinduism, Buddhist meditation (Zen, Tibetan, Vipassana) and is a Science of Mind Practitioner.
Unless noted, events are included with your paid admission to Harbin Hot Springs. Donations are welcomed and appreciated. Please check the events postings when you arrive. Event schedules are subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Please visit our events calendar for the most up to date listings at
https://harbin.org/experience/events/
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