FOUNDATIONS OF KIRTAN

teachers – Mani Manjari dasi, Manohara das, Prema Mani dasi

date and time –

friday, march 14th – 6:00pm-9:00pm

saturday, march 15th – 9:00am-5:00pm

sunday, march 16th – 9:00am-5:00pm

location – the Bhakti Center / 5E

admission –  $400

for questions, please contact us at hello@bhakticenter.org

Kirtan is a Sanskrit word with many different meanings, including “to praise, call out, glorify”. Sankirtana refers to congregational call-and-response chanting of Sanskrit mantra and is one of the primary practices of bhakti yoga. 

At the center of kirtan is mantra, the Sanskrit phrase we repeat, which is a tool to purify our hearts and minds.

Designed to give you fundamental musical skills, tools, and knowledge, this training will take you deeper into your kirtan practice. Whether you are interested in leading or developing your personal, home practice, this training is for you!

Over the course of this immersive weekend, you will learn how to play the harmonium and kartals and lead kirtan on your own. The goal is to develop a more personal relationship to the art of kirtan by diving into the deeper layers as a spiritual practice.

In addition to being a musical training, this course will include exploring the history and meaning of kirtan, how to develop the devotional qualities that can enhance your offerings, and how to sing and lead kirtan with more confidence. Additionally, you will get to connect with spiritual community in an uplifting and inspiring group learning environment.

Some familiarity with the practice of kirtan is recommended. No musical ability is necessary.

• presentations and group discussions
• group kirtans
• opportunity to sing and play instruments
• movement and vocal exercises
• casual but encouraging and loving learning environment
• group and individual practice sessions
• mostly floor seating (chairs can be made available)

• history
• meaning of kirtan as described in Sri Chaitanya’s Siksastakam
• mood of / how to approach kirtan 
• lifestyle
• practical learning of musical instruments and how to lead:
  • harmonium
  • kartals
  • rhythm
  • different styles
  • keeping beat with other musicians
  • getting over stage fright
  • holding space

Want to familiarize yourself with kirtan before signing up for the training? Check out our free, weekly offerings – Tuesday and Thursday Night Kirtan.

Mani Manjari is a passionate Kirtan leader, instrumentalist and singer with a deep love for music that began in her early years. Her journey into kirtan has been a natural extension of her lifelong desire to express devotion through creativity. Being given the gift of Bhakti many years ago from her spiritual teacher, Vaisesika Dasa, Mani has committed herself to sharing the power of music as a form of spiritual practice. Mani offers a warm, inclusive environment where students can explore and deepen their own musical and spiritual connections.

Manohara Das, a graduate from Chapman University, CA, has immersed himself in the science of bhakti-yoga for the last five years. This year he completed (with honors) the Bhakti Sastri course in Mayapur, India, a five-month intensive study of classical bhakti-yoga texts. Back in the USA, Manohara now serves at the Bhakti Center full-time, giving personal and communal tutelage on the science of bhakti-yoga.

Prema Mani grew up in the bhakti tradition and has been around kirtan and dance ever since she can remember. She lived in India for many years where she dedicated herself to studying Odissi dance, as well as the Mrdanga drum and Harmonium, developing a deep appreciation and love for all its unique beauty and spiritual depth. Prema’s main objective in life is to present, glorify and advocate the culture of Bhakti Yoga by sharing it’s dance and music through the medium of Madhuri Mrdanga Devotional Arts School.

Refund window closes 3 weeks prior to training start date; all monies forfeited thereafter. Credit card processing fees apply.