through meditation, enquiry, & chanting
Come to chanting meetings with live music played by Bhajananda. From left to right: Mikaela, Jo, Allan, Marica, Matthew, and Kira. We play Indian devotional music known as bhajans and kirtan. Here’s an example of Krishna Das singing this kind of music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptc8x37ojbe
We meet in living rooms - or occasionally at larger events. If you would like to come to a meeting, email mb@findingoneself.me. You are welcome to sing, or just enjoy the vibe. If you play an instrument, bring it along.
The words that we sing are in Indian languages, mainly Hindi or Sanskrit, and most of us don’t understand much of it. This is a chance to put the rational mind on hold and to follow the heart, which knows its own way to the peace and contentment that we may be seeking. The repetitive simple words operate like a meditation mantra, leading us inwards, while the physical act of singing has the effect of opening the heart and creating the possibility of loving the infinite mystery of life that we are all part of.
Many of the words refer to gods and goddesses, but we don’t think of them as separate beings hovering over a cloud somewhere. For us they represent the most sublime and profound aspects of our own self which we are welcoming to blossom in our lives. Strangely enough, religious belief isn’t a necessary part of this practice; devotion can occur beyond understanding or belief. When attention turns to its source, to the totality of life, the universe, and everything, feelings of awe and devotion are a natural consequence.
