This Friday Night Kirtan is centered on the theme Coming Home to the Heart, using sacred sound and simple chanting as a way to slow the mind, soften the heart, and return to what is most essential. Each week, we focus on one kirtan melody that is learned, practiced, and carried forward—so it becomes something lived, not just heard.
Why We Chant
In bhakti, chanting is not a performance or a display of skill. It is a form of remembrance. Sacred sound gives the mind something gentle to rest upon, allowing the heart to open naturally over time.
You do not need to sing loudly, clearly, or confidently. Listening is also chanting. Simply being present with the sound is enough.
This Week’s Mantra
The Maha Mantra
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
This mantra is traditionally chanted in call-and-response form, making it easy to participate even when the words are unfamiliar.
Learning the Melody (Voice First)
Tonight’s melody is simple and repetitive by design. We begin by listening, then gently joining in. The melody will repeat several times, giving your ear and voice time to settle into it naturally.
There is no need to rush. Let the sound lead.
Learning the Melody on Harmonium
After learning the melody by ear, we explore how to play it on the harmonium.
Begin by finding a comfortable starting note that suits your voice. The right hand follows the melody slowly, one note at a time, without concern for speed or complexity. The left hand may gently support the drone or remain still.
This is not a music lesson in the conventional sense. It is an invitation to make the mantra available—to yourself first, and then to others.
How This Tune Will Be Used This Week
This same kirtan melody will return throughout the weekend (and hopefully the coming week):
- During Saturday Rest & Retreat, where it will be chanted softly
- During Sunday Satsang, as a familiar opening
- In your personal practice
- In moments when you share it with others
Repetition is how remembrance takes root.
Prasadam Snack
To complete tonight’s practice, we offer a simple sattvic snack that can be prepared at home and offered with gratitude.
If the cold Michigan winters, we enjoy it warm. In the peak summer months, we enjoy it chilled.
Watch the Kirtan & Harmonium Lesson
(YouTube video Coming Soon)
