As we turn towards the Springing energy of life, we welcome Swami Kailash Saraswati and Sannyasin Gyanmudra (see below) to our practice of Kirtan. May their presence with us support our connection with our inner Spring energy and the light of wisdom on our experience to help give space for bathing in the beauty of sacred sound from the great tradition of Yoga and other Indigenous traditions.
The evening begins with chanting of the universal Mahamrityunjaya (20-30 minutes) expanding our capacity to deepen our inner strength and courage to meet the changes and challenges of life at this time. The resonance of the mantra offers the energy of freedom from our fears and anxieties which we can embrace, for ourselves and also extend to others who may need this kind of inner support.
The practice of Kirtan follows, with simple mantras to listen, hear and sing, or to sit in the beauty of the sound. The sacred sounds have a purifying and calming effect on the body mind system and invite harmonies, movement, other instruments and the sound of your voice, or silence.
Let us create beauty together in these wonderful mantra meditation practices:
Time: 5-6.30pm
Venue: Yoga Living Space at Southshore
Followed by: Gentle evening herbal tea and shared plant-based finger food/nibbles (bring what you have that is abundant, to share)
Contribution: Koha/Dana*
Register your intention to join: With Atmavidya
*Koha or Dana (This is the act of giving generously and freely, without expecting anything in return. The value of the koha is determined by the giver, based on their capacity and the situation. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the source of the practices and the giving of them. It is a voluntary donation or contribution that is more than a simple gift. It signifies a gesture of respect, connection and appreciation. It is also the opportunity to give back to our community. All of what you are able to give for this event will support the work of the Satyananda Yoga Community in Bihar, India)
Swami Kailash Saraswati:
It has been my great blessing to encounter Swami Kailash Saraswati in this lifetime and to receive the simple and beautiful wisdom of the wonderful Hatha Yoga tradition of Satyananda Yoga through him over all these years. Swami Kailash embodies the simplicity, practicality and joy of living a life imbued with Yoga. His facilitation of Nada Yoga practices, Yoga Nidra, Meditation and Kirtan have inspired my journey through all the years I have known him.
Swami Kailash has decades of experience studying and living in ashrams across New Zealand, Australia and India, growing up immersed in the Yoga of Swami Satyananda from a young age.
Swami Kailash along with the wonderful Sannyasin Gyanmudra offer classes and events through the Srinivasa Yoga Centre in Hamilton. They have taught for decades across New Zealand, Australia, India, and Korea and frequently collaborating on retreats, kirtan festivals events and workshops in New Zealand and abroad.
"It was found that during repetitive singing of kirtan,
the brain registers the sound waves, nada,
which influence all other wave patterns of the brain.
These waves awaken alpha rhythms which immediately induce tranquility.
Thus by singing kirtan, we experience peace of mind."
Swami Satyananda Saraswati