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 Kirtan
with Rick Roberts and friends
Green River Yoga
Saturday, May 16
7:30pm - 9:00pm
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 Hi all - I hope you can join us this Saturday at Green River Yoga for another
evening of chanting and meditation. People have been asking me for
words to the chants we sing so I just posted online a copy of the
chanting booklet. It's formatted for 8 1/2 x 14 and you can download a
copy here: ChantBook.pdf
On the last page I included for reference the Sanskrit alphabet and a
guide to pronunciation. Although I've been chanting Sanskrit texts for
almost 30 years, my study of Sanskrit is fairly new. (I've been
studying for a little over a year) I've learned enough though to be
able to appreciate the power inherent in the language. In the words of
Vyaas Houston, founder of the American Sanskrit Institute: "Sanskrit is
the language of mantra, words of power subtly attuned to the unseen
harmonies of the matrix of creation. Its effectiveness as a language of
meditation and yoga relies largely on correct pronunciation, and the
attention given to it. Sanskrit's power is also greatly enhanced by a
direct understanding of its words and meanings."
But even without understanding the meaning, just chanting the words can
bring much pleasure and can lead one easily into meditation. I'd be
interested to hear your experience.
For inspiration this month I pulled from my shelf a small book called
"100 Ways to keep your Soul Alive" and found reference to a poem by the
Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The poem is from "Gitanjali", a
collection of Bengali poems written by Tagore in 1910. Also from the
same little book came Blessings of Imperfection. Enjoy!
Lastly, I received an email from a friend on Friday sharing the sad
news that two friends had passed away. She concluded her email with a
thoughtful reflection that I want to share with you:
How precious our time together here truly is!
let it be love,
Rick |
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...and musicians
This month I'll be joined by most of the regulars:
Gurucharan........................tabla
Kevin Germain....................yayli tanbur
Dona O'Dou........................tamboura
Divya Shinn........................vocals
Rick Roberts......................harmonium
and hopefully Melanie Hedlund will be joining us this week!
did you know...
That I'm looking for musicians and people to help with the evening
chants. Specifically, I would love to have 2-3 cymbal players, a cello
and someone to help with the sound. If you're reading this and want to
be involved with the Kirtan in Greenfield or Amherst please email me.
Or maybe you know someone that would be just perfect. Then forward this
email to that perfect person and put us in touch.
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Inspirational Corner
The Blessings of Imperfection
A carpenter and his apprentice were walking together through a large
forest. And when they came across a tall, huge, gnarled, old, beautiful
oak tree, the carpenter asked his apprentice: "Do you know why this
tree is so tall, so huge, so gnarled, so old and beautiful?" The
apprentice looked at his master and said: "No, why?" "Well," the
carpenter said, "because it is useless. If it had been useful it would
have been cut long ago and made into tables and chairs, but because it
is useless it could grow so tall and so beautiful that you can sit in
it's shade and relax."
Waiting
by Rabindranath Tagore
The song I came to sing remains unsung to this day.
I have spent my days in stringing and in unstringing my instrument.
The time has not come true, the words have not been rightly set;
only there is the agony of wishing in my heart..
I have not seen his face, nor have I listened to his voice;
only I have heard his gentle footsteps, from the road before my house..
But the lamp has not been lit, and I cannot ask him into my house;
I live in the hope of meeting with him; but this meeting is not yet.
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Kirtan
with Rick Roberts and friends
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday
...is a time
for people to come together, open their hearts and sing. For years
chanting has helped people to effortlessly reach a state of quiet and
stillness that easliy leads to meditation. While it's true that we can
chant in our car or in the solitude of our home, there's nothing like
chanting with others and with live musicians. Every kirtan is different
depending on the energy of the group, but as the evening progresses one
becomes saturated with the Name, the mind becomes one-pointed and
dropping into a deep state of meditation becomes effortless.
Suggested donation is $10 but please remember that a donation is not necessary. Anything is
appreciated, and all are welcome regardless of their ability to pay.
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