A Little More about Our Weekly Chanting at Plaza Kailasa

All are welcome, including children. We only ask that you take care that they are not too much of a distraction, particularly during our periods of silence following the chants. Suite K is up one flight of stairs and we deeply apologize if this prevents you from being able to join us.

We typically do three chants each evening, with plenty of time to go deep into each chant. The words are projected on the wall, so it is easy to follow along. After each chant, we have a few minutes of silence to absorb the energies of the chant and take them deep within, and have a short break after the first quiet period and before the second chant.

The more one puts into the chanting the more one gets from it. Keeping a conscious connection with one’s form of the Divine can deepen the experience, as can abandoning any concerns about how one’s voice sounds, or other limiting thoughts.

It is quite common to be moved to sway and/or clap to the rhythm of the chant, and some like to get up and do their own form of ecstatic dance in the back. Our space is pretty small so that's "space permitting."

Following the deeply rooted traditions of this form of chanting, we make a few requests. We ask that participants avoid adding harmonies to the melody of the chant, which can be beautiful but can also present a distraction to fellow participants. Since the form is call-and-response, it is also recommended that the participants only chant during their prescribed turn. It is very powerful to receive the chant during the call and then “give it back” through the response.

We also ask that people refrain from adding their own percussion instruments (except their hand-clapping, of course), without first checking with the Wallahs. Again, it can be wonderful for the one playing, but serve as a distraction for nearby participants. If someone wants to add percussion (and can keep a beat!), we would prefer they sit near the band.

Suite K at Plaza Kailasa is nicely carpeted so shoes are to be removed prior to coming up the stairs. Chairs and a limited number of “back chairs” for floor seating are available, as are cushions and blankets.

Suggestions are always welcome. Please feel free to email us or talk to us while you’re attending kirtan.

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