Chant

K I R T A N

Dan and Laurel at Grailville, 2003

Kirtan (pronounced "keer' tahn") originated in India, and is one of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world. The chanting is usually done as "call & response" in the language of Sanskrit. The mantras are used to quiet the mind so we can enjoy the peace and bliss that is within us.

We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. We provide handouts, so the chants are easy to learn. Beginning chanters & experienced chanters are all welcome. Details are posted on the upcoming events page.

example of a call & response chant

Chanting on the terrace at St George's (2001)

Laurel playing harmonium and Dan playing dumbek at Inner Dance Yoga Studio (2005)

Laurel earned her degree in World Religions and Philosophy from Capitol University. She has been teaching yoga and chant since 1974. Much of the chanting she presents was learned while living in California and also during 3 years of pilgrimages to India in the late 70's and early 80's. Kaliji and Mercury Max, and Krishna Das have provided inspiration in kirtan and bhakti yoga.

Dan Heffner earned a degree in music from Ball State University in 1977 and studied music therapy at the University of Dayton. He began his experience with chanting upon meeting Laurel in the summer of 1999. Dan and Laurel married in 2003 on Valentine's Day.

At Sri Swami Ganapathei Sachchidananda's ashram in W Sunbury, PA (July 2005)

Meeting Krishna Das in Cinti (2003)