Kirtan Singing

With Leo and Sundara.

Accompanied by harmonium and guitar, we will sing Indian devotional chants based on simple mantras. These “sung prayers” invoke the qualities of Indian deities like Shiva, Krishna, Durga, Saraswati and Ganesha, qualities such as love, creativity, courage and compassion that are all present within us and that can be brought more fully into our lives by singing together in this way. No prior experience is necessary. Arrive a little earlier if you like for a cup of tea and some time to connect before we begin. No need to book in advance. But please bring a cushion of a backjack if you can.

Sundara and Leo Sofer have been leading singing events together since 2003. They previously taught in Findhorn (a spiritual community in Scotland), with an especial focus on the songs of Taize (a Christian monastery in France) and Nickomo Clarke’s Harmonic Temple songs (based on sacred phrases from diverse spiritual traditions). 

In recent years they have fallen in love with bhajans, the devotional songs of India, which are sung mostly in Sanskrit at gatherings known as kirtans. They are also creating songs in English which are short and easy to learn, and that can also be sung in a devotional spirit.

Sundara plays the harmonium and Leo plays the guitar to accompany these songs. Having two instruments present enables people to sing freely and to relax into the experience, supported by the music.