Kirtan and Yoga

I frequently receive questions about the connection between Kirtan and yoga, which is confusing for many. Below are a few thoughts. 

1. While most in the West associate yoga with physical postures (asana), yoga has historically included a wide variety of paths. 
2. Whether yoga is seen to have four, six or 8 branches (or paths), Bhakti Yoga is always included as one of the branches. 
3. Kirtan (chanting sacred mantras) is the central practice of Bhakti Yoga, aka Yoga of the Heart. 
4. In Sanskrit, yoga translates as "yoke." A yoke historically connected an ox to a plow, creating something greater than either, similar to the notion of thesis, anti-thesis and higher order synthesis.
5. Also known as the Yoga of Devotion, Bhakti Yoga yokes the practitioner's heart with the Heart of the Divine, creating a sublime experience of bliss and gratitude. 

Sacred chant is often seen as the quickest path to connection with the Divine. It's certainly the easiest and most fun!

To learn more about the 8 Branches of Yoga, please click here.