Chanting is not just about “music to our ears.”
There have been many studies pointing out the connection between the physical and the spiritual.
Dr. Andrew Weil, in his book, “Spontaneous Healing” says “During my travels throughout the world, I have met many healers who believe that the primary causes of health and illness are not physical, but spiritual…Mystics and spiritual adepts teach that it is possible to raise spiritual energy, to increase the rate of vibration. One way to do this is to put yourself in the vicinity of persons, places or things that have high spiritual energy.”
That sounds like sangha during kirtan, orsatsang. It doesn’t have to be East Indian style, either. Across cultures, geographies and eras, there was a very special place for chanting. It doesn’t matter what religion, or what language. People chanted, and lo and behold, even miracles occurred.
The benefits of kirtan chanting are many.
“Chanting creates community,” says Sean Johnson, who has a Master’s degree from The Naropa Institute in Creation Spirituality with a focus on teaching chant. “Singing together, we merge with each other, and entrain with the divine vibration. Kirtan is a most sublime form of satsang, gathering with fellow seekers and reaching deep together through song. There’s a vibrant exchange, a transmission of energy circulating back and forth from hearts to hearts.” (Click here to read the full article)