Dave’s Kirtan Approach
Let’s embrace our inner spiritual authority and rejoice in it …. after all, it always knows what is best for us. It’s time to move beyond doctrines, external gurus, and other expressions of outward authority. Let’s explore the inner landscape and use our emotions to fuel the journey through the singing of mantras. My kirtan fuses musicality, devotion, spiritual inquiry, and a sense of humor. Chants range from gentle and sweet to totally rocking. Infuse yourself with the powerful healing of group singing of mantras. Let your mind take a backseat to your heart. Above all, please enjoy this spiritual practice and always remember that it is first and foremost a ‘practice’.
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After 20 years of leading kirtans in many locales, we are now only offering kirtans in our Northampton, MA home (on a monthly basis). I am rarely on Facebook (Meta) or other social media. I do maintain an email list for monthly notifications concerning our ‘living room’ kirtans. I am so happy to share this practice with you! Please sign up at: daverussell413@gmail.com
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The seeds of my spiritual journey go back to the music of George Harrison whose use of Indian instruments and Eastern-influenced lyrics (e.g. ‘Within You and Without You’ in 1967) bowled me over. While in high school, I closely followed Harrison’s involvement with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and chose to be initiated into Transcendental Meditation (TM) and receive my first mantra.
From there, I sought out the teachings and presence of Swami Satchidananda in 1971. He was so full of love and wisdom (and humor). I had first seen him when he opened the 1969 Woodstock Music festival leading 400,000 of us chanting ‘Om Shanti Om’. I soon lived in his Integral Yoga Institute ashram where I studied Eastern scriptures, trained to teach Hatha Yoga and, by the seat of my pants, led Friday night kirtans. Satchidananda impacted me hugely through his teachings and presence. I experienced so much unconditional love radiating from him. (continue reading)
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“Dave Russell offers wonderful insights about how kirtan chants can affect you on energetic, spiritual and emotional levels. His chants have beautiful melodies that are both enjoyable to sing and very helpful in opening your heart and feeling peace and joy.” – John Bauman
