Kirtan is a form of ecstatic chanting; it is an energizing, joyful group practice of singing melodic chants full of vibrations that calm our minds, open our hearts, boost our inner knowing ( intuitions ), and nourish our whole selves. Kirtan is an integral part of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion. My kirtans are a call and response singing of mainly Sanskrit but also Hebrew and English chants. I sing a line, and the group sings it back. It is typically accompanied by the beautiful sounds of djembe drums or tablas as I play the harmonium and sing. The melodies are simple and easy. The vibrational qualities of ecstatic singing, found particularly in Sanskrit and Hebrew, roll through our bodies, bringing physical and emotional healing, and a heightened awareness of our inner spiritual authority that resides in each of us. Ecstatic chanting takes us to the place in ourselves where we can experience our complete adequacy, worthiness, and 'enoughness.' There is nothing lacking. By continually drinking at this well, we can carry and integrate this experience into our daily lives. It is the experience of living in our divinity, our connection to Source.

For a recent TV interview aired nationally about ecstatic chanting with Dave, click here.

Dave Russell leads ecstatic chanting kirtans (see Calendar) in yoga studios, personal growth seminars and workshops, and health resorts in New England and nationally. Recent and upcoming kirtans include Northampton, MA ( every Sunday ), Stockbridge, MA (Kripalu), Lenox, MA (Canyon Ranch), Telluride Colorado Yoga Festival, Avon, CT, Brattleboro, VT, East Longmeadow, MA, Lee, MA, Goshen, MA, New Lebanon, NY, Martha's Vineyard, Miami, FL, New York City, Boston Chant Fest, and Saratoga Springs Chant Fest.

Dave's CD 'Dancing in the Heart' was released in November 2009. The excerpts you are hearing right now are from the CD. If you are interested in purchasing the CD or downloading individual chants, please click on the CD menu button at the top of this page.