This time on the Pilgrim Heart Podcast with Krishna Das, we take a lesson on the practice of repeating the many names of the divine.
Repetition of the Divine Name
What does the repetition of the names of God have to offer in return for our practice? Krishna Das looks at what happens in our lives when we make the effort to turn our attention towards God through chanting.
“What we are trying to do is retune our awareness from the outside world. The world we experience through our senses. Which is interpreted by the subjective programs that are running inside of us.” – Krishna Das
The Return (7:40)
Krishna Das talks about the inevitable moment when we lose focus while we are singing or chanting. The words might be coming out of our mouths, but our minds are gone. KD reflects on one of the most important actions in the practice chanting – or any practice – the realization that our minds have wandered and the return to the moment.
“The idea is by repeating these names, we move towards that deep place inside of us by letting go of the outside stuff. Because when you are singing, you are supposed to be paying attention, but most of the time we are not. We are thinking about all kinds of stuff and we are barely paying attention.” – Krishna Das
Further explore the repetition of the divine name and the return to practice with Krishna Das on Ep. 19 of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast
Join Krishna Das, Deva Premal & Miten, Jai Uttal, and Manose for the Ecstatic Chant Workshop at Omega Aug 30 – Sep 02 in Rhinebeck, NY. Throughout the weekend—including an all-night Saturday session— you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of chants and chanting styles, interspersed with rejuvenating sessions of meditation, yoga, and story sharing.
Not available for a full retreat? Join the group September 2 for a Special Labor Day Chant Session from 2:30 PM-midnight.
Krishna Das will also be teaching a 1-day retreat Tuesday, September 3 for anyone interested in the opportunity to study with one of the foremost devotional singers in the world.
