How do chanting, kirtan and mantra differ?
Chanting
Chanting is the repetition of a phrase (mantra), a single word or syllable (seed mantra), and can be practiced with our without instrumental accompaniment. It can be from any culture and in any language. It can be a phrase of encouragement, an act of worship, a focusing idea, a philosophical principle, or even a poem just for the sheer joy of poetry.
Chanting can be practiced alone or in a group setting. It can be spoken or sung. Some traditions recommend specific times for chanting, such as first thing in the morning, or before bed. A session may last from a few minutes to several hours.
Kirtan
Kirtan is the singing of songs in a group setting for celebration, reflection, devotion and worship. Kirtan can be accompanied by a host of instruments, a single shruti box or guitar, or only voices. It is primarily practiced in a call and response fashion. Participants not familiar with the chants can easily sing along by answering the call.
Kirtan may have a focus on the Divine, whether named or unnamed. Kirtan may also focus on matters of philosophy and mutual respect. Bhakti is the yoga of devotion, and kirtan plays a large part in that practice.
Mantra
Mantra is a short phrase or single word (seed syllable) with a specific intention. Mantra can be spoken or sung. It can be repeated many times in a single setting, or repeated over the course of the day. A mantra can help us focus on a specific spiritual or philosophical principle. A mantra is often ‘prescribed’ to a student by a teacher who understands the needs of that student.
We use a form of mantra today, whether or not we are consciously aware of it. Many people get in the habit of muttering negative catch-phrases without understanding the energetic implications. “Just my luck”, “I’m such a klutz”, and “I could NEVER do that” will eventually begin to manifest in our lives, if from nothing else but the reinforcement of our own words.
Choosing the right mantra can have a dynamic impact on how we experience our world. “I hate summer” can be changed to “I love air conditioning.” “I hate rainy days” can be changed to “I am thankful for the rain that nourishes the earth”, and “I appreciate my umbrella.”
We can chant any phrase that resonates with us, even without a teacher to bestow one on us. The phrase may be in Sanskrit, such as “Om Mani Padme Hum”, or in English such as “I respect myself, and I respect others” or “Today I will allow goodness to flow through me”. Regardless of the phrase or language, we must be comfortable with it and be open to its benefits.
