By Atma Tattva Das
Kirtan, the sacred practice of chanting and singing the names of The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, is a profound tool for meditation and self-expression. For Premanjali Dasi, kirtan is not only a complete devotional activity but also a transformative experience she aims to make accessible to all. Through her innovative Learn Kirtan initiative, she has opened the doors for individuals—particularly those new to bhakti—to embrace the art of kirtan as a means of meditation, connection, and personal growth.
Born into a family that cherished spirituality, Premanjali’s early life was steeped in the melodies of devotion. Her parents introduced her to the harmonium at a young age through Gurukula, encouraging her to participate in devotional activities. “I was never shy,” she admitted during the interview. “The music had a way of drawing me in. It made me feel connected to something greater than myself, but I had to find my way through technique.”
This connection deepened when she explored Krishna Consciousness further in her teenage years. Immersing herself in temple life, she found kirtan to be the centerpiece of her spiritual awakening. “Kirtan taught me that devotion is not just about the mind; it’s about the heart,” she said. Inspired by the transformative power of chanting, Premanjali began to dream of making this practice accessible to a broader audience.
However, she noticed a recurring challenge: many people, especially those somewhat familiar with bhakti, were hesitant to engage with kirtan. “There’s this idea that you need to have a ‘perfect’ voice or deep knowledge to chant,” she explained. “But kirtan isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection and self-expression.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/kirtan-for-everyone-premanjali-dasi-aims-to-spread-devotional-joy/
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