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The purpose of chanting
Chanting is not just the singing of a few repetitive lines; it is a sacred act of devotion and union, bringing together body, heart and spirit within the moment. By focusing the attention on the breath and the voice while chanting, we enter an altered state of consciousness experienced as connection with the Divine. We live in a secular age where singing has become the domain of the few; those who ‘make it’ are granted almost mythic status, and the rest of us are relegated to the role of consumer. Sacred singing as in church, or community singing for fun and entertainment are far less common than even fifty years ago. Sadly many people have become scared to use their voices, no one wants to look foolish or vulnerable. The universal, age old human practise of chanting brings peace, healing and joy to the heart, it is not about whether you can sing ‘in tune’. If you can make a noise you can chant, it’s as simple as that. A low drone will resonate as much as a perfect harmony and when a group of people chant together the resulting sound is far more than the sum of the individual voices. As in other areas of magic, intention is all. Use this recording as a starting point for your own experience and devotional practice rather than simply passively listening. Play around with other harmonies, fill in other parts on the rounds. Listen to the words and, as you chant, feel the meaning and the tone resonate within your body and surroundings. The reprise of Beauty at the end of the CD is especially suitable for meditation, or for a group working which is how I learnt it. Try splitting the group into four parts and when everyone is comfortably settled with their part, slowly wander around the space at random, singing to each other as you pass. Very moving and lovely. Enjoy!
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Website sponsored by genius loci Cornwall Arts, Culture and Lifestyle |
