Develop your own Kirtan Practice weekends

HARMONIUM DHOLAK AND KIRTAN TOOLS

om namah shivaya

2 FULL DAYS £125 including accommodation, food, ( harmonium hire + £10 ) and percussion workshops
 (Arrive for 930am on Saturday, ends 4pm on Sunday)

 

Beginners retreats STROUD 9th-10th SEPT & 18th-19th NOV 2023

 

**** No singing or musical experience necessary only an open heart!****

A weekend immersion includes : 

  • learning the techniques of playing harmonium, keeping rhythm, focusing on our breath and divine inspiration as a way to release our most true and deeply connected voice.
  • understaning basic chord structures to enable us to learn to play 3 or 4 kirtan songs
  • practising to hold a steady beat whilst accompanying someone sharing a kirtan on harmonium
  • satsang (spiritual discussion) sharing the significance of mantra, ceremony and the Guru at the heart of devotion beyond words . 
  • simple accommodation, walks in nearby nature (lakes/woods).

About Tom : “This path has changed my life. I want to share it with anyone who wants to integrate this energy into their daily lives. Please join us for this weekend.”

A note on "spiritual materialism".
We can all be seduced by "Spiritual materialism" (a phrase coined by the wonderful Tibetan teacher Chögyam Trungpa). "Spiritual materialism" is the belief that a certain temporary state of mind is a refuge from suffering. An example would be using meditation practices or kirtan to create a peaceful or ecstatic state of mind.  Whilst this can be a side effect, it is not the goal. According to Trungpa, these states are temporary and merely heighten the suffering when they cease. So attempting to maintain a particular emotional state of mind as a refuge from suffering, or constantly pursuing particular emotional states of mind like being in love, will actually lead to more long term suffering. Instead, the wise teachers show us to stay with the discipline and practice, to become intimate with it without an expectation of an outcome. 

Tom has endless gratitude to all his teachers. They demonstrated that through discipline and spiritual training we can be truly free (which is not the same as blissful). By sharing these kirtan immersions in a simple, homely enviornment and keeping the costs accessible, he hopes to spread at least a glimpse of the teachings he has received from his Guru. There is nothing wrong with boutique spa retreats, nor spending money on uplifting experiences. However, let's be mindful of the trap of simply seeking a "kirtan bliss" experience, or a fixed outcome as a result of taking part in a retreat or workshop.  Mantra practice, rooted in the teachings of wise beings, can help us not to push anything away, to be comfortable in our discomfort, and to embrace life in all its shades.  

Om Namah Shivaya/I surrender, with all my heart, to the all encompassing life force in all its shades.

Booking
To book to attend this immersion fill out this form below. Looking forward to connecting with you and sharing this journey together.

Please complete one form per person even if you are booking together.
If you selected "I have played music before" above please describe your musical experience. Do you know chords? Have you played any percussion before? Anything else?
We will provide vegetarian meals, with some raw sprouts/salads too. We need to know if you have any specific needs beyond that, such as gluten free, dairy free, or any other dietary needs
Stroud is about 40 mins drive from Bristol, 21/4 hours from London, and very accessible by train. Please indicate if you might need a lift from Stroud train station. You can change your mind nearer the time – this is just to give me an idea now.
You are warmly welcome to stay in our simple home during the retreat. The workshops and meals will take place in our house.
We will have time to get to know each other and share our inner journeys during the retreat. However, please let me know if there are any other practical considerations I should know?
In the unlikely event I had to cancel this weekend, I would refund you in full or try to arrange another date if that was convenient for you. If you can find someone to take your place at least 14 days before the retreat starts, then it will be possible to transfer your place to them. Otherwise, if you have to cancel at any time after your booking, I will need to retain £108 to cover my non- refundable costs. I have had to introduce this clarity as sometimes there are last minute changes which requires a lot of extra chasing up for me and additional time. I hope you agree that £108 is a reasonable price for sharing something that is priceless. Thank you for your understanding. Om Namah Shivaya