“Among all the arts, music is the most powerful in its effects, because it is vibration itself, and so a manifestation of the AUM vibration of which we’re all made.“Swami Kriyananda
Music is central to Ananda Sangha whether it is through mantra, chanting or choir songs. The music we play at Ananda Sangha consists primarily of songs and chants written by Parmahansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda. We sing and chant this music because it attunes us to both Yoganandaji and Swamiji and helps us go deeper in our meditations and spiritual life.
Ananda Music can be considered mystical or spiritual music. It resonates deep within the soul and helps to connect our hearts to the Divine. In The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, Swami Kriyananda writes:
“One cannot listen to music sensitively without soon becoming aware that it conveys more than sounds, that it is a vehicle for moods, for states of consciousness…As strings on a piano vibrate sympathetically to notes that are struck on another nearby instrument, so also all things affect one another – mostly on levels far outside the range of human hearing – by the subtle law of vibratory exchange. Because vibrations react on many levels – like piano strings, many of which may respond sympathetically even though only one note is struck on another instrument – normally inaudible vibrations, even of thought and of feeling, can be captured sympathetically through music.
How to best perceive the power behind the music? We’ve been trained to listen so much with our minds that we’ve forgotten how to listen with the heart. Open your heart, invite the music in, and engage yourself fully with the transformative power instilled in every melody.”
Music that is saturated with soul force is the real universal music, understandable by all hearts… I have sung these chants thousands of times with Western and Eastern audiences and have seen divine benefits showered on devotees who chant with love the Lord’s blessed Name
Choir
Ananda Kolkata has the beginnings of an enthusiastic choir group. Singing Swamiji’s music, we seek to uplift ourselves and all those who hear us. The music is usually sung in two or four-part harmony. Weekly sessions are held on Friday evenings!
Chanting & Harmonium Practice
Ananda Kolkata practice group chanting on Thursday evenings. Harmonium lessons are also provided to all who are interested. We also provide guidance on playing cymbals as accompaniment to our chants. The deeper purpose of such sessions is to awaken devotion and create harmony through music.
Ananda Choir performing at an event in ICCR, Kolkata
