Bhakti & Community Chanting

Chanting became part of my life after a friend invited me to a kirtan in 2015. That experience opened a door into Bhakti—the path of devotion—and left me wanting to learn more.

Today, mantra and my shruti box are part of my practice at home. I’d love to find other people who want to share that practice.

A circle we create together

I’m looking to form a community chanting circle in the Astoria area: a gathering where we can sing, listen, learn, and make room for a little devotion in everyday life.

I’m coming to this as a fellow practitioner. My hope is to bring people together and let the circle take shape through our shared interests and experience.

You might already chant. You might be curious and unsure where to begin. Either way, I’d love to hear from you.

Bhakti, in everyday life

Within Indian traditions, Bhakti takes many forms, including devotional song, prayer, remembrance, and service.

For me, chanting is one way to give devotion my attention and my voice. Ram Dass’s teachings and Krishna Das’s music have been companions along the way, drawing me toward love, compassion, and the practice of being here.

I’m still learning about the words I chant, their meanings, and the traditions they come from. That care and curiosity would be part of the circle, too.

A steady note. A place to begin.

At home, my shruti box holds a steady drone beneath my voice. I repeat a mantra and listen.

Some mornings I settle into it. Other mornings my mind wanders and I lose my place. I begin again.

That’s the spirit I’d like to bring into a shared practice: room to participate without performing, ask questions, and enjoy singing together.

Help the circle take shape

There’s no confirmed location or schedule yet. For now, I’m connecting with people who are interested and looking for a welcoming space.

Would you like to join? Do you play an instrument, have experience to share, or know somewhere we could gather?

Send me a note and mention “chanting circle.”