Spiritual Relationship: Janmastami Kirtan Jam and Plant-Based Potluck

Come mellow out, meditate, make music and make friends! Portland Kirtan Jam is a fun and informal mantra meditation gathering hosted by kirtan artist and meditation teacher Chay Tanya Lila from her home in North Portland.

Kirtan is a call and response musical meditation from the yoga tradition, considered the most potent form of meditation in this day and age. Bathing in and singing these powerful transcendental sound vibrations cleanses the heart and the mind and brings peace to the soul.

On September 6th we're celebrating Krishna's Appearance Day! For practitioners of bhakti yoga, Krishna's Appearance Day (also known as Janmastami) is one of the most sacred and auspicious days in the Vedic calendar.

Singing the names of Krishna everyday, but particularly on this day, powerfully reawakens our relationship with the Supreme Soul and puts us back in touch with a source of pure, unconditional love that is our natural home and birth right.

Every gathering leads off with a guided breathing practice and resonant OM circle that takes you deep into a meditative space. Then, sing along with ancient mantras in a call and response format. Come listen, soak up the vibes, sing along, and bring an instrument to jam along if you feel inspired!

Beginners highly encouraged, all ages, voices and experiences welcome!

Parking: Please park at Sitton Elementary School just around the corner at 9930 N Smith St. Sitton is about an 8 minute walk away and they are fine with folks parking there. We are in a residential neighborhood so if you need to park closer, there is some free street parking. Please be thoughtful of neighbor's driveways, etc.

Accessibility: We will be indoors, there are some steps up to the house and we will have floor pillows and some seating. If you aren't comfortable sitting on the floor, please come on the earlier side to reserve a chair (you're welcome to come as early as 5:30pm)

Food: You're welcome to bring vegan snacks or a dish for a potluck, but it's not required. The Ayurvedic version of a plant-based diet includes dairy but not eggs. We ask folks to bring vegan dishes to keep it simple, but some of the dishes we prepare will have dairy and will be marked if so.

If you bring a dish, please bring a serving utensil as well. We'll share food at the end of the program.

Music: You're also very welcome to bring an instrument to jam along! Kirtan usually involves simple tunes and simple chord progressions, so beginners are welcome, just please keep in mind that this is a communal meditation, not a performance. The music is there to support our focus on the mantras.

If you'd like to bring an instrument, please plan to arrive a couple minutes early to get oriented.

Feel free to text me directly at 808.369.6320 with any additional questions.

Donations are gratefully accepted but not expected.