Into The Mystery: Enchantment

By Ken Steele

This has been a summer of "en-chant-ment" for me: First I attended a workshop, at Queenswood, led by chant master and sound therapist Nancy Watters. The workshop entitled: "The Yoga of Sound and Chant" explored how using the vibration set up by repetitive chanting can be healing, transforming, and inspiriting. Then I was fortunate enough to run across a Kirtan (East Indian call and response chanting) concert offered by Niel Golden on tabla, and Vinod Bhardwaj on harmonium and wooden flute. This was held at the Church of Truth (111 Superior Street in James Bay) for a nominal cost of $10. AND Vinod Bhardjaj provided samosas and tea afterwards. Thirdly I discovered an ongoing monthly kirtan held the second Friday of each month, again at the Church of Truth. This Bhakti night features a "simple vegetarian meal" from 6 - 7 pm, followed by "call and response kirtan", led by various chant leaders, from 7 - 9 pm and concludes with chai tea at 9pm. Admission is by donation. The next dates are: 8 October, 12 November and 10 December. All are welcome, so come out and "sing your heart open." Noteworthy, also, was the Deva Premal, Miten and Manose concert at Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver on September 12.