by Crystal Sarakas
There are two events coming up that I think might be of special interest to Soundscape listeners:
10 Questions for the Dalai Lama is a film about the Dalai Lama. It's been described as "Part biography, part philosophy, part adventure and part politics, 10 Questions for The Dalai Lama conveys more than history and more than answers - it opens a window into the heart of an inspiring man."
The creators behind the film have designated October 19-21 as the Weekend of Unity and Peace, timed to coincide with the Dalai Lama's visit to the US and Canada. Part of the events surrounding the weekend are screenings of the film.
The Center in Auburn, NY is one of the host sites for the event and will be showing 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama Friday, October 19th at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 21st at 2 p.m. If you have the chance to see the film, I'd love to hear what you think of it.
I also wanted to mention that Vishnu's Couch Yoga Studio in Binghamton will host a Kirtan Chant Jam on the second Saturday of every month.
From the organizers of the event:
Kirtan is part of an ancient form of Yoga known as Bhakti, or the Yoga of Devotion. It is the practice of singing over and over the many names of God/Goddess/All-That-Is, the multi-colored manifestations of the One. It is said that there is no difference between the name and that which is being named, and as the words roll off our lips in song, the Infinite is invoked, invited, made manifest in our hearts. Kirtan is an invitation to experience the invocational power of the ancient Sanskrit syllables and names in ecstatic song and silent contemplation. Kirtan is for all people. There are no experts, no beginners. The practice itself is the teacher, guiding us to ourselves. Kirtan allows us to enter into a mystery world, a world where all the logic of our minds, all the conditioning and learning are left outside. And in this mystery, we create a temple inside of our hearts, a place of refuge, a place of love, a place of just being.
I'm really looking forward to going to this chanting session. I'm fascinated by Kirtan chant and have wanted to experience it live for quite some time. The next Kirtan Chant Jam is on Saturday, November 10th from 7 to 9 p.m. Vishnu's Couch Yoga Studio is located at 61 Prospect Ave, 4th Floor, Binghamton. Bring yourself, your voice and any instruments if you have them.
And finally, there's an Expressive Drumming and Chant class that meets every Friday in Vestal. Drums are provided and each class offers some basic teaching rhythms, meditation, chanting and dancing. I've been to a couple of these and had a great time. You can find out more about these classes at Expressive Drumming.