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Summary of Question:	Re: Weird Kirtan
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Monday, 1/03/2005 9:31 PM MST

Sat Nam.

Reading the posts on "weird kirtan" and the response that "the spirit may have moved them," please allow me to side with the folks leading the music.

I am of the opinion that whatever moves you, whatever works, tends to be best. Kirtan and simran should be done with joy, otherwise it would sound dirge-like, like one's heart isn't in it. And sometimes it needs a new twist. I own a disc which has the Mul Mantra sung to a dance beat, and it is one of my favorite ways to start a morning.

Also, the medication which I take affects my ability to focus so things like meditating and doing Simran are very hard for me. I have found that the best way for me, personally, to get it moving is to sing Simran to the chorus of "My Sweet Lord." (The original version sung the Hare Krishna mantra as chorus.) Would I introduce it to the sangat? Probably not. It is my way of maintaining focus on Waheguru and it works for me; I figure it is better this way to go into it half-hearted and distracted and find myself thinking about what lipstick I'm going to wear to work instead of the truly important things in this world like what I am thankful for and who is responsible for giving those blessings. Weird? Not by me; but then getting up close and personal with one's Divine Creator is a deeply personal thing. So if those fellows on the bus felt moved to make kirtan a bright and happy God-celebration, I've no problem because I've no room to talk! Our own sangat has turned the Anand-Sahib into something I want to get up and dance to. It is supposed to be a joyous expression, this prayer, and not dull! Just my two cents, for what it's worth.

Blessed be,

Elizabet