Sacred sound is a substantial form of spiritual nourishment. Many cultures are rich with spiritual and religious music, but kirtan features ancient mantras – potent sound formulas of transformation and healing – that enrich and enlighten us in ways that other music or self-help methods such as therapy, affirmations, or mindfulness don't. We’re far more powerful than we’ve been led to believe; we’re immeasurably more than what meets the eye. In choosing a mantra to dedicate ourselves to, we choose from a vast array of possibilities for the soul – more enchanting and enthralling than any possibility we’ve encountered in any wonderful dream or fictional world. Due to its efficacy, mantra kirtan has been practiced for thousands of years. That so many are now embracing kirtan in the West demonstrates its universal appeal and its power to nourish us by fulfilling a deep spiritual hunger. Many people describe how mantra meditation allows them to tap into a sacred space within themselves and connect with the Divine. In simple terms, kirtan is the joining of a mantra and the soul in song to establish a heart-connection with the Supreme. Mantra group kirtan is also practiced as a personal daily meditation (japa). In addition to unique spiritual benefits, kirtan and japa offer all the psycho-physical benefits of other types of meditation but are much easier to perform than silent meditation or mindfulness. Prema Kirtan takes us into the world of a specific type of kirtan known as prema-kirtan, or the kirtan that produces prema, divine love. We learn about the history, purpose, practice, and spiritual possibilities that prema-kirtan offers, as well as how the mantra heals psychologically and spiritually, freeing one from self-imposed limitations. Kirtan is deceptively simple and enjoyable yet is deeply rooted in a sophisticated philosophy, which Prema Kirtan concisely covers in three thought-provoking chapters on the nature of Reality. Pranada has studied and practiced bhakti for nearly fifty years. Her first two books, Wise-Love and Bhakti Shakti, won multiple awards. She takes us on a journey into the pragmatic and profound spiritual progression of one who takes up a mantra-meditation practice, and shows how kirtan ends the soul’s dark night of material existence when the rising sun of prema, divine love, reveals the security and fullness of the soul’s eternal, illuminated, unchanging nature and its relationship with its Supreme Source. Prema Kirtan brings out the beauty and power of kirtan in a unique poetic way that makes you fall in love with this form of expression and cultivation of devotion to the Divine. Explaining the pillars of Bhakti tradition and its meaning, these pages draw you into the mysticism of sound, the transformative power of mantra, as well as the roots and the mood of kirtan. As a kirtan singer, I am grateful to Pranada Comtois for the deep study and intricate detail, yet her insight and accessible language make this work relevant for both experienced kirtan lovers and those new to this practice. ~Ananda Monet, international kirtan artist Prema Kirtan is a well-researched, in depth, heartful study of the inner journey of kirtan, as a spiritual practice, a form of yoga, and a meditation on sound. The book is both a primer for those just discovering kirtan, as well as a wealth of knowledge for those already in the world of kirtan who want to deepen their practice. ~Baird Hersey, author of The Practice of Nada Yoga Pranada Comtois has gifted us again through her flowing, delightful, and insightful writing with yet another intelligent and definitive expression; this time on the intriguing subject of kirtan - the ancient spiritual practice consisting of ardent glorification and loving solicitation of the Divinity through the chanting of sacred mantra. Contextualized for the modern reader and using accessible language Prema-Kirtan: Journey into Sacred Sound delivers ample enrichment and a joyful framework for progress. It is written with precision, clarity, and practical application in mind. Far more than an academic treatise - this book is a statement issuing from some four decades of intense devotional practice and research. Whether one is new to kirtan, or an experienced chanter, or simply a curious seeker, this beautiful book will prove to be a powerful, illuminating, and invaluable addition to your spiritual library. ~Richard H. Whitehurst (Sridhara dasa), author of Mahamantra Yoga: Chanting to Anchor the Mind and Access the Divine, Psychotherapist, Educator, Poet, Public Speaker, and Clinical Hypnotist Whether you're new to kirtan or familiar with it, this book will help you go deeper into an exploration of mantra meditation. Deep transformation is possible through chanting sacred mantras and singing in kirtan and Prema Kirtan offers wisdom and guidance into this enjoyable, ancient and potent yoga practice. ~Deva Premal and Miten, world-renowned mantra and spiri