Our Vision…
Following the annual Gaur Purnima Kirtan Mela’s popularity, we have been wondering what would be the best way to serve the devotees, assist them in deepening their chanting, increasing their attraction and attachment to the holy name. It was concluded by our team that more education on the glories of the holy name, immersion in lila and music tuitions would greatly complement each oth
er towards better chanting. Having this in mind we launched Kirtan Academy in Sridham Mayapur in December 2013. The spirit of the academy is one of “living education”. Practice and application of the philosophy are important parts of the curriculum. The philosophy part of the curriculum, Nama Tattva, is almost exclusively taught by visiting speakers such a s HH Sacinandana Swami, HH Jayapataka Swami, HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, HH Bhakti Charu Swami, Hh Lokanath Maharaja and other illustrious senior vaisnavas. Each day consists of seminar presentations on different writings of previous acharyas, always with a focus on the Holy Name. Chanting Hare Krishna (ACBSP), Harinam Cintamani, Bhajan Rahasya, Nama Bhajan, Manah Siksa, sections of Caitanya Caritamrta, Srimad Bhagavatam and others. The study of bhajans, prayers and their deep purports and meanings is also an important part. Songs of Srila Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, Srila Narottama das Thakur …
The narrations of the pastimes of the Lord, “Lila Kirtan” at original locations whenever possible, is a regular part of the syllabus. Gaura Lila, Krishna Lila, Vaisnava lila, History of Gaudhiya Vaisnava kirtan culture over the past 500 years…
Students are guided by experienced devotees as they learn to organize their own Nama Yajnas, 64 round days, extended kirtan program, Nagar Sankirtan, Lila Kirtan night… They will also are given an opportunity to assist in the Internatioanl Kirtan Mela in Mayapur as a learning experience. There are daily classes on mrdanga, kartals, harmonium and voice training, so that our offerings to the Lord may become most pleasing. Daily we gather either at community events or programs organized by the academy students wherein kirtan is the focus. These provides further practice for the students. And the very pleasant news are: we are not charging for any of this. The ancient system of education as described in our sastra speaks of daksine, not school fees. Daksine is given according to one’s means and in direct proportion to the gratitude felt for the knowledge acquired. Everyone remembers Ekalavya, the famous archer of Maha Bharata who gave his right thumb to Dronacarya, his teacher, as daksine. We trust we will be able to proudly face all naysayers in proving that devotees are grateful and generous. We have set up a sister organization “Holy Name Foundation” that receives donations of well-wishers either as a regular percentage of their income or as a one time or occasional donation. In this way grihastas may have an opportunity to sponsor Holy Name Projects such as Kirtan Academy, International Kirtan Mela or other similar event. Formal opening of the Mayapur Kirtan Academy was on December 6th 2013. This year’s classes start on November 7th 2014 and end February 1st 2015. Registration is open from June 1st until November 1st. Prior registration is helpful so that we can properly prepare for the students that will be attending. Please write to [email protected] for more details regarding registration, Holy Name Foundation or any other question you may have.
