Kirtan Kriya

The Chanting Flow

Meditation kriyas create predictable, stable states in the psyche. Kirtan Kriya is said to bring mental balance, mold consciousness, refine senses and insight, and regulate the body’s energy flow.

Touching the thumb to each fingertip with the mudra is believed to “seal” the effect of that sound in your consciousness. Each finger connection is associated with a specific benefit:

  • Index finger (Gyan Mudra) – Knowledge
  • Middle finger (Shuni Mudra) – Wisdom, intelligence, patience
  • Ring finger (Surya Mudra) – Vitality, life energy
  • Pinky finger (Buddhi Mudra) – Communication skills

Important:

If your mind wanders during the silent chanting, return to a whispered or loud voice, then back to silence, as needed.

Headaches may occur due to improper energy flow. To address this:

  • Focus on the sounds while visualizing an “L” shape, drawing energy into your Crown Chakra (Tenth Gate).
  • Imagine the sound’s energy moving through the crown chakra and out the brow point.
  • Consider covering your head with a natural fiber cloth during meditation.

George Sitting in Easy Posture and in Gyan Mudra

Posture: 

Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) with a straight spine.

Mantra: 

Chant the five primal sounds (Panj Shabad): “SA, TA, NA, MA”. Each sound has a specific meaning:

  • SA (Infinity, cosmos, beginning)
  • TA (Life, existence)
  • NA (Death, change, transformation)
  • MA (Rebirth)

Each repetition of the entire mantra should take 3-4 seconds. Consider the mantra as a representation of the cycle of creation.

Mudra sequence for the Kirtan Kriya Meditation

Mudra & Movement:

As you chant each sound, touch the corresponding fingertip to the thumb with firm pressure:

“MA” – Pinky finger

“SA” – Index finger

“TA” – Middle finger

“NA” – Ring finger

Suggested Recording:

Even though this meditation is normally done without a recording, you can use one to start out.

11 minute version:

31 minute version:

Eyes/Drishti: 

Focus on your Third Eye Point (Ajna Chakra).

Mindful Attention: 

Meditate on the primal sounds in the L form. Visualize the flow of cosmic energy entering your Crown Chakra. Then imagine this sound exiting through your Third Eye Point (Ajna Chakra), making an L shape as it is projected out to infinity. For example, the “SA” sound will start with the S sound at the top of your head, and the A sound moves in an L shape down and out through your Third Eye. This visualization follows the energy pathway called the Golden Cord – the connection between the pineal and pituitary glands.

Duration: 

Chant the mantra in three stages, representing different states of consciousness:

  • Human (normal or loud voice) – Represents the external world
  • Lover (strong whisper) – Represents longing for connection
  • Divine (mentally silent) – Represents infinity

The meditation typically lasts 30 minutes, with each stage receiving equal time (5 minutes each).

  • Chant aloud for 5 minutes
  • Whisper for 5 minutes
  • Chant silently for 10 minutes
  • Whisper for 5 minutes
  • Chant aloud for 5 minutes

This is a guideline, and you can adjust the timing as long as the proportions are maintained.

Ending: 

  1. After chanting, sit in silence for one minute in prayer or contemplation. 
  2. Inhale deeply, then exhale. 
  3. Stretch your spine with your hands reaching upwards. Spread your fingers wide and take a few deep breaths. Relax.