I first discovered my love of chanting while visiting Polestar Gardens on the Big Island of Hawaii. Every Wednesday night the spiritual community would host a community potluck dinner that would begin with a Kirtan in the temple. It felt so good to sing with others and attune to God in this way.
It took me back to my experience singing at the Baptist summer camp, Falls Creek in the enormous tabernacle with thousands of other singers lifting their hearts to the Lord.
There is something so powerful about music that it can help us transcend the ordinary and commune with the divine. My spiritual practice is often one of attuning, feeling and harmonizing with the divinity within me. I’ve found that chanting with my little harmonium is one of my favorite ways to open my heart and connect to God.
These practices, central to Bhakti Yoga, offer a sacred space where we can connect with something greater than ourselves.
What is Bhakti Yoga?
Bhakti Yoga, one of the main paths of yoga, is often described as the yoga of devotion. Unlike other branches of yoga that focus on physical postures (Hatha Yoga) or intellectual inquiry (Jnana Yoga), Bhakti Yoga centers around cultivating love and surrender through devotional practices. At its core, Bhakti Yoga invites us to soften our minds, open our hearts, and foster an intimate connection with the divine, however we define it.
The tools of Bhakti Yoga are simple but profound—chanting, prayer, storytelling, and acts of service. Among these, chanting plays a unique role in focusing the mind, soothing the nervous system, and evoking deep emotional resonance.
The Power of Chanting
Chanting is both a spiritual and physiological experience. When we repeat sacred sounds or mantras, such as the names of the divine, we engage our breath, voice, and attention in a unified act of devotion. This combination creates profound benefits:
1. Shifting Brainwaves: Scientific studies have shown that chanting mantras can shift our brainwaves from a busy, stressed state to a calm and meditative one. This helps us access inner stillness and clarity.
2. Connecting to Emotion: The rhythm and melody of chanting stir the emotions, allowing us to express and release feelings of love, longing, gratitude, or even grief.
3. Cultivating Presence: Chanting anchors us in the present moment. It creates a bridge between the mind and the heart, helping us transcend daily distractions and reconnect with our essence.
In Bhakti Yoga, chanting is not just a practice—it is an act of love and surrender.
Devotion as a Transformative Practice
In modern life, the word “devotion” is often misunderstood. It is not about blind faith or submission. Instead, devotion is an active engagement with what we hold sacred. It is a practice of bringing our whole selves—our struggles, joys, and aspirations—to something greater.
Through devotion, we:
• Find Meaning: Devotion gives us a sense of purpose through connection.
• Open Our Hearts: The act of surrendering through devotion softens the barriers we build around ourselves, inviting vulnerability and authenticity.
• Develop Resilience: Devotional practices, such as chanting, create a sanctuary within us that we can return to, no matter life’s challenges.
A Personal Practice: The Chant “I Will Never Forget Thee”
One of the chants I love is “I Will Never Forget Thee” by Paramhansa Yogananda. This chant is a gentle reminder of our innate connection to the divine and the enduring presence of love in our lives.
When we chant these words, we are not just speaking them—we are breathing them, feeling them, and allowing them to resonate through every part of our being. It becomes a mantra, an intention, and a devotion.
In my recent meditation video, I guide viewers through a reflection on this chant, combining it with stillness and breathwork to expand its sentiment. This practice helps us connect not only with the divine but also with ourselves and the world around us.
Chanting as a Gateway to Unity
In Bhakti Yoga, chanting reminds us that we are never alone. Each repetition of a mantra connects us to the lineage of practitioners who have come before us and to the collective heart of humanity.
When we chant together, whether in person or in spirit, we create a hum of love and unity that transcends time and space. It is a reminder that devotion is not about perfection—it is about showing up, being present, and allowing the practice to transform us.
Bringing Devotion into Your Life
If you feel called to explore devotion and chanting, here are some simple ways to begin:
• Listen to Chants: Start by listening to sacred music or mantras that resonate with you. I love listening to Ananda Chants on YouTube, these are the chants I’ve learned at Polestar and continue to play today.
• Practice Daily: Dedicate even five minutes to repeating a mantra or chant aloud. One of Yogananda’s recommendations for mantra was to chant silently and inwardly “God, Christ, Gurus” all the time.
• Create a Sacred Space: Set aside a quiet space for your practice, where you can focus without distraction. Having a dedicated space can help to prioritize this practice..
Remember, the journey of Bhakti Yoga is deeply personal. It is not about getting it “right” but about allowing yourself to feel, connect, and surrender.
In the rhythm of chanting and the depth of devotion, we discover a path that can speak to our souls and opens our hearts. Bhakti Yoga reminds us that spirituality is not about reaching for something outside ourselves—it is about remembering the divine presence that has always been within us.
If you’re curious to learn more or deepen your practice, I invite you to explore my meditation training services and download a free meditation audio . Together, let’s uncover the profound connection that chanting and devotion can bring to your life.
John A. Ferrante
Meditation Teacher
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