

Tim Chalice
Chanting & Kirtan
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'When we chant feelings of fear, anger and separation are gently transformed into feelings of love, compassion and Oneness.' ~ Tim Chalice
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Chanting is a sacred gift — an expression of divine grace. It offers a joyful and accessible gateway into deep meditation, inviting us to gently rest in the present moment. As we immerse ourselves in the rhythmic repetition of simple mantras, the mind begins to quiet, and we are drawn into a space of inner stillness and peace.​

The sacred practice of chanting mantras is a wellspring of joy and soul nourishment. I am continually moved by the profound stillness that arises from this devotion—a silence that is not empty, but full of presence. This silence is a vital thread woven into all of my sessions. I offer devotional chants, both meditative and ecstatic, invoking ancient Sanskrit mantras and occasional English words, carried on simple, heart-opening melodies that are accessible to the Western ear. Through repetition, these mantras become portals—sacred keys that unlock the heart and dissolve the illusion of separation. Chanting becomes a prayer in motion, inviting us to voice our spirit without fear or judgment. In this space, we return to the oneness within, and compassion naturally awakens like a flower opening to the light.
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Chanting is for everyone. It requires no prior experience—only a willingness to be present and open to what unfolds. This sacred practice meets each of us exactly where we are, offering whatever is most needed in the moment.
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Chanting holds profound power, touching us on both physical and spiritual levels. As we chant, our breath naturally deepens and slows, anchoring us in calm. The vibrations of sound move through the body like an inner massage, resonating through every cell. Brainwave patterns begin to shift, inviting states of deep relaxation, while heart rate and blood pressure gently decrease.
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With regular practice, chanting can awaken the body’s natural healing response—soothing the nervous system, reducing stress, enhancing clarity of mind, and supporting overall wellbeing. It is a pathway to balance, presence, and inner harmony.
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What is Kirtan?
Kirtan is a sacred form of devotional chanting that traces its roots back hundreds of years to the heart of India. Rooted in the tradition of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of love and devotion—Kirtan is a communal practice of singing sacred mantras. Participants are invited to sing, clap, and even dance, allowing the energy of the chant to move freely through them. It is less about musical skill and more about surrender—an invitation to move beyond words, beyond thought, into a space of connection, joy, and stillness. As voices rise together in devotion, the boundaries between self and other begin to dissolve, revealing the unity that lies at the heart of all things.
Come and experience the magic of Kirtan for yourself—you may be surprised by what awakens within you.
Panel discussing 'Why we chant' at the Beltane Bhakti Gathering, 2018.
Panel discussing 'Why we chant' at the Beltane Bhakti Gathering, 2018.
Above chanting at the Beltane Bhakti Gathering, 2018.
"Kirtan is for all people. There are no experts, no beginners. The practice itself is the teacher, guiding us to ourselves. Kirtan allows us to enter into a world where all the logic of our minds, and all of the conditioning are left aside. With Kirtan, we create a temple inside the altar of our hearts, a place of refuge, a place of love, and a place of just being." - Jai Uttal
"Chanting is a way of getting in touch with yourself. It's an opening of the heart and letting go of the mind and thoughts. It deepens the channel of grace, and it's way of being present in the moment." - Krishna Das
"If we are so graced, there are moments seemingly out of time when something happens - when the boundaries that separate 'me' from 'you' disappear. There may seem to be one breath that breathes through us all. Voices so attuned that it seems but one voice is singing, and a joining of hearts in deep communion" - Robert Gass