Some time ago, I had the privilege of leading kirtan concerts in two Unitarian churches — one in Liverpool and the other in Bolton.
My heartfelt thanks to Reverend Phil and Reverend Tina for their warm invitations and generous hospitality.
Standing in those beautiful sacred spaces, I found myself reflecting on something deeper than the music itself.
Devotion is an art.
Not an art we paint.
Not an art we perform.
But an art we live.
An artist doesn’t create a masterpiece in a single day.
It is shaped through patience, intention and countless small brushstrokes that slowly become something beautiful.
Perhaps our spiritual lives are much the same.
We can sometimes imagine devotion is found only in extraordinary moments.
But more often, I think it is found in very ordinary ones.
Choosing gratitude over complaint.
Kindness over judgement.
Presence over distraction.
Taking a few moments to remember that life is about more than simply getting through another day.
One of the beautiful things about sharing kirtan in different places is being reminded that the heart can speak a language beyond culture, background or denomination.
Whether in a temple, a church or a concert hall, I have seen something similar happen.
When people sing together with sincerity, something begins to soften.
Barriers become less important.
Strangers begin to connect.
And for a little while, we remember what unites us far more than what separates us.
Perhaps that is part of the true art of devotion.
Not becoming someone completely different.
But allowing the best within us to become a little more visible each day.
So perhaps there is a simple question we can carry with us:
If your life were a work of art, what would today’s brushstroke be?
A kind word.
A quiet prayer.
A moment of gratitude.
An act of service.
A few moments of mantra.
Because devotion isn’t created through one great masterpiece.
It is created one sincere moment at a time.
Jagannātha Dās
Come and Experience It
If these reflections resonate with you, why not come and experience kirtan for yourself?
Every Friday, we come together at OMNOM Birmingham for an evening of mantra, music, meditation and community. I also share kirtan at retreats, festivals and gatherings throughout the year.
Whether you’ve experienced kirtan many times or you’re completely new, you’re warmly welcome.
See all upcoming events:
https://jagannathadas.com/events
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