There are certain moments in life that seem to arrive almost like an invitation.
A chance to pause.
To look again at where our attention has gone.
And perhaps to return to something we have slowly drifted away from.
This reflection was originally written during Purusottama Month, a particularly significant month within the Vedic tradition.
It comes only periodically, almost like a sacred pause built into the calendar — an opportunity to place greater attention on our inner life.
And I’ve always felt there is something deeply relevant about that.
Because over time, we drift.
The mind becomes crowded.
The heart becomes distracted.
Life becomes noisy.
And without even noticing it, we can lose touch with that deeper part of ourselves that once felt more present, more connected and more alive.
A Chance to Realign
What I appreciate about the bhakti tradition is the idea that certain moments can become opportunities to pause, realign and reconnect with what actually nourishes us.
For me, one of the most powerful ways of doing that has always been through kirtan.
There’s something about kirtan that can cut through the noise.
Not because it removes all of life’s problems.
But because, even briefly, it can bring us back to our centre.
I’ve experienced moments during kirtan where everything externally remained exactly the same, yet internally something shifted completely.
That’s one of the gifts of sacred sound.
Where Is Our Attention Going?
Perhaps that’s also why opportunities like Puruṣottama Month can be so valuable.
When something doesn’t come around all the time, we naturally approach it differently.
With more attention.
More appreciation.
More intention.
It reminds us not to take opportunities for inner growth for granted.
Because we live in a world constantly asking for our attention.
Notifications.
Responsibilities.
Conversations.
Screens.
Plans.
There is always something else asking us to look outward.
Kirtan gives us an opportunity to direct some of that attention somewhere deeper.
Not necessarily for hours.
Sometimes just a few intentional moments can change the quality of an entire day.
The Invitation
So perhaps the deeper invitation isn’t limited to one particular month.
Perhaps we can carry it with us throughout the year.
To pause a little more.
To chant a little more.
To listen a little deeper.
And to reconnect with the sound that can help reconnect us with ourselves.
Jagannātha Dās
Come and Experience It
If these reflections resonate with you, why not 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’re completely new to kirtan or it is already part of your life, you’re warmly welcome.
See all upcoming events:
https://jagannathadas.com/events
Continue the Journey
Insight is my weekly reflection on mantra, life and the inner journey.
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