Shanti Salish Kirtan Chantbook
845+ Chants with Words, Notes and Links to Recordings
Welcome to the
Welcome to the
Shanti Salish Kirtan
Shanti Salish Kirtan
Chantbook
Chantbook
Welcome
Welcome
If you've found this page, then, like me, you're a lover of Kirtan. The first chant that I ever heard was from a cassette tape sometime around 1974. It was of Ram Das playing a single string ektar and chanting to Ram. The seed was planted then and came into fruition during the 14 years I later spent at Kripalu Yoga Ashram where we chanted at least once every day in satsang. Though I was exposed to many different spiritual practices during that time, chanting is the one that continues to grow. When I moved to Port Townsend, WA in 2010, I found that there was no local Kirtan happening, despite the diverse musicality that is so present here. After finding some like-minded folks, we began to offer a regular Kirtan and this Chantbook began. Initially, it was simply a way for me to have a ready source of accessible chants. Then, it became the handout for responders to be able to see the words of the chant. My ongoing search for new chants, remembering old ones and creating new ones has led to this current collection, which, as of now, consists of over 800 chants. I still search and the collection will continue to grow.
If you've found this page, then, like me, you're a lover of Kirtan. The first chant that I ever heard was from a cassette tape sometime around 1974. It was of Ram Das playing a single string ektar and chanting to Ram. The seed was planted then and came into fruition during the 14 years I later spent at Kripalu Yoga Ashram where we chanted at least once every day in satsang. Though I was exposed to many different spiritual practices during that time, chanting is the one that continues to grow. When I moved to Port Townsend, WA in 2010, I found that there was no local Kirtan happening, despite the diverse musicality that is so present here. After finding some like-minded folks, we began to offer a regular Kirtan and this Chantbook began. Initially, it was simply a way for me to have a ready source of accessible chants. Then, it became the handout for responders to be able to see the words of the chant. My ongoing search for new chants, remembering old ones and creating new ones has led to this current collection, which, as of now, consists of over 800 chants. I still search and the collection will continue to grow.
In my searching, I’ve seen many collections of chants, but they either just have the words or they have musical scores. This is great if you already know the melody and rhythm or if you know how to read and play a musical score. Not having been formally trained myself and having originally created this for my own use, the Chantbook is formatted so that anyone can play the chants regardless of musical training or experience. The internet links of recordings allow you to hear the melody and rhythm and to get a feel for the chant. The Chantbook tells you what notes to play and when.
In my searching, I’ve seen many collections of chants, but they either just have the words or they have musical scores. This is great if you already know the melody and rhythm or if you know how to read and play a musical score. Not having been formally trained myself and having originally created this for my own use, the Chantbook is formatted so that anyone can play the chants regardless of musical training or experience. The internet links of recordings allow you to hear the melody and rhythm and to get a feel for the chant. The Chantbook tells you what notes to play and when.
The chants in this collection have been chosen simply on the basis of what moves me personally and what I believe will work well in a call and response format. They are chants that I want to sing myself. Most of the chants are in Sanskrit, though there are some English and Sufi based songs as well.
The chants in this collection have been chosen simply on the basis of what moves me personally and what I believe will work well in a call and response format. They are chants that I want to sing myself. Most of the chants are in Sanskrit, though there are some English and Sufi based songs as well.
Salish (Say-lish) refers to one of two indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and is the name given in 2009 to the inland sea comprising the Straight of Georgia, the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Puget Sound in British Columbia and the state of Washington. The word itself means "the People".
Salish (Say-lish) refers to one of two indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and is the name given in 2009 to the inland sea comprising the Straight of Georgia, the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Puget Sound in British Columbia and the state of Washington. The word itself means "the People".
The Chantbook is being offered solely on a donation basis similar to the model that Vipasana Meditation uses. They do not charge anything for their programs and rely on donations from their participants, who are encouraged to contribute what they can afford, based on their financial situation and the value they received from the course. My expenses are mainly time as it takes, on average 1-2 hours to add each chant as well as the time to keep it all up to date. While my primary intention is to help spread the practice of Kirtan, I deeply appreciate any support. Information for my Paypal and Venmo accounts are lower down the page. If you know of someone else who might benefit from the Collection, please feel free to share the website address, thank you.
The Chantbook is being offered solely on a donation basis similar to the model that Vipasana Meditation uses. They do not charge anything for their programs and rely on donations from their participants, who are encouraged to contribute what they can afford, based on their financial situation and the value they received from the course. My expenses are mainly time as it takes, on average 1-2 hours to add each chant as well as the time to keep it all up to date. While my primary intention is to help spread the practice of Kirtan, I deeply appreciate any support. Information for my Paypal and Venmo accounts are lower down the page. If you know of someone else who might benefit from the Collection, please feel free to share the website address, thank you.
The Collection consists of 4 major parts:
The Collection consists of 4 major parts:
Deity Chapters: In this, the complete collection is organized into six deity chapters: Krishna, Shiva, Ram, Ma, Ganesh and Guru, Prayers & Others. In addition to the internet link to a recording of the chant, each chant here has the words with both the melody and the drone notes placed above the appropriate words. Many chants also have the three note harmonium chords and the guitar chords. The chants are more visually spread out in the deity chapters to make them easier to read. If you’re in the process of learning a chant, this would be the tool to use. You can print out and then cut & paste each chant onto a 4”x6” card, which fits nicely above your harmonium keyboard. (Note: some chants are too long to fit neatly on a 4"x6" card but can still be attached to the card and folded over.) See a sample from one of the deity chapters at the bottom of the page.
Deity Chapters: In this, the complete collection is organized into six deity chapters: Krishna, Shiva, Ram, Ma, Ganesh and Guru, Prayers & Others. In addition to the internet link to a recording of the chant, each chant here has the words with both the melody and the drone notes placed above the appropriate words. Many chants also have the three note harmonium chords and the guitar chords. The chants are more visually spread out in the deity chapters to make them easier to read. If you’re in the process of learning a chant, this would be the tool to use. You can print out and then cut & paste each chant onto a 4”x6” card, which fits nicely above your harmonium keyboard. (Note: some chants are too long to fit neatly on a 4"x6" card but can still be attached to the card and folded over.) See a sample from one of the deity chapters at the bottom of the page.
Database: The complete collection, organized in a sortable data base. With this, you can sort the entire collection numerically, by the name of the chant, by the deity or by the source. This makes it much easier to locate a particular chant or chanter or if you want to see all the chants of a particular deity grouped together. The source of each chant is where I first heard the chant and may not be the original source as some of these chants date back hundreds of years. The procedure by which you can sort each column in a data-base may differ based on which spreadsheet software you’re using. This database was originally created in Google Sheets.
Database: The complete collection, organized in a sortable data base. With this, you can sort the entire collection numerically, by the name of the chant, by the deity or by the source. This makes it much easier to locate a particular chant or chanter or if you want to see all the chants of a particular deity grouped together. The source of each chant is where I first heard the chant and may not be the original source as some of these chants date back hundreds of years. The procedure by which you can sort each column in a data-base may differ based on which spreadsheet software you’re using. This database was originally created in Google Sheets.
Chants with Guitar and Harmonium Chords: This pdf contains only the chants that have 3 note harmonium chords and guitar chords. When first putting this collection together, I did not add chords, so the lower numbered chants have fewer chords. I'm in a gradual process of adding chords where I can, so this section will grow over time.
Chants with Guitar and Harmonium Chords: This pdf contains only the chants that have 3 note harmonium chords and guitar chords. When first putting this collection together, I did not add chords, so the lower numbered chants have fewer chords. I'm in a gradual process of adding chords where I can, so this section will grow over time.
Words Only: Just as it sounds, this part contains only the words to the chants and can be used to provide the words for the responders in your Kirtan sangha. I cut and paste and print from this section for each kirtan that I lead.
Words Only: Just as it sounds, this part contains only the words to the chants and can be used to provide the words for the responders in your Kirtan sangha. I cut and paste and print from this section for each kirtan that I lead.
Below is an explanation of each line of the chant as displayed in the Chantbook.
Below is an explanation of each line of the chant as displayed in the Chantbook.
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#1. 30. Kripalu - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWzqR3N2koY&feature=youtu.be
#2. Em Bm Em Bm Em
#3. BEG BDF# BEG BDF# BEG
#4. B drone
#5. E F# G B F# F# F#G F# E Drone: B
#6. Bolo Bolo Sadguru Bolo Om Namah Shivaya
#7. Em D Em
#8. EGB DF#A BEG
#9. E D C B
#10. B B B BC B A G A B GF# E Drone: E - D - C - B
#11. Om Namah Shiva..ya Om Namah Shiva..ya
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Line #1 shows the listing number for the chant (30.), the source where I first heard the chant (Kripalu) and the link to a recording of the chant (https://www….).
Line #1 shows the listing number for the chant (30.), the source where I first heard the chant (Kripalu) and the link to a recording of the chant (https://www….).
Lines #2 and #7 show the guitar chords that can be played as an option to playing the melody and drone notes. Not all chants have chords and if not, the line is left blank for you to fill in the chords if desired.
Lines #2 and #7 show the guitar chords that can be played as an option to playing the melody and drone notes. Not all chants have chords and if not, the line is left blank for you to fill in the chords if desired.
Lines #3 & #8 show the 3 note chord to be played on the harmonium or keyboard. Not all chants have chords.
Lines #3 & #8 show the 3 note chord to be played on the harmonium or keyboard. Not all chants have chords.
Lines #4 and #9 show the drone notes in italics and where they are to be played. Drone notes are to be played continuously until and unless they are changed. At times, a drone may have 2 notes (ie. G/C) played simultaneously creating a 3-note chord.
Lines #4 and #9 show the drone notes in italics and where they are to be played. Drone notes are to be played continuously until and unless they are changed. At times, a drone may have 2 notes (ie. G/C) played simultaneously creating a 3-note chord.
Lines #5 and #10 show the melody notes placed above the words in the chant where they are to be played. At the end of the line will be the sequence of drone notes for that line (Drone: E - D - C - B).
Lines #5 and #10 show the melody notes placed above the words in the chant where they are to be played. At the end of the line will be the sequence of drone notes for that line (Drone: E - D - C - B).
Lines #6 and #11 show the words to the chant. (Bolo Bolo Sadguru Bolo)
Lines #6 and #11 show the words to the chant. (Bolo Bolo Sadguru Bolo)
Note: If you are viewing this on your phone, the notes will not necessarily line up with the words. See the sample Shiva chapter at the bottom of the page for an accurate view (may not open in some browsers).
Note: If you are viewing this on your phone, the notes will not necessarily line up with the words. See the sample Shiva chapter at the bottom of the page for an accurate view (may not open in some browsers).
Internet Links
Internet Links
The majority of the Chantbook's links to recordings on the internet are from a variety of Kirtan leaders. When a chant could not be found on the internet, I made a short recording of it myself on the Shanti Salish Kirtan Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvLAVbPuQjnnx9vd9HeSWnw?view_as=subscriber.
The majority of the Chantbook's links to recordings on the internet are from a variety of Kirtan leaders. When a chant could not be found on the internet, I made a short recording of it myself on the Shanti Salish Kirtan Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvLAVbPuQjnnx9vd9HeSWnw?view_as=subscriber.
Contrary to popular belief, not everything lives forever on the Internet. If you find that a link is no longer available, let me know and I'll replace it.
Contrary to popular belief, not everything lives forever on the Internet. If you find that a link is no longer available, let me know and I'll replace it.
See a sample of an internet recording at the bottom of the page.
See a sample of an internet recording at the bottom of the page.
Tips for Beginners
Tips for Beginners
❤️ Listen to the chant several times first. Close your eyes and allow your body to get a feel for it, particularly the rhythm. You can always refer back to the recording to refresh your memory.
❤️ Listen to the chant several times first. Close your eyes and allow your body to get a feel for it, particularly the rhythm. You can always refer back to the recording to refresh your memory.
❤️ Sing along with the chant to deepen your memory of it.
❤️ Sing along with the chant to deepen your memory of it.
❤️ Just play the melody line until you’re comfortable with it. The more you play, the more muscle memory you build up.
❤️ Just play the melody line until you’re comfortable with it. The more you play, the more muscle memory you build up.
❤️ Add your voice to the melody line.
❤️ Add your voice to the melody line.
❤️ Add the drone notes to the melody notes without singing.
❤️ Add the drone notes to the melody notes without singing.
❤️ Add your voice to the melody and drone notes.
❤️ Add your voice to the melody and drone notes.
❤️ Try the chant with chords
❤️ Try the chant with chords
❤️ Once you’re comfortable with the chant, use a metronome or a tabla app to achieve a steady rhythm.
❤️ Once you’re comfortable with the chant, use a metronome or a tabla app to achieve a steady rhythm.
❤️ If you’re unfamiliar with where the notes are on your keyboard, label the keys with the appropriate notes (ie: C, D, E, F, G etc).
❤️ If you’re unfamiliar with where the notes are on your keyboard, label the keys with the appropriate notes (ie: C, D, E, F, G etc).
Should I play the melody notes or chords?
Should I play the melody notes or chords?
There are pros and cons to each. Traditionally in India, the melody line is played with drone notes. This makes it easier for the responders to hear and learn the melody line. A disadvantage is that it can become challenging to play when the tempo gets faster and faster. Chords are more challenging to learn, but will accommodate speed and allow for more vocal creativity. I would suggest initially playing the melody notes with drones and then moving on to chords.
There are pros and cons to each. Traditionally in India, the melody line is played with drone notes. This makes it easier for the responders to hear and learn the melody line. A disadvantage is that it can become challenging to play when the tempo gets faster and faster. Chords are more challenging to learn, but will accommodate speed and allow for more vocal creativity. I would suggest initially playing the melody notes with drones and then moving on to chords.
How to request the Shanti Salish Kirtan Collection
How to request the Shanti Salish Kirtan Collection
❤️ Email me at shantisalish@gmail.com or text to 360-316-1445 and include your name, email address and where you heard about it.
❤️ Email me at shantisalish@gmail.com or text to 360-316-1445 and include your name, email address and where you heard about it.
❤️ You'll receive the collection via email in a folder with (11) pdf's and (1) .xsis spreadsheet.
❤️ You'll receive the collection via email in a folder with (11) pdf's and (1) .xsis spreadsheet.
❤️ This collection will continue to grow so feel free to request a new copy from time to time.
❤️ This collection will continue to grow so feel free to request a new copy from time to time.
If you would like to express your gratitude back to me, Thank you.
If you would like to express your gratitude back to me, Thank you.
Paypal
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❤️ Sign into your account
❤️ Sign into your account
❤️ Enter amount
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❤️ Enter Chantbook
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Send to: Eric (Natavar) Knudsen
Send to: Eric (Natavar) Knudsen
1417 Center Street
1417 Center Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Port Townsend, WA 98368
❤️ I am here to help you in your journey. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you might have.
❤️ I am here to help you in your journey. Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you might have.
For Kirtan information in the Puget Sound region, please visit Kirtan on the Salish Sea on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/natavarkirtan
For Kirtan information in the Puget Sound region, please visit Kirtan on the Salish Sea on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/natavarkirtan
Testimonials from Wallahs included in the Chantbook
Testimonials from Wallahs included in the Chantbook
"Wow, what a treasure Natavar has given lovers of kirtan with this book of so many wonderful chants in such an accessible format. I'm honored to be included, and so excited to share this generous resource with our community." Seán Johnson (Wild Lotus Band)
"Wow, what a treasure Natavar has given lovers of kirtan with this book of so many wonderful chants in such an accessible format. I'm honored to be included, and so excited to share this generous resource with our community." Seán Johnson (Wild Lotus Band)
"Thank you Natavar, It’s a lovely book! Lots of hard work went into creating this collection. Congratulations." Wah
"Thank you Natavar, It’s a lovely book! Lots of hard work went into creating this collection. Congratulations." Wah
"What a beautiful service to the world for those wanting to share in the beauty of chanting! Thank you so much for including me." Ragani
"What a beautiful service to the world for those wanting to share in the beauty of chanting! Thank you so much for including me." Ragani
Amor! Jai Uttal
Amor! Jai Uttal
"Thank you for including my chants in your book - I am flattered. I hope that many people take advantage of your efforts and learn many of these wonderful kirtans." Richard Davis
"Thank you for including my chants in your book - I am flattered. I hope that many people take advantage of your efforts and learn many of these wonderful kirtans." Richard Davis
"Thank you Natavar, that's wonderful!" Jaya Lakshmi
"Thank you Natavar, that's wonderful!" Jaya Lakshmi
"Oh my gosh! This is epic!!!!!!!!!!! What an honor to be included and to receive a copy. This is a labor of love. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼" Ann Strickland
"Oh my gosh! This is epic!!!!!!!!!!! What an honor to be included and to receive a copy. This is a labor of love. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼" Ann Strickland
"I'm honored that you would include my chants in your book." Dave Stringer
"I'm honored that you would include my chants in your book." Dave Stringer
"I think it’s a fantastic undertaking and am impressed with all the hard work you’ve put into it. What a treasure. I am honored to have some of my music included along with so many beautiful chants!” Kavita Kat McMillan
"I think it’s a fantastic undertaking and am impressed with all the hard work you’ve put into it. What a treasure. I am honored to have some of my music included along with so many beautiful chants!” Kavita Kat McMillan
"It's wonderful to see how much devotion and hard work you've poured into this collection. Really amazing. I'm honored to have been included. I'm sure this will be a great resource for many many people." Devadas
"It's wonderful to see how much devotion and hard work you've poured into this collection. Really amazing. I'm honored to have been included. I'm sure this will be a great resource for many many people." Devadas
"Wow, what an awesome resource and a true labor of love. Thank you for sharing, and for including me!" Pranja Vieira
"Wow, what an awesome resource and a true labor of love. Thank you for sharing, and for including me!" Pranja Vieira
"How absolutely wonderful, Natavar! I am honoured to be included in the songbook you have so lovingly assembled". Divya Prabha
"How absolutely wonderful, Natavar! I am honoured to be included in the songbook you have so lovingly assembled". Divya Prabha
"What a wonderful service you are doing to spread the chanting of the Holy Names! In these turbulent times it is needed now more than ever...I wish you all the very best with this wonderful project" Chakrini Dasi
"What a wonderful service you are doing to spread the chanting of the Holy Names! In these turbulent times it is needed now more than ever...I wish you all the very best with this wonderful project" Chakrini Dasi
"This is oh so beautiful. I am honored to be part of it. What a lovely service." Kristin Luna Ray
"This is oh so beautiful. I am honored to be part of it. What a lovely service." Kristin Luna Ray
"I'm honored to be a part of it!" Dayashila Carrie Grossman
"I'm honored to be a part of it!" Dayashila Carrie Grossman
"May your sharing of chanting reach many hearts & may your book empower many chanters." Daniel Tucker - Bhakti Breakfast Club
"May your sharing of chanting reach many hearts & may your book empower many chanters." Daniel Tucker - Bhakti Breakfast Club
"Natavar has assembled a wonderful resource that will be valuable to so many Kirtan lovers, and it is also a great teaching tool. It's an honour to be included. Haribol!!!" Jim Gelcer
"Natavar has assembled a wonderful resource that will be valuable to so many Kirtan lovers, and it is also a great teaching tool. It's an honour to be included. Haribol!!!" Jim Gelcer
"Thank you so much! What a beautiful labor of love." Sita (Sita's Light Kirtan)
"Thank you so much! What a beautiful labor of love." Sita (Sita's Light Kirtan)
Testimonials from Users
Testimonials from Users
"What an enormous amount of work must have gone into this - I don't know what to say besides THANK YOU! I will spread the word to my bhakti groups and friends. And thank you for making this a gifting economy item - what a great way to spread the concept of that as well! " Maria Novak
"What an enormous amount of work must have gone into this - I don't know what to say besides THANK YOU! I will spread the word to my bhakti groups and friends. And thank you for making this a gifting economy item - what a great way to spread the concept of that as well! " Maria Novak
"I am blown away by your work, the amount of time and the detail is truly amazing." Ken Almond
"I am blown away by your work, the amount of time and the detail is truly amazing." Ken Almond
"Thank you for sharing such an amazing collection and for all the energy you've put into this. A friend shared it in a song group in a part of on Facebook. So glad she did! " Crystal De Shazo
"Thank you for sharing such an amazing collection and for all the energy you've put into this. A friend shared it in a song group in a part of on Facebook. So glad she did! " Crystal De Shazo
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful offering. I am slowly reading through it all. It’s an outstanding amazing resource. I have chanted all my life and write my own chants to share with students for charity kirtans so this will really help and inspire me. So from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful offering. I am slowly reading through it all. It’s an outstanding amazing resource. I have chanted all my life and write my own chants to share with students for charity kirtans so this will really help and inspire me. So from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Namaste, Dipika
Namaste, Dipika
What an incredible and comprehensive – and well organized! – compilation. A labour of Love, most certainly. Sofia of SOULHUM
What an incredible and comprehensive – and well organized! – compilation. A labour of Love, most certainly. Sofia of SOULHUM
Highly recommend this book! It has been a game changer for our group Kirtan St. John's.. Sarah Hansen
