Although Simrit does sing mantras, her music is much more than that. It is dynamic world music that combines African instruments with funky bass grooves and thumping drums, as well as other soul-lifting instruments like the harmonium, violin, and guitar. I’d like to walk you through my uplifting experience at her recent concert in Montreal.

Image courtesy by SF YOGA MAGAZINE: http://www.sfyogamagazine.com/blog/2016/2/3/interview-with-simrit-kaur

The venue: St. George’s Anglican Church

I couldn’t imagine a better place for such concert to be held, even though it was not religious in any way. St. George’s Anglican Church sits in Montreal’s downtown area and offers an intimate space for small events and meditation. Like a small version of the Notre-Dame in old Montreal, its beautiful columns offer an incredible background for such a vibrating concert. The only downside was the church benches. They were extremely uncomfortable to sit on for more than 2 hours. That did encourage some people to get up and dance though!

A variety of instruments

As an introduction to the band and right before Simrit’s concert began, we were delighted to hear a couple of songs by Salif Bamakora. Playing the West African instrument called the Kora, he welcomed us into an intimate journey of exotic melodies. After setting the tone, Salif was soon accompanied by the rest of the members of the band, including the goddess-like Simrit Kaur.

The Kora: African lute instrument

Known for her astonishing headpieces, Simrit Kaur sat in the center of the stage with her harmonium and began to sway from side to side at the groovy sound of the bass, drums, kora, and violin that surrounded her. I immediately felt a vibration rush through my spine as I prepared for the music to sweep me away into a spiritual journey.

Simrit: the voice of a mermaid

Although a devoted yoga practitioner, Simrit does not only perform mantras or “yoga music”. Originally from Greece and raised in the U.S., this now California resident is internationally known for her unique music and performances. Like a mermaid, her hypnotic voice can transport you into deep waters of emotions. By listening to her mantra songs, the healing powers of sound meditation can resonate within you. I had goosebumps on several occasions during the concert and the mantras echoed inside of me for days.

So what about the mantras?

What are mantras? You may ask. Everyone has heard the famous Ohm, right? It is an ancient Hindu mantra used frequently during meditation. Mantras can be composed by one word or a complete phrase that is repeated. They have their origin in ancient Hinduism and nowadays they are used in meditations in many cultures, without necessarily being religiously affiliated. You can listen to mantras and recite them during meditation or simply to free the mind and calm your soul. Mantras can do wonders for you, by repeating them you create space in your mind to discover your deepest truths.

The Revolution is the courage to be who we really are…to speak our truth in the midst of fear…to be authentic, no matter what people may think or say. It is the strength to walk alone knowing we are not alone, and it is the strength to walk together into the unknown.

Simrit

Here is a video by Simrit explaining Mantras:

Sat Narayan: Mantra for inner peace

The last song on Simrit’s latest album called Songs of Resilience is Sat Narayan. A powerful mantra that evokes inner peace and a beautiful way to end the album and concert.

So what are your thoughts on mantras? Do you listen to them? Have you listened and chanted Simrit’s mantra songs?

Tell me about your experience by leaving a comment below. I’d love to hear all about it!