Jai Mā!
I LOVE Kamalakanta Ji's wisdom regarding appropriate feet behavior. I'm in awe of the beautiful reverence Indian and Hindu culture have for the Sacred... and how sacred so much of what we consider mundane really is.
There's a trend in the Western "Bhakti scene" to have live kirtan during an asana class. I've enjoyed these classes in the past, myself. One line in the article reads:
"It is considered disrespectful (and quite vane) to engage in yoga asana stretches while in a temple or during a kirtan or meditation."
I play pre-recorded kirtan during the asana classes I teach. Is this also considered disrespectful? Also, can anyone elaborate on this a bit? Not because I'm trying to be argumentative, I'd just like to have a more thorough understanding both as a devotee and asana instructor (who also leads kirtan on occasion).
Thank you!
Jai Ma!
Dear Durga Dasi,
It is ideal to listen to bhajans and kirtan during most activities, including asanas. I play such recordings most of the day to keep my mind focused on the Divine through the holy names. I can create divine atmosphere. I think it is great to play kirtan recordings during asana practice, or during an asana class. The potential danger for me is treading the holy name as "background music". While I appreciate the move to keep a spiritual focus during asanas, I personally tend to be more uncomfortable with live kirtan singers performing during for an asana class for the same reason.
Kamalakanta's point is about doing asanas during a dedicated kirtan program in the temple. When someone starts such stretches in the mandir, we usually suggest that they sit on the bench or chair if they are uncomfortable sitting on the floor. Most get the point without embarrassment.
His insight into the nature of why we do not wear foot wear is down to earth, practical spiritual practice. His objective is for us to see God in every step we take and be mindful in everything we do - taking these mindful steps takes us step by step closer to realizing Ma in our self and our everyday world.