Sankirtan—the practice of collective devotional singing and chanting—as a way to transform private grief into shared spiritual and creative communion.
Sankirtan is the devotional practice of singing the divine name or story together in community. Mirabai's bhajans were designed for sankirtan—meant to be sung in groups, their repetitive, accessible melodies and emotionally direct language inviting all voices to join. In sankirtan, individual grief becomes woven into a larger tapestry of devotion; the solitary singer's ache is held and amplified by the group. For grief and creativity, sankirtan offers a vital corrective to the myth of the solitary, tortured artist. It suggests that creative work emerging from loss gains power and healing potential when shared in community. Whether through music, poetry readings, ritual, or collaborative art-making, the principle of sankirtan invites grieving creators to move out of isolation and into collective expression. This practice recognizes that grief, when voiced together, becomes neither diluted nor overwhelming but transformed into something that connects, sustains, and transcends the individual sufferer.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.