sacred music

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

I am familiar with Kirtan (call and response in the Hindu tradition) and zhikar (ceremony of remembrance-chanting of the 99 names and the shahada in the Islamic/Sufi tradition), and chants used by Native Americans in the inipi and at Sundance. I find that such music clears my mind and cleans my soul from troubles and worries and has, at times, lifted me beyond ecstacy to Peace.

Are there other religious traditions involving chants? Have you taken part in these ceremonies? What were your impressions/feelings?

[elshiva]

1. Taize for Christians especially Catholics and Anglicans.

Taize was a religious community that developed chants some Latin, some French, mostly translated into English. Words are usually from the Bible, but the music is superb. Usually used in a healing service. Ever hear of it ayeshahaqqiqa.

[intheflow]

2. I recommend Taize as well.

The UCCs turned me onto it, and I've introduced Taize into three UU services--with edited words, of course. Twice I used it for the Sunday after Christmas as a way to re-center the congregation in the midst of the holiday madness, and once as a component of a service for greiving Abu Ghraib. It's been very well received each time I've done it.

Here's the link to the Taize community in France. They have audio clips you can listen to. http://www.taize.fr/en_article338.html

I'll have to listen to your choice and see how I can share them with soem future congregation. Thanks for posting them.

[elshiva]

4. My favorite is "Veni Sanctus Spiritus"

[housewolf]

5. A new experience for me...

I had never heard of Taize before and must admit, I was stunned with what I heard. Rarely have I experienced such beauty from a chorus of voices.

I listened to all the clips, including the long prayer clip and the bells, and spent a long time exploring their website. This one was my favoritea;
Bless the Lord (Sing to God)
Partly because it was in English but more because the solo voice was so wonderous.

Thank you for this gift, It is something I want to "more" of in my life!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. no

I'll have to do some research on it

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. experienced a bit of it

last night at the Dances at the Springfield MO Unity Spiritual Center. One of the Dancers led us in a Taize inspired dance, and it was very moving and lovely.