Newly trained yoga teachers sing the kirtan Krishna Hare Krishna Gopala during a Saturday evening satsang at Yoga Vidya in Bad Meinberg. Listen to the singing of Krishna Hare Krishna Gopala and join in. You will not find the lyrics in the Yoga Vidya kirtan booklet.

The kirtan is characterized by a simple but powerful structure: The mantra phrases “Krishna Hare Krishna, Gopala Hare…” are sung repeatedly — often alternating between the lead singer and the choir (call and response), accompanied by the harmonium.

The chant unfolds in several phases:

First, calm and inviting — ideal for entering and connecting.

Then increasingly rhythmic and expressive — generating collective energy and a sense of community.

Finally, into a meditative, solemn sound space that provides room for inner peace and devotion.

🧘 Meaning of the mantra names

Krishna — Among other things, this name means “the all-attractive one,” “the attractive one.” It symbolizes divine attraction, love, and universal beauty.

Gopala — Literally “cowherd”: ‘go’ = cow, “pāla” = guardian/protector. As Gopala, Krishna is revered in his role as a loving guardian and protector.

Hare — An invocation of divine energy, the divine “Shakti.” In the context of the mantra, ‘Hare’ is often understood as a request: “Oh divine energy, please take me into your service/close to you.”

According to traditional belief, chanting these names creates a spiritual vibration that opens the heart, clears the mind, and can establish a connection with the divine.

If you are interested in seminars with music, you can find here seminars on mantra and music. For more kirtan and Mantra vocal recordings click here. For more information on Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda can be found on the internet pages of Yoga Vidya.