Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Zoom Viewing at TMC:”Shakti & Bhakti” Kirtan with Ranjani Powers and Riley Slate – February 20, 2025
Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Zoom Viewing at TMC – February 20, 2025
“Shakti & Bhakti” Kirtan with Ranjani Powers and Riley Slate
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome!
5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Rodney (Rajni) Huff
7:00-7:30 p.m: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Shakti & Bhakti” Kirtan
with Ranjani Powers and Riley Slate
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
Shakti & Bhakti is an Ohio-based kirtan group that leads gatherings in Dayton and surrounding areas. Comprised of passionate yoga practitioners, the band seeks to share their deep love for chant with fellow kirtan enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and music lovers. Kirtans are more than just call-and-response chanting from India; they embody the essence of satsang, the company of truth. Together, we sing the name of God with love and devotion. We aim to have our kirtans serve as gatherings that nourish the mind and lift the spirit, fostering unity through sound and bhakti (love & devotion). The name “Shakti & Bhakti” captures our mission: Shakti symbolizes the power to be and become, while Bhakti signifies the path of intense love and devotion. Through this journey, we cultivate a profound love for God (our Inner Dweller and the Inner Dweller of all), leading to a beautiful unity that transcends diversity. Our music beautifully blends traditional bhajans, call-and-response chants, and original compositions, weaving Sanskrit mantras into meditative soundscapes. Each kirtan begins with a moment of silence, inviting us to unite as one voice in harmony and devotion.
Riley Slate was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but moved to Dayton at a young age. He was introduced to music by his grandfather and father, which inspired him to play the guitar, bass, and piano. At 16, he began his first paying gig as a musician, passionately pursuing this path, although he did have a brief four-hour stint in construction. Riley holds a performance degree from Wright State University and a jazz performance degree from the University of North Texas. Seven years ago, he faced uncertainty and dissatisfaction in his life until he reconnected with his childhood friend, Ranjani. This reconnection sparked positive changes in his life and eventually led him back to yoga, initiating his journey toward self-love and compassion for others. He reflects, “When I finally let go of all I was holding on to, everything began to fall into place.” Although Riley only learned the term “kirtan” five years ago, he has embraced it wholeheartedly. He loves knowing that this music has the potential to create a space for healing for himself and others.
Ranjani Powers has dedicated her life to yoga but never anticipated incorporating kirtan into her journey. Although she has always enjoyed singing—mainly at home and occasionally while gardening—joining a “kirtan band” was not part of her plans. Over the past three years, the Universe has presented her with life-changing decisions, and despite the challenges, she has embraced them. This shift has transformed her understanding of how she serves the tradition, leading to personal growth she never imagined. Throughout difficult times, Ranjani has always felt guided and protected. Rejecting this new phase would feel like dismissing a precious gift and an opportunity to serve in a way she never envisioned. Integrating kirtan into her yoga practice has become a highlight, and she loves collaborating with Riley on new chants. While this journey was unexpected, she fully embraces it and is committed to giving her best.
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There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.