Alanna Kaivalya 
Sacred Sound 
Discovering the Myth and Meaning of Mantra and Kirtan

The mantra and kirtan (call-and-response devotional chants) of yoga practice sometimes get short shrift in the West because they aren’t well understood. These chants are an integral part of most every Eastern spiritual practice because they are designed to provide access into the psyche while their underlying mythology helps us understand how our psychology affects daily life. Sacred Sound shares the myths behind the mantras, illuminating their meaning and putting their power and practicality within reach of every practitioner. Each mantra and kirtan includes the Sanskrit, the transliteration, and the translation. Clear retellings of the pertinent myths highlight modern-day applications so that readers discover their own personal connection to the practice. Alanna Kaivalya has refined her teaching over a decade with tens of thousands of diverse audience members. Her unique and popular approach to human connection and self-knowledge turns a time-tested tradition into a versatile and potent tool.

About the author

Alanna Kaivalya is the founder of the Kaivalya Yoga Method and an internationally known teacher, author, and mythologist. In 2008 Yoga Journal recognized Alanna as one of the Top 21 Teachers Under 40. Her first book, Myths of the Asanas, showcased the myths behind the poses, and she has developed an e-course based on the work of Joseph Campbell called Following Bliss: A Modern Mystic’s Guide to the Hero’s Journey, which teaches practical tools for inspired living. In her decade-plus of studying mythology, eastern spirituality, philosophy, and yoga, she has traveled the world and taught at conferences, teacher trainings, and workshops. She offers teacher training in the Kaivalya Yoga Method as well as Pure Yoga Immersion. She is currently a Ph D candidate at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Join her community at www.alannak.com.