Letting the Music Lead Me … sometimes

A man with a shaved head and beard singing into a microphone, sitting in a chair indoors, with his eyes closed and a passionate expression.

Hi, I’m Richard. Chanting is how I come home — to presence, to joy, to the quiet place where I feel connected to the divine.

I didn’t arrive at this practice as a musician. I came searching for something real — something that could hold joy, sorrow, longing, and love without needing to fix any of it.

Over time, mantra has become my anchor. My prayer. A way of remembering what’s already whole within me.

What began as a private practice slowly turned outward — not because I wanted to perform, but because I felt called to share.

You don’t have to chant. You don’t have to be anything other than yourself.
This is a place where you’re welcome — just as you are.

I Was Scared to Lead a Chant … and Did It Anyway

Not just stage-fright nervous—heart-thudding, voice-trembling, what-am-I-doing-here kind of scared.
But beneath the fear, there was something deeper calling me forward: devotion.

When I led kirtan for the first time, I didn’t feel ready. But I began anyway. I let go—imperfectly, vulnerably—and allowed the love I felt to come through my voice. What happened wasn’t about performance. It was about presence. Offering. Connection.

That moment became the seed for everything I now share here.

Upcoming Events I’ll be Chanting At

Saturday, Jujy 19th, 5 - 6:30 PM,

Unity of Charlottesville

Kirtan Lead By Richard (Me)

Address: 2825 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901

From My Heart Blog/Journal

Let’s stay connected

I send occasional emails from the heart — usually a chant, a reflection, or an invitation to gather.

No pressure. No noise. Just soft offerings when they’re ready.

If you'd like to receive new chant recordings, event invitations, or gentle words to support your practice, you're warmly welcome to join the list.

Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu
May all beings, in all places, be happy and free.