What religious tradition is this? Is it praying to another God?

Personally, I truly believe in oneness. That there is one God. And if one is a spiritual seeker, we can each find “God” in our own way. And in my events I hope to introduce that principle of oneness through sacred sound.

This type of practice comes from India. So it is typically found as a devotional practice in Sikh and Hindu temples. The way that I chant is similar to the Bhakti, Hindu, and yoga traditions. When we sing kīrtan here in America, the language that we use and phrases may greatly vary. Chant leaders may lead phrases in English, Gurumukhi, or in Sanskrit, the oldest language from the Indian subcontinent.

In Marla’s chanting events, she teaches and sings Sanskrit mantras that have been chanted for thousands of years. The words come directly from holy books called the vedas. The vedas are collections of writings of spiritual truths. These spiritual truths are part of the human experience. We sing with the intention of peace, oneness, discrimination, abundance, new beginnings, holding duality, and more.

In some cases when we use “Durga” or “Ganeśa” or “Kālī” we are calling upon forms of God that have been expressed on Earth. This is similar to how saints in the Christian traditions were conduits to God and had a kind of “energy” of their own that brought groups together. For instance, St Cecelia, the patron saint of musicians. is similar to Sarasvati, the Hindu goddess of music and learning. Although they are hailed by different names (with similar sounds “ss”), we connect to the universal energy they introduce. Durga is a fierce mother form of God. Ganeśa is an open hearted, obstacle clearer. Kālī will transform you for what’s best.

Both Hinduism and Sikhism are monotheistic religions so, from an Indian perspective, there is no conflict in singing to all versions of God/the Divine. 

A similar practice that is a part of the Christian tradition would be Gregorian chanting or Taize.

If you have further questions, please ask Marla directly. Marla’s children and husband are Catholic and so she has an understanding of the differences in the traditions.