Bhajans Means to Liberation A Study Circle on
Bhajans – Means to Liberation A Study Circle on Divine Guidelines Issued by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Significance of Bhajans “Wherever My glory is sung, there I manifest myself” “Madbhakta Yatra Gayanti Tatra Tishthami Narada” (Gita)
Efficacy Of Singing Bhajans You should sanctify yourself and the atmosphere around by chanting the divine name. Chanting of the divine name purifies the atmosphere by sending sacred vibrations in to it. These vibrations, set off by the chanting of the divine name, destroy evil and impure feelings deeply ingrained in man. - May 15, 2000 The atmosphere today is polluted by bad thoughts and feelings. When you sing the glory of God, the bad germs in the air are destroyed and the air gets purified by a treatment with antibiotics as it were. - October 23, 1994
Efficacy Of Singing Bhajans Do not think that Bhajans are not of any use. The happiness and joy that you derive from Bhajans is unsurpassed. … The unrest in today’s world is only due to this negligence. Bhajans that you sing give peace to the entire world. You should, while singing Bhajans, develop the attitude of ‘Loka Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu’, which means let all the worlds be at peace. You should aspire for world peace, developing pure thoughts and feelings in your hearts. - Sathya Sai Hostel, September 3, 1989
Bhajans And The Mind Bhajan (devotional singing) is one of the processes by which you can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Teach the mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God; wear it away from petty horizons of pleasure. Bhajan induces in you a desire for experiencing the Truth, to glimpse the Beauty that is God; to taste the Bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to dive into himself and be genuinely his real Self. - SSS Vol 7, 497 -8
Bhajans And The Mind Bhajana has to start in childhood and has to continue. It must be the constant companion of man, his solace and strength. Do not postpone it to old age, for it is the essential food for the mind. - July 10, 1959
Singing vs Chanting One gets satisfaction by singing the miracles of God. Music, as all know, is melodious and pleasant to hear. During the early morning nagarsankeertan, people who do not know the songs also join the chorus. How sweet is this music!! An atheist and a theist equally get lost in the divine music. It is the music that makes one forget oneself and takes one to an ecstatic state. Not only this, through music one can convey and share the miracles, mystery and the divine qualities of the Lord. - 1996 -07 -19
Singing vs Chanting Music is a royal path that leads to liberation. By singing the glory of the Lord, one can certainly reach and attain Him. While singing the glory of the Lord, one forgets oneself, merges in Him and develops love for the divine. - 1996 -07 -19 Collective singing is the noblest of all. It is this collective singing, ‘bhajans’ that liberate man. Kabir das, Tulsidas, Ramdas redeemed their lives by singing bhajans. There is such mighty strength latent in singing the glory of the Lord! - 1996 -07 -19
What is Sankeerthan (Community Singing)? difference between There is a big Keerthanam and Sankeerthanam. Keerthanam is an individual affair. It is singing by an individual for the fulfilment of his prayers. Sankeerthanam aims at the well-being of the whole universe. This is also described as Samajika bhajans (community singing). This method of singing bhajans was first initiated by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. - March 3, 1992 Realize that there is nothing greater than bhajan. What bliss is there in bhajans! What a demonstration of oneness is it when a myriad throats join in uttering the name of God! The vibrations emanating from them make the heart vibrant. If you sing alone in your shrine, the vibrations return to you as reaction. But in community singing, what you have is not a reaction but a wave of vibrations. - October 23, 1994
What is Sankeerthan (Community Singing)? Keerthanam is singing the Names which denote the glory of the Lord and Samkeerthanam means "singing the Names continuously, aloud, without interruption, and without hesitation". Whereas Keerthanam can be by one individual and can promote one's own spiritual progress. Sam-keerthanam is by a group of people. It can help the process of liberation not only for the members of the group, but it will also be beneficial to those who listen and even to those beyond the circle of listeners; the whole world can benefit by the vibrations. - January 20, 1982
Why Nagar Sankeerthan? Why is ‘nagarsankeerthan’ prescribed? Is it done for lack of doing anything useful at that time? Is it to spoil one’s sleep in the early morning? It is highly sacred physically, in a worldly sense and even spiritually. It is a highly sacred time, the ‘Brahma muhurta’. It is cool in the early mornings with cool breezes. At that time mind will be at peace after a nights’ rest. One will be filled with bliss, happiness and peace if one listens to God’s name instead of listening to useless and unwanted things from the moment one gets up. Both, the singer and the listener are filled with peace. One would feel contended and happy with oneself when one listens to the Lord’s name early in the morning. The moment one gets up, one should sing the glory of the Lord. It’s because, ‘Start early, drive slowly and reach safely!’ One’s day, the moment one gets up, must start with singing of the Lord’s name. It is to achieve this purpose that the ‘nagarsankeerthan’, ‘bhajans’, ‘study circles’ and ‘Satsang’ have been incorporated into the system of the Sathya Sai organizations. All these activities sanctify the surroundings and bring peace to the participants. - 1997 -07 -19
Types of Sankeerthan Guna Sankeerthan Leela Sankeerthan Bhava Sankeerthan Nama Sankeerthan The word Naama has great significance numerologically. Na is equal to 0. A is equal to 2 and ma equals 5, the total being 7, indicating that the Naama Samkeerthanam needs seven elements for success; Sruti, Laya, Raga, Tala, Bhava, Prema, Samhitha. - January 20, 1982
Nama Sankeerthan – The Best Path Of all the forms of singing the glory of the Lord, ‘Nama sankeerthana’ or chanting the name of the Lord is supreme. One can redeem oneself by singing the name of the Lord. - 1996 -07 -19 In the path of spirituality, contemplation of the Lord is most important. By singing the glory of God, one can experience God. Therefore one should invest more and more time in chanting the Lord’s name and should do it out of deeply rooted faith and love. - 1997 -07 -16
Quiz #1 During a Divine Discourse in 1976, Swami teaches us that if one is singing a bhajan in the form of a prayer, the prayer should come shrieking through the heart: “When a man falls into a well, of what use is it if he controls his voice and his emotions and whispers quietly, "I have fallen into this well, I have fallen into this well. I am in great danger. Please save me? " No one will be able to hear or save him. He must shout full-throated, with all the anguish he is experiencing and with the extreme desire to be' saved, ‘I have fallen into the well! Save me some one!’ Then can he hope to get succor? ”
Quiz #1 According to Swami, when a prayer comes shrieking from the heart, what is the end result? a. It depends if it is with faith or not b. Help is assured c. God tests the devotee if he really means it d. Devotee has to relax and not keep begging over and over!
Quiz #1 Correct Answer : B. Swami reassures us: "Similarly, when you are caught in the coils of this world, when you have fallen into this deep well of worldly misery, shout with all your might, with all your heart, that you may be saved by God. There is no use muttering faintly and halfheartedly, "Save me, save me; I am floundering in this samsaar (worldly life). " When the prayer comes shrieking through the heart, help is assured. ” - SSS XIII, 24
Quiz #2 Swami often says: “Do not monopolize the time in bhajan by singing one song for six or ten minutes, repeating the same line often. Repeat each line twice and no more. Have only two speeds: one slow and the other fast. In this way, you can have in the hour of bhajan, more songs on more Forms, more tunes and more variety, giving more people the chance. ” During a Divine Discourse delivered in 1972, Swami tells us clearly what type of bhajans should be sung: “The scriptures lay down Bhajan (group devotional singing), Naamasmaran (Remembering God's Name) and Sankeerthan (devotional music) as the Sadhanas (spiritual practices) of this Age. Bhajan is the process of singing your prayers to God, praising His glory and compassion, and pleading that He may fill you with His Grace.
Quiz #2 Dr. Hislop has as a result of many years of research, declared that prayer has a highly curative effect on the body and mind of man. That is the result of constant Bhajan and recital of the Name. ” According to Swami, what should the lead singer focus on when it’s his/her time to sing? a. The bhajans must be extremely simple! b. The focus should be on making sure everyone is singing along too! c. The singer must sing on an empty stomach d. The singer must refer to various Names and Forms of God
Quiz #2 Correct Answer : D. Swami makes it clear: "Bhajan should not be gone through, as a painful necessity; it has to be a thrilling experience, which must leave the participants full of pure energy and elevated enthusiasm. But, this does not happen now. Either it is too mechanical or it is a medium for some people to exhibit their talents. The bhajans are sung to parade one's compositions and these are sung during the group sittings, as if they are rehearsed there. The others are not able to follow; so they allow their minds to wander. "Sing familiar bhajans, so that all can share in the Anandha. Also, pay attention to the tune, the meaning, the variety, the voice, the raga, the thala (the tune and the beat) and other fine points of the bhajans. If your voice is not pleasant or sweet, keep quiet; that is the best service you can do.
Quiz #2 Correct Answer : D. "Do not cause discontent, discord and disharmony, insisting on singing, because you are an office-bearer, or something! The Bhajans must be sweet to the ear, arousing pictures of the glory and grandeur of Godhead in the mind of the singers and listeners; they must refer to various Names and Forms of God, so that the Bhajan sessions might fill every one with ecstasy. Bhajan is a Sadhana for all who share in it; that is why it is prescribed, for every Unit. "
Quiz #3 In a Divine Discourse delivered in 1968, Swami teaches us how bhajan singing should be conducted: “Have bhajans (group singing of devotional songs) on as many days as you can, in your village or area. Have them in places where all can come and join, and not in the homes of some people, for in homes not all maybe welcome. Have them as simple as you can, without competitive pomp or show; reduce expenses to a minimum, for God cares for the inner yearning and not the outer trappings. Even this small unavoidable expenditure must be silently shared spontaneously by a few members of the Committee, and not collected by means of a plate or hundi pot, or a subscription or donation list.
Quiz #3 “The participants must be bound by love, affection and loyalty to one Name and Form. Bhajans are best held on Thursday evenings and Sunday evenings - but that is no unbreakable rule, for it is not the day of the week that counts. It is the heart that must be ready and eager to imbibe the joy and share it. As a matter of fact, bhajan is a constant exercise; it has to be as essential as breathing. ” According to Swami, what type of bhajans must be arranged for group singing in the Sathya Sai Organizations? a. Only bhajans listed in the Sai Bhajan book b. Only bhajans that are sung at Prasanthi Nilayam c. Whatever suits the convenience of the locality and the people d. To avoid confusion, the same bhajans could be sung every where
Quiz #3 Correct Answer : C Swami simplifies it: "Group bhajans must be arranged to suit the convenience of the locality and the people. Some people affirm that the bhajans used at the Prashanthi Nilayam alone should be sung; but God is omnipresent, He is the indweller in every heart; all Names are His. So, you can call on Him by any name that gives joy. Members of Sathya Sai Organizations must not cavil at other Names and Forms of God; they should not become fanatics, blind to the Glory of other Names and Forms. They should join the Groups that honor those other manifestations and demonstrate that all Names and Forms are Mine. They should contribute to the joy and happiness of all without giving up their faith.
Quiz #3 Correct Answer : C "Regarding prasad (the edible that is usually offered to the Lord after bhajan and distributed as consecrated food to the participants), well, the edible offering is to be avoided; the Name itself is the best consecrated offering to be shared. You can give vibhuthi (holy ash) as prasad; that is enough. That is the most precious and effective prasad. "
Divine Guidelines – Bha Ra Tha Bhajans should satisfy yourself and also satisfy others. … Those who have to lead must practice well. Shruti, Laya, Raga and Taala should be in place. In fact our country gets its name from there. The word ‘Bharata’ has three syllables Bha, Ra, Ta – Bhava, Raga, Taala and together they form Bharat, the nation. You must live up to what our country represents. Bhajan is meant to be delightful to hear. Everyone must make efforts to attain Divinity through Bhajans. Whatever we contemplate upon, we attain that form. So, put your heart into it and chant God’s name with love. - November 8, 1986
Divine Guidelines – Bha Ra Tha When thousands of persons join in singing bhajans, they should be fully absorbed in the devotional process and the ecstasy of that experience. The singing should be vibrant and soulful and not mechanical or drawling and uninspiring. It should combine bhava (feeling), raga (melody) and tala (rhythm). When there is such unity the Divine can be experienced. - November 8, 1986
Divine Guidelines - Why Sing Aloud and Clap?
Divine Guidelines Bhajans have to be sung and offered to God in an attitude of utter humility; they are not to be taken as exercises in an exhibition of talents or as competitions for mastery of musical skill. They have to please the Lord, not your fans. - SSS IX, 177 Devotional singing (bhajan) must become an unbroken stream of bliss on your tongues and in your hearts; it must confer on you the uninterrupted awareness of soham, of the unity of I and He. - SSS IX, 41 -42
Divine Guidelines – Bhava, Raga or Tala? People do Bhajans without understanding their significance. Instead of focusing their attention on God, they are bothered too much about the tune and the rhythm. No doubt, tune and rhythm are also essential in Bhajans. But once you fill your heart with Divine love, the tune and the rhythm will automatically be taken care of. If you concentrate too much on the tune and the rhythm, you will not be able to think of God. Just as the iron ball cast in fire becomes one with it, your mind should become one with God. Water cannot be separated from milk; likewise, your mind should get merged in God. You should not think that you are separate from God. - September 1, 2000
How to get Bhava? Not all realize the potency and efficacy of reciting the Lord's name. The first requisite is purity of thought, word and deed. The name that is uttered by the tongue should be meditated upon by the mind. What is uttered and dwelt upon should be hailed by clapping the hands. This threefold concentration on the Divine name--unity of mind, speech and action--purifies the heart and nourishes the feeling of devotion. - November 8, 1986 When you sing bhajans, dwell on the meaning of the song and the message of each name and form of God. Sankeerthan is the process of singing, which originates in the heart, not from the lips or tongue. It is the expression of the joyous thrill that wells up from the heart when the Glory of God is remembered. - November 14, 1976
Meaning of a Bhajan
Chorus Singing Consider, for example, chorus singing like in group singing of bhajans. On such occasions, everyone must maintain sruthi or tonal purity. Even in a small group, if one singer goes offkey it would not be pleasing to the ear. Thus, discipline is required even in singing. - 1997 -07 -19 Some persons attending bhajans do not move their lips at all. They may say that they are singing the songs mentally within themselves. This is not proper. . . You must sing the names aloud, full-throated, as far as the voice can reach. Only then the Divine will respond in full measure and shower His grace. No one will go to the rescue of a drowning man if his cries are feeble. - SS, 35, April 1992, 70
Guidelines For Lead Bhajan Singers Practice 100 times 25 times – tune and lyrics become familiar 50 times – able to sing the bhajan effortlessly 75 times – singer gets the dharshan of the Lord 100 times – singer and listeners get the dharshan of the Lord
Guidelines For Lead Bhajan Singers Sing familiar bhajans (language and comfort level) “When the chanting of the Name is done in community singing, it should be in a form in which the entire group can participate easily. The tune, the rhythm, etc. should be such that all can follow the bhajan. If the lead singer takes up a song that is not familiar to others, the response from the group will be poor. There will be no enthusiasm or genuine participation. Their minds will be distracted. When all the devotees participate in the bhajan, the vibrations that are produced will generate joy and harmony. ” - November 8, 1986
Guidelines For Lead Bhajan Singers Discipline (punctuality and conduct) Larger the crowd, more the preparation and perfection Native speed of the bhajan (neither too slow nor too fast) Correct pronunciation and not forgetting words Choosing the right bhajan (what you can vs what you like)
Guidelines For Lead Bhajan Singers Emphasis on right words Avoid unnecessary complications and extensions Simplify while singing the fast pace Role of Accompanists - should support the singer and not overwhelm No big movements or contortions of the face
Guidelines For Bhajan Sessions Maintain proper order of the session – start with slow paced bhajans and gradually increase A good variety – deity, language, tune and rhythm Have as many Namavali bhajans as possible Encourage new singers and compositions but only after practice and after everyone is familiarized
Jai Sai Ram
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