hindu-devotional-songs

bhajans

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:46:24 +0100

Aanandamey Sai Naamamey
Adbudamey Sai Geetamey - Athi
Akhandamey Jyoti Mayamey
Sundaramey Sai Roopamey

Meaning: Happiness is Lord Sai's divine name. Miraculous is Lord Sai's divine songs. Effulgence of the Light (from Lord Sai's form) illumines the universe. Immaculate beauty is Lord Sai's form.

Aanandha Maya Bhagavaan Hey Prema Maya Bhagavaan
O Bhagavaan Sai Bhagavaan (Aanandha...)
Hey Karuna Nidhey Prabhu Sai Ram
Kripa Nidhey Deeno Key Pran
Aavo Prabhu Mujhey Charan Lagalo
Daya Karo Bhagavaan
(Mujhey) Kripa Karo Bhagavaan

Meaning: O Blissful and loving Lord Sathya Sai! O Bestower of Mercy and Grace on afflicted and poor ones! Kindly accept me at Thy Lotus Feet. O Lord! Kindly shower mercy and grace on me.
Aanandha Ram Aanandha Shyam
Narayana Sai Narayana (2X)
Prema Swaroopa Brahmaanandha
Sathchitthanandha Sai Narayana
Narayana Sai Narayana
Narayana Sathya Narayana
Narayana Sai Narayana

Meaning: O Blissful Ram, O blissful Shyam; Sing the name of Narayana and Hari; who is the embodiment of Love; who is always "Being, Awareness, Bliss"; who is Lord Sai.
Aanandha Sagara Muralidhara
Meera Prabhu Radhey Shyama Venu Gopala
Nanda Yashoda Aanandha Kishora
Jai Jai Gokula Bala Jai Venu Gopala

Meaning: Victory to Krishna, beloved Prince of Yashoda. Thou art the ocean of bliss and player of captivating music on flute and Lord of Meera (devotee), Radha and the entire Universe.
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare, Swami Sathya Sayi Hare
Bhaktha Jana Sam Rakshaka
Parthi Maheswara
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Sashi Vadana Sree Karaa Sarva Praana Pathe
Swami Sarva Praana Pathe
Aasritha Kalpa Latheeka Aapad Baandhavaa
Om Jai Jagadesa Hare

Maatha Pitha Guru Daivamu Mari Anthayu Neeve
Swami Mari Anthayu Neeve
Naad Brahm Jagan Naatha Naagendra Sayaana
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Omkaara Roopa Ojaswi Om Saayi Mahadeva
Sathya Sai Mahadeva
Mangal Aarathi Anduko Mandar Giridhari
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Narayana Narayana Om Sathya Narayana
Narayana Narayana Om
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om
Om Jai Sad Guru Devaa

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu (3)

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare, Swami Sathya Sayi Hare
Bhaktha Jana Sam Rakshaka
Parthi Maheswara
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Sashi Vadana Sree Karaa Sarva Praana Pathe
Swami Sarva Praana Pathe
Aasritha Kalpa Latheeka Aapad Baandhavaa
Om Jai Jagadesa Hare

Maatha Pitha Guru Daivamu Mari Anthayu Neeve
Swami Mari Anthayu Neeve
Naad Brahm Jagan Naatha Naagendra Sayaana
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Omkaara Roopa Ojaswi Om Saayi Mahadeva
Sathya Sai Mahadeva
Mangal Aarathi Anduko Mandar Giridhari
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Narayana Narayana Om Sathya Narayana
Narayana Narayana Om
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om
Om Jai Sad Guru Devaa

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu (3)

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare, Swami Sathya Sayi Hare
Bhaktha Jana Sam Rakshaka
Parthi Maheswara
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Sashi Vadana Sree Karaa Sarva Praana Pathe
Swami Sarva Praana Pathe
Aasritha Kalpa Latheeka Aapad Baandhavaa
Om Jai Jagadesa Hare

Maatha Pitha Guru Daivamu Mari Anthayu Neeve
Swami Mari Anthayu Neeve
Naad Brahm Jagan Naatha Naagendra Sayaana
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Omkaara Roopa Ojaswi Om Saayi Mahadeva
Sathya Sai Mahadeva
Mangal Aarathi Anduko Mandar Giridhari
Om Jai Jagadeesa Hare

Narayana Narayana Om Sathya Narayana
Narayana Narayana Om
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om Sathya
Narayana Narayana Om
Om Jai Sad Guru Devaa

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu (3)

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Aathma Rama Aanandha Ramana
Achyutha Keshava Hari Narayana
Bhava Bhaya Harana Vanditha Charana
Raghukula Bhooshana Rajiva Lochana
Adi Narayana Anantha Shayana
Sathchitthanandha Sathya Narayana

Meaning: Chant the name of Rama, bestower of happiness and resident of our heart. Worship the Lotus Feet of Lord Narayana, Achyutha, Keshava and Hari, destroys the fear of cycle of birth and death. Pray: Lotus-eyed Rama of Raghu Dynasty; Lord Narayana, resting on coiled serpent: Lord Sathya Narayana, Who is embodiment of Truth and bliss.
Adi Narayana Sai Narayana
Jaya Hari Narayana Jaya Jaya
Pandari Vasa Hari Narayana
Parthi Nivasa Sai Narayana
Varada Narayana Veda Narayana
Jai Hari Narayana Jaya Jaya

Meaning: Victory to Lord Hari Narayana and Lord Sai Narayana. You are the resident of Pandari - Lord Narayana and Lord of Parthi - Lord Sai Narayana. Victory to Lord Narayana who confers boons, who is the origin of the Vedas
Akhanda Jyothi Jalaavo Sai Mana Mandir Mey
Akhanda Jyothi Jalaavo
Koti Soorya Samey Theja Swaroopa
Sai Thum Ho Divya Swaroopa
Akhanda Jyothi Jalaavo, Akhanda Jyothi Jalaavo
Divya Jyothi Jnana Jyothi Prema Jyothi Jalaavo
Akhanda Jyothi Jalaavo

Meaning: Sai Baba, illumine my mind. Light up in the temple of my mind a flame (of knowledge) that will glow continuously. You, my Lord, have the effulgence of ten million suns. Make my mind aglow with the flame of divinity, flame of knowledge and the flame of love, and make it glow for ever and ever.
Allah Allah Karo Pukar
Sarva Dharma Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Sathya Sai Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Rama Krishna Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Allah Allah Karo Pukar
Sarva Dharma Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Esu Pita Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Mahavir Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Guru Nanak Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Zorastra Ki Jaya Jaya Kar
Allah Allah Karo Pukar
Saba Santon Ko Jaya Jaya Kar
Jaya Jaya Bolo Jaya Jaya Kar

Meaning: Respect all religions. yearn for Allah. Victory to Lord Sai Rama, Krishna, Esu (Jesus), Mahivira, Guru Nanak, Zorastra and to all sages and saints.
Allah Eshwara Ek Hi Naam
Bhajle Manuva Mohammad Naam (Allah ...)
Allah Bolo Eshwara Bolo Bolo Sai Ram
Esu Bolo Nanak Bolo Sai Ram
Gautam Buddha Mahaveer Bolo Bolo Sayi Ram
Bolo Sai Ram Bolo Bolo Sai Ram
Meaning: n/a
Allah Eshwara Sai Baba
....
Meaning: n/a
[Play (1548 kb)] [Panel] [Index]
Allah Ho Akbar Allah Ho Akbar Allah Ho Akbar
Yesu Pitha Prabhu Allah Ho Akbar Shirdi Sai Sathya Sai Thum Ho
Guru Nanak Ji Kee Thum Ho
Zorasthra Mahavir Thum Ho
Yesu Pitha Prabhu Thum Ho
(Sai) Allah Ho Akbar Thum Ho
Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam(2)
Parthisha Sai Shankara Tum Hi Ho Meere Praan(2)
Zaurashtra Yeshu Buddha Tum Ho Sabke Paalanhar(2)
Sadchitananda Sai Tera Brindavan Shubh Dhaam(2)
Meaning: n/a
Allah Sai Maula Sai
Sad Guru Sai Antharyami
Nanak Sai Prema Sai
Yesu Sai Karuna Sagara
Sarva Dharma Priya Sathya Sai
Meaning: n/a
Allah Thum Ho Eshwara Thum Ho
Thumhi Ho Rama Rahim Thumhi Ho Rama Rahim
Merey Ram, Merey Ram, Rama Rahim (3X)
Yesu Thum Ho, Nanak Thum Ho
Zorasthra Bhi Ho, Mahavir Thum Ho
Gauthama Buddha Karim
Merey Ram, Merey Ram, Rama Rahim

Meaning: O Lord! Thou are known by many names: Allah, Buddha, Ishver, Ram, Rahim, Yesu (Christ), Guru Nanak, Zoraster, Mahavir, Karim and Lord Krishna.
Amba Bhavani Shiva Shambhu Kumara
Sri Gana Naatha Shanthakara
Purana Purusha Sathya Sai Naatha
Pranava Swaroopa Partheesha

Meaning: Beloved Son of Shivaa and Parvati; O Lord Ganesha, Lord of Ganas (demi-gods), Giver of peace, O Lord Sathya Sai, You are the supreme Being, You are the Form of Om, Lord of Puttaparthi.
Amba Mandha Hasa Vadani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani
Matha Matha Matha Jagath Janani
Jagath Janani Shubha Karini
(Amba) Sai Jagan Matha

Meaning: Worship the auspicious Mother of the Universe, Mother Sai and Amba who has an enchanting face with a charming smile.
Anjanaya Veera Hanumantha Sura
Vayu Kumara Vanara Veera
Anjanaya Veera ...
Vayu Kumara ...
Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram,
> Seetha Ram Jai Radhey Shyam (4X)

Meaning: Brave Hanuman, Son of the Wind God. Brave Lord of the Vanaras (monkeys). Victory to Seetha and Ram, and Radha and Krishna.
Anthar Jyoth Jalaavo Sai
Brahma Sanaathani Daya Karo
Daya Karo Hey Poorna Jyothir Mayi
Shiva Shakthi Mayi Kripa Karo
Deena Daya Mayi Patheetha Pavani
Sai Jagath Janani Daya Karo

Meaning: Light the light within, Sai; Eternal creator, be compassionate; Be compassionate, all pervasive, effulgent one; Divine father and mother, give us your grace; Uplifter and Savior of all who are troubled; Mother of creation, protect us.
Antharanga Sai Anaatha Naatha Sai
Deena Bandhu Sai Karuna Sindhu Sai (Antharanga ...)
Rama Krishna Shiva Shakti Prema Roopa Sai
Yuga Avathaari Baba Sri Sathya Sai

Meaning: O! Indweller Lord Sai! Thou art supporter of those who have no support and shelter. O! protector of the fallen and miserables! O! Incarnation of the present Kali age, Lord Sathya Sai Baba! Thou art Rama, Krishna, Shiva and Shakti.
Anupama Sundara Nanda Kishora
Brindavana Ghanashyama
Murali Madhava Radhey Govinda
Madhusoodhana Ghanshyaama
> Sathya Sai Sundara Shyama
Kunja Vihari Mandhara Giridhaari
Kamala Nayana Bhagavaan
Bhakthon Key Prabhu Partheeshwara Sai
Natwara Sundara Shyam
> Sathya Sai Sundara Shyama

Meaning: O Lord Krishna! Thou art unsurpassingly beautiful! O Lotus-eyed Sathya Sai! Thou move about in Brindavan garden and Thou art beloved Lord of devotees who lifted aloft the Mandhara mountain. Chant the many names of God.
Araja Suno Merey Parama Krupalo
Partheeshwara Sai Deva
Sathya Sanathana Antaryami
Sakala Chara Chara Tuma Ho Swami
Janana Marana Sey Paar Karo
Bhava Bhanjana Sey Uddahar Karo

Meaning: Listen to my plea, the supreme grantor of grace, O Lord Sai of Parthi! The omniscient Lord, the eternal Truth, You are everything. Liberate me from the cycle of birth and death. Deliver me from this world.
Aravinda Lochana Aartha Janavana
Sai Narayana Sathya Narayana
Eshwaramma Nandana Dosha Nivarana
Parama Niranjana Hey Shubhanana

Meaning: O Lotus-eyed Lord Narayana! Protector of those who have fallen into misfortune and calamities, oppressed, sick and unhappy. Son of Mother Eshwaramma! You are forgiver and remover of faults and provider of auspiciousness.
Ayodhya Vasi Ram Hey Dwaraka Mey Ayee
Dwaraka Vasi Shyam Hey Shirdi Mey Ayee
Shirdi Vasi Shyam Hey Parthi Sathya Sai
Bolo Ram Sai Ram Bolo Sathya Sai Ram
Ram Ram Ram Ram Bolo Ram Ram Ram

Meaning: O Lord of Ayodhya, Lord Ram! Thou incarnated in Dwarka (City) as Lord Shyam. O Lord Shyam! Thou incarnated in Shirdi as Lord of Shirdi. Thou incarnated as Lord Sathya Sai Ram in Puttaparthi. Chant all together, "Sathya Sai Ram, Ram Ram".
Ayodhya Vasi Ram Ram Ram Dasharatha Nandana Ram
Pateetha Pavana Janaki Jeevana Seetha Mohana Ram

Meaning: Lord Ram, residing in Ayodya, son of Dasharatha; purifier of sin, the enchanter of Seetha, the very life of Janaki
Bada Chittha Chora Brindavana Sanchara
Gopala Gopala Hey Murali Gopala
Govardhanoddhara Gopala Bala
Gopi Manohara Radhey Gopala

Meaning: Greatest stealer of hearts who roams through Brindavan; Krishna, the cowherd boy and flute player; Child who lifted the Govardhana hill; Cowherd boy who captivated the minds of his devotees.
Bala Gopal Jaya Jaya Sai Ram
Prema Bharo Dilme Hamarey Sai Ram
Hamarey Sai Ram Bade Pyare Sai Ram
Prema Bharo Dilme Hamarey Sai Ram
Hama Bhakto Ke Tuma Eka Sai Ram
Tumharey Jagatmey Bada Pyara Pyara Naam
Sanga Raho Hara Dam Hamarey Sai Ram
Sanga Raho Hamarey Sai Ram

Meaning: Victory to Thee, O Lord Sai Rama! O Our beloved Lord! Kindly saturate our hearts with love. For us Thou art the only refuge. Thou name and glory engulfs the entire world. Please be with us, every moment of our life.
Bayda Paar Karo Merey Sai
Uddhaar Karo Merey Baba (Bayda Paar ...)
Allah Eshwar Sai Baba
Shirdi Baba, Parthi Baba
Rahim Najar Karo Sai Baba
Daya Karo Sai Kripa Karo (Bayda Paar ...)

Meaning: O Lord Sai Baba! Uplift and help me to fulfill my mission of crossing the ocean of life and death. O Lord Sai Baba! Thou art Allah, Eshwar ad Shirdi Baba. Shower mercy, grace and compassion on us.
Bhagavaan Bhagavaan Patheetha Pavana Ram
Daya Karo Daya Karo Daya Karo Bhagavaan
Patheetha Pavana Ram
Deena Dayalu Parama Kripalu
Raksha Karo Bhagavaan
Sai Kripa Karo Bhagavaan

Meaning: O Lord! Thy name is potent and powerful for the purification of the fallen ones. O Ever Merciful and Compassionate Lord! Kindly shower grace on us who are helpless.
Bhaja Mana Krishna Gopal
Krishna Gopal Bhajo Mana Rey
Yadu Nanda Gopal Bhajo Rey
Mukundha Gopal Bhajo Rey
Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Bhajo Rey (2X)

Meaning: O mind! Chant the name of Krishna; who is known as Gopala, Mukundha and Govinda; beloved son of Nanda.

BHAJANS

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:41:04 +0100

Sing aloud the glory of God and charge the atmosphere with divine adoration . . . This is why I insist on group singing of the names of the Lord. (SSS, VI, 239)

[Devotional singing (bhajans)] is the process of singing that originates in the heart, not from the lips or the tongue. It is the expression of the joyous thrill that wells up from the heart when the Glory of God is remembered. It is the spontaneous manifestation of inner ecstasy. No attention is paid to the blame or praise that others may give. It does not seek the admiration or the appreciation of the listeners. (SSS X, 84)

Devotional singing (bhajan) 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; wean it away from petty horizons of pleasure... Devotional singing 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 VII, 497-498)

Devotional singing (bhajan) is a spiritual practice (sadhana) for all who share in it. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Remember, every song sung in praise of the Lord is a sword that cuts the knots of laziness. It is a fine piece of social service to remind all of their duty to the Almighty, who watches over them. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss, 134)

People say that when you go to Sai Baba, there is nothing but devotional singing (bhajan). 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 a reaction. But in community singing, what you have is not a reaction but a wave of vibrations. They enter into the atmosphere and purify the polluted air. 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 of anti-biotics, as it were. SS, Jan. 1995, 26)

When all the participants in a bhajan sing in unison, what sacred vibrations are produced and what Divine energies are released! When these vibrations fill the world, what changes cannot they bring about! When one sings alone, the heart is merged in the song. But when many sing together, it acquires a Divine power. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Those who sing bhajans get what can be called a 'double promotion', for they derive joy and distribute joy. (SSS X, 101)

God is omnipresent. He is the in-dweller of every heart and all names are His. So you can call Him by any name that gives you joy. You must not cavil at other names and forms, nor become fanatics, blind to their glory. When you sing bhajan songs, dwell on the meaning of the songs and the message of each name and form of God and roll on your tongue its sweetness. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss, 134)

Some people ... question the propriety of calling God by means of ... a multiplicity of names. But each name is indicative of only one aspect of Divinity. It denotes a single part of the Supreme Personality ... Every name is but a facet, a part, a ray of the Supreme. The spiritual discipline consists in recognising and becoming aware of the One that supports and sustains the many. That is the precious gem of wisdom that one must secure and treasure. (SSS X, 87)

The procession to the cremation ground starts immediately on birth and the beating of the heart is the drum beat for the march towards that place. Some take a longer route, some reach quickly, but all are on the way. Therefore, devotional singing (bhajan) has to start in the 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 essential food for the mind. (SSS I, 123)

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)

The tongue is the post, devotional singing (bhajan) is the rope; with that rope, you can bring God Almighty near you and tie Him up so that His grace becomes yours. (SSS VII, 52)

Desire and anger are... two enemies. Devotional singing ... is a good disciplinary process by which these two can be kept away. (SSS X, 100)

Take for example, there is a tree. It is full of birds. They make a mess all over. How to get rid of these noisy ones? You should clap loudly. Similarly, in this tree of life, there are birds of desire. The heart therefore becomes dirty. In order to cleanse it, do devotional singing (bhajans). (Kodaikanal Discourse, April 12, 1996)

Think of [devotional singing (bhajan)] as a part of spiritual training to be seriously taken for reducing the attachment to fleeting objects, and purifying and strengthening you, liberating you from the cycle of birth and death and consequent misery. It may appear a frail cure for such a dreadful malady. Nevertheless, it is a panacea. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss, 132)

In this busy age of fear and anxiety, the remembrance of God and repetition of His name is the one means of liberation that is accessible to all. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Let your whole life be a spiritual song. Believe that God is everywhere at all times, and derive strength, comfort, and joy by singing His glory in His presence. (SSS X, 94)

Conducting devotional singing sessions (bhajans)

Have the bhajans on as many days as possible or at least once a week. Have them in a central place where all can come. (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, by Sam Sandweiss, 132)

Any devotional song, in any language can be sung as long as all can follow. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29)

Sing familiar bhajans, so that all can share in ananda (bliss). (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29)

When you sing bhajans, dwell on the meaning of the song and the message of each name and form of God. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

You cannot insist that in the bhajans only songs on Sathya Sai should be sung! Fanaticism of that kind I very much dislike and condemn ... You betray your ignorance of the truth when you stick to any one of my names and avoid the rest. (SSS VIII, 75)

Bhajan has to be a thrilling experience, which must leave the participants full of pure energy and elevated enthusiasm. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29)

Bhajan must spread good-will, love, ecstasy; it must cleanse the polluted atmosphere; it must invite all to share in the joy and peace. The nagarsankirtan (congregational singing of bhajans) must be radiating devotion and love. The ananda (bliss) I derive from bhajan I do not derive from anything else. That is the reason I am emphasizing these points. Fill every moment with energy, enthusiasm, and effort. (SSS VIII, 47-48)

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)

Together with melody and rhythm, you have to impart feeling to your singing to make the bhajan a sacred offering to the Divine. A tune without feeling is an infliction. Giving up conceit and exhibitionism, you must sing the bhajans in a spirit of humility and devotion. That is the right way to perform bhajans. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Bhajan must be a felt experience. Do not sing with one eye on the effect the song makes on the listeners and the other on the effect it makes on God. (SSS VIII, 60)

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)

Bhajans should be sung with complete obliviousness to the body. Devotional fervor is more important than musical skill. (SS, June 1996, 156)

Pay attention to the tune, the meaning, the variety, the voice, the raga (rhythm), the tala (beat), and other fine points of the bhajans. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Let your heart pant for God, then the raga (rhythm) and tala (beat) will automatically be pleasant and correct. (SSS VII, 60)

Do not monopolize the time in bhajans 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 one hour of bhajan, more songs on more forms, more tunes and more variety, giving more people a chance. (SSS VII, 438)

Let those with a good voice and musical talent lead; the keertan (singing the name of God) must be pleasant, it should not jar on the ear. If your voice is grating or out of tune, do not disturb the melody, but, repeat the namavali (song reciting the name of God) in your mind. (SSS VII, 177-178)

If your voice is not pleasant or sweet, keep quiet; that is the best service you can do. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

Do not cause discontent or disharmony, insisting on singing because you are an office-bearer. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

After bhajans... there should be meditation for five to ten minutes. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

People should return from bhajan carrying the elevated, uplifted and sublime mood created by the atmosphere at the bhajan. Therefore, after the bhajan people should disperse quietly, maintaining silence. Then the joy and peace derived at the bhajan will linger and abide in the heart. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

Have [bhajans]... as simple as you can and 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... not collected by means of a plate ... or a subscription or donation list. (SSS VI, 220)

BHAJAN- the art of melodiously repeating the name of GOD

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:39:24 +0100

Purify the world by Sankeerthana

There is no age like the Kali Age, none at all.
Where by mere meditation on the name of the Lord,
The Supreme Goal is realized. Oh Blessed One!
Even a multi-millionaire has to be content
With ordinary raiment and food.
He cannot live on a diet of gold.
When Time is unpropitious, a stick may turn into a snake
While, when it is favorable, dust may turn gold.

The wheel of Time can make a scholar a dumb animal,
And a dumb man can become a saint,
And a wealthy man may become a plaything of the
Goddess of Poverty at one time.
Whatever your prayers, you cannot get
What you are not destined to get.

Don't cherish, Oh young man, any desires.
Lead instead a noble life with intelligence.
What more can I tell you--
The good people assembled here?

Embodiments of Divine Love!

"Samyak-keerthanam Sankeerthanam" (Congregational singing of bhajans is the best of bhajans). There is a big difference between Keerthanam and Sankeerthanam. Keerthanam is an individual affair. It is singing by an individual for the fulfillment of his prayers. Sankeerthanam aims at the well being of the whole universe. This is also described as Saamaajika bhajans (community singing). This method of singing bhajans was first initiated by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Sankeerthana aims at demonstrating unity in diversity. When all the participants combine to sing in unison with one voice, it is described as Sankeerthana.

Four kinds of Sankeerthana

Sankeerthana is of four kinds: One is Guna sankeethana; two, Leela sankeerthana; three, Bhaava sankeerthana; four, Naama sankeerthana.

Guna sankeerthana applies to the kind of bhajan in which the devotee recites the auspicious qualities of the Divine, experiences oneness with the Divine, and acquires the Godly qualities. Thyaagaraaja had recourse to this type of singing. In one of his keerthanas, he exclaimed: "Oh Lord! You are beyond all words. Is it possible for even Brahma or other Gods to extol your glorious exploits? I am waiting for your grace. Hearken to my entreaties. You restored to the preceptor the son whom the Lord of Death had taken away. You conquered the God of Love. You liberated from prison Vasudheva and Dhevaki. You protected Draupadhi when she appealed to you in despair. You were the guardian of the Paandavas. You relieved Kuchela of his poverty. You saved 16,000 damsels from subjection." In this manner, Thyaagaraaja recounted the great qualities of God in his songs.

Geetha Govindam is a form of Leela Sankeerthana

Leela sankeerthana refers to the enjoyment by the devotee of the sacred sport of the Divine in ecstatic dancing and singing and being totally absorbed in it. This is exemplified by the Geetha Govindam of Jayadheva.

Bhaava Sankeerthana: This is illustrated by Raadha alone, who expresses her different feelings towards God and identifies herself with the Divine in every mood of devotion. She expressed her devotion in the five forms of Shantha (Serenity), Saakhya (friendliness), Vaathsalya (eternal love), Anuraaga (affection) and Madhura (sweetness). Raadha and Meera were the exponents ofBhaava sankeerthana.

Naama sankeerthana: Chaithanya was the exponent of this form of keerthana. "All names are yours. There is nothing in this cosmos which does not bear the imprint of your name or form "Sarvaroopa Dharam Shaantham Sarvanaamadharam Shivam Satchidaananda Roopam Advaitham Sathyam Shivam Sundararn" (Svaami sang this sloka). Chaithanya reveled in singing the name of the Lord as signifying all that was beautiful and glorious in the universe.

While in each of the previous aeons the devotees adopted one or other methods of singing the glories, it is the supreme good fortune of the residents of Prashaanthi Nilayam to enjoy all the four forms of sankeerthana. The bhajans sung here are a combination of all the four forms ofsankeerthana.

The significance of Naamalikhitam

There is yet another special form of glorifying the name of the Lord. This is Naamalikhitam(writing the Name of the Lord). Contemplating on the name of the Lord mentally, uttering the name by mouth and writing the name by hand serve to perform Trikarana Suddhi (purify the mind, the speech and the action).

The name of the Lord has been glorified in different ways all over the world. Jayadheva was one who enjoyed always the leelas (sport) of the Divine, experienced the presence of the Divine within him, devoted every one of his daily activities to enjoying the sport of the Divine, felt that he had no use for anything other than God's love, merged his love in Divine Love and thereby became the very embodiment of Divine Love. As people did not comprehend the spiritual significance of his keerthanas, they misunderstood and misinterpreted the meaning of Jayadheva's Ashtapadhis (octaves).

Hanumaan, after the completion of his mission in Lanka, went to Seetha to receive her blessings before returning to Raama. At that time, Mother Seetha blessed Hanumaan in this manner: "Hanumaan! You are full of prowess, intelligence and fortitude. May you never grow old." This did not give joy to Hanumaan. Noticing his sense of disappointment, Seetha blessed him again: "Live as an immortal." Even this did not please Hanumaan. Seetha then blessed him again: "Hanumaan! You are full of virtues! May the dwellers in the three worlds extol your qualities." Hanumaan felt embarrassed and bent his head as if he was ashamed to hear her praise him. Observing Hanumaan's reactions, Seetha finally blessed him thus: "May Shri Raama always love you!" The moment he heard these words, Hanumaan was in rapture. "This was all that I wanted," he declared. "I must be worthy of Raama's love. A life without Raama's love is an utter waste. It is a living death. The only thing I desire is Raama's love."

Hanumaan was proficient in music. There was none that could excel him in singing. Even Naaradha and Tumbura could not prevail against him. Such a great singer continued always to chant the name of Raama.

Devotional singing is outpouring of love to God

What then is the essence of Sankeerthana? Its essential purpose is to earn the love of God. Combining one's voice, tune, feeling and rhythm to the appropriate beat of the song, the devotee should immerse himself in the singing. Harmonizing the feeling with devotion and Love, the sacred words of the song should be an outpouring of love towards God. That alone is devotional singing.

When the song is rendered without understanding the meaning of the words and without any inner feeling or genuine love for God, it is a mechanical performance. Bhaava (feeling), Raaga(melody) and Thaala (rhythm) are the essentials for proper singing.

Even the name Bhaarath signifies the combination of these three elements. (Bha-Ra-Tha). In every action in daily life, the combination of these three elements should be observed. This rule can be applied even to one's studies. Bhaava, in relation to study of a subject, means understanding the subject thoroughly. Raaga implies cultivating a love for the subject and Thaalameans expressing one's knowledge coherently and clearly.

Understand the meaning of songs while rendering

In the rendering of Thyaagaraaja's songs, the failure to observe the meaning of the words of the song has produced bizarre results. Thyaagaraaja's songs are in Thelugu. Thamil musicians, who are experts in music, rendering Thyaagaraaja's songs have often mangled the words of the songs and made them meaningless. In one of his songs, Thyaagaraaja sang: "Ne pogadakunte neekemi kodhavu Raama?" (If I do not praise you, what do you lose Oh Raama?). A Thamil musician sang the song in such a manner that it meant: "If I eat pakodas, what do you lose?" It is essential to ensure that the meaning of the words, the emotional feeling of the composer and the melody of the song are all brought out in rendering the songs during Nagarsankeerthan and in bhajans. Where one does not understand the meanings of the words, he should get the meaning from those who know.

Embodiments of Divine Love!

Regard community singing as sacred devotional exercise. Even if you have no musical ability, utter the names of the Lord with feeling and love.

There is no greater means of God-realization in the Kali Yuga than chanting the names of the Lord. Dhyaana (meditation) in Krita Yuga, Yajna (sacrifice) in Tretha Yuga, Archana (worship of idols) in Dhvaapara Yuga and Naama sankeerthana (Reciting the name of the Lord) in Kali Yugaare the methods prescribed for realizing the Divine.

Remembering the Name is the panacea. When the name is chanted as a song set to music, it delights the heart immensely. Many pandiths recite the names as slokas (verse). They do not experience the intense yearning expressed in the stanzas. Some actors are able to pronounce the words loud and clear, but without any depth of feeling. But when the names are sung melodiously they appeal to the hearts of the singers and the listeners. Even non-believers and agnostics nod their heads in appreciation when they listen to devotional music.

A song sung melodiously tugs at the heart-strings.

The word of a song can be expressed in prosaic manner which has no appeal to the listener. But when they are sung melodiously as in the song: "Raama! Nannu Kaapaadu"--"Raama! save me," they tug at the heart-strings. (Svaami sang the song to demonstrate its appeal). Such sweetness is contained in the song when it is rendered melodiously.

Everyone, whether he is well versed in music or not, should listen attentively to the singer and try to repeat the words of the song with feeling.

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. If you have devotional feeling, it should be expressed by the tongue joining in the bhajan. Only then it can be called Sankeerthana--singing in unison with others. 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. Only when he cries aloud at the top of his voice will the cries be heard and people will rush to save him. Sankeerthana means singing with abandon and fervor.

Everyone should realize that every limb and organ in the body has been given to man to be used for a sacred purpose: The tongue to utter the Lord's name, the hands to offer worship, the feet to go the temple and so on. These organs should not be used for frivolous and unholy purposes. Sanctifying everyone of the sense organs, man should purify the mind and contemplate on God.

The only means to purify the polluted world

Embodiments of Divine Love!

It is impossible to describe the sweetness and sacredness of the name of the Lord. The intensity of the devotion with which you chant the name of the Lord will yield commensurate benefits and confer joy on you. All should strive to chant the names in unison. Today, all the five elements in the world--space, air, fire, water and the earth--are polluted. You cannot get pure water or pure air. The sounds you hear are impure. The earth is polluted. The Kali Yuga has become KalmashaYuga (the age of impurity). To purify all this the only means is chanting the names of the Lord.

Today people spend most of their time watching the TV and Video screens. Is it any surprise if children born in these circumstances are TV products? They behave as actors from childhood. They indulge in stunts. Only the parents are to blame. In olden times, when a woman was enceinte, she used to hear stories about Prahlaadha, Sathyavaan and other noble characters. The child in the womb was influenced by such stories.

Atmosphere is purified by chanting Divine Name

Experiments in Russia and other countries have demonstrated the relationship between the food one consumes and one's mental attitudes. It was found, for instance, that a child which had been fed on apple juice while it was growing in the womb, exhibited a love for apples after birth.

The recitation of the names of the Lord will help to purify the atmosphere as a result of the sacred sound waves getting absorbed in the atmosphere. The power of sound waves is evident from the way radio waves are transmitted and received over long distance. The atmosphere that has been polluted by impure sound waves can be purified by the chanting of the Divine Name.

Likewise, sacred thoughts, pure speech and pure actions will purify other polluted elements. There is no better purifying agent than this. Crores are being spent to purify the Ganges water. Of what use is this exercise if the Ganges continues to be polluted by the discharge of drainage water into the river? First prevent the flow of filthy effluents into the Ganges.

In the same manner, the evil thoughts arising in the mind should be diverted and it should be filled with pure Godly thoughts by reciting the Divine name.

Everyone participating in bhajans should sing the name of the Lord and thereby serve to purify the atmosphere and promote the well being of the nation.

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba