Maravilloso artículo por un ex-alumno del Instituto de Bhagavan.
A continuación se muestra un maravilloso articulo, escrito en 2007, por un ex-estudiante del Instituto de Swami en Prashanti Nilayam.
¿Por qué cantamos bhajans?
¿Por qué le damos importancia a la música, mientras se canta el nombre de Dios?
¿Por qué los bhajans y kirtanas, son importantes en nuestra cultura India?
¿Por qué los Bhajans tienen una prioridad en la SSSSO en todo el mundo?
¿Qué ganamos con todo esto?
A un participante u observador normal, esto es probablemente un evento social, donde el talento musical abundante está disponible para su visualización y refuerza el ego de la gente que conduce el espectáculo.
Para otros, sin embargo, esta es una oportunidad en que el arroz picante de tamarindo y sambar (ambos manjares sur de la India) se sirven de vez en cuando, pero de forma totalmente gratuita, y si uno tiene suerte podría terminar con Ladoos (un dulce en forma de globo servido durante fiestas religiosas).
También es una buena manera de conocer a nuevos amigos que nos hacen preguntas inquietantes, tales como "¿cómo es que usted tiene dos porciones de manjares, en esta noche?".
Sin embargo, siempre hay dos caras de una moneda - en este caso, lo mundano y lo espiritual.
Sin embargo, siempre hay dos caras de una moneda - en este caso, lo mundano y lo espiritual.
Por lo tanto, cuando se trata de la comprensión del significado espiritual de los bhajans, al igual que el azúcar es invisible a simple vista cuando un pastel que se consume, la verdadera esencia de los Bhajans no se puede entender a menos que sean experimentados.
Aquí está mi punto de vista, que tiene como objetivo responder a algunas de las preguntas anteriores.
En el período comprendido entre 1400 y 1650, un gran movimiento de devoción se extendió por el norte de India. Las implicaciones de este movimiento fueron que la gente podía dejar de lado la pesada carga del ritual y la casta y las sutiles complejidades de la filosofía y simplemente expresar su gran amor por Dios.
En el período comprendido entre 1400 y 1650, un gran movimiento de devoción se extendió por el norte de India. Las implicaciones de este movimiento fueron que la gente podía dejar de lado la pesada carga del ritual y la casta y las sutiles complejidades de la filosofía y simplemente expresar su gran amor por Dios.
Todo esto es una gran información, pero ¿cuál es el significado real de las palabras o kirtanas Bhajans?
En el Yoga de la devoción, Kirtan es la práctica de cantar y repetir el nombre de Dios (tanto en su aspecto masculino como femenino), así como el uso de frases descriptivas o atributos divinos.
En el Yoga de la devoción, Kirtan es la práctica de cantar y repetir el nombre de Dios (tanto en su aspecto masculino como femenino), así como el uso de frases descriptivas o atributos divinos.
La palabra viene de la raíz sánscrita kirtan "Kirt" , que significa "nombre, para comunicar, para celebrarlo, alabanza, gloria a".
Los Bhajans, otra forma de música espiritual en la tradición del yoga, por lo general se refiere a la oración cantando himnos, más que la repetición del nombre de Dios que se llama "Naamasmarana.
Su raíz, significa "bhaj", significa, adorar, venerar, amar.
Kirtan es una práctica devocional y un aspecto importante del Yoga de la devoción . Los Kirtans pueden ser vistos como un puente entre nuestro interior y el exterior, y una expresión de nuestro deseo de conocer y amar a Dios en nuestro interior.
Tradicionalmente, los kirtanas se realizan como una llamada y el estilo de respuesta muy similar a una comunicación vía telefónica o programa de mensajería instantánea en la era de Internet de hoy.
¿Por qué cantar bhajans?
La misma pregunta contiene la respuesta: El sí mismo inerte (o Dios) no puede ser experimentado a través de dudas o preguntas, sólo a través de la "fe".
La música tiene el poder de generar una tremenda energía que impulsa a la mente, al cuerpo y el espíritu, ha creer en Dios o en sí mismo y esto no es sino otra manifestación de la fe.
Imagine añadir 10000 KW a una central eléctrica existente. Los resultados son, evidentemente, electrocución, no en un sentido destructivo, pero el proceso en realidad nos deja desprovistos de cualquier emoción negativa. Esta es la razón por la que los kirtanas y Bhajans tienen efectos muy poderosos sobre nuestro espíritu.
Fue en algún momento durante el año 1993, cuando M.S.Subbalakshmi, una leyenda en el sur de la India, visitó con su música clásica a Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba en Trayee Brindavan, la residencia en Bangalore de Sai Baba.
Fue en algún momento durante el año 1993, cuando M.S.Subbalakshmi, una leyenda en el sur de la India, visitó con su música clásica a Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba en Trayee Brindavan, la residencia en Bangalore de Sai Baba.
Yo estaba presente en esta ocasión, tuve la suerte de estar sentado en medio de un grupo de estudiantes que fue testigo del diálogo entre Srimathi Subbalakshmi y su divino maestro.
Bhagwan, dijo: "Muchachos, ¿saben quién es esta señora? Ella es uno de los más grandes músicos de India. En toda su vida, ella ha cantado nada más que kirtanas". Subbalakshmi, como mujer humilde que era, al oír esto, dijo, "Swami (maestro), me gustaría cantar su nombre hasta mi último aliento". Fue entonces que comprendí la naturaleza molecular de la luz que irradiaba Subbalakshmi. No fue algo que se adquiere al visitar una cosmetóloga, sino algo que se refleja como consecuencia de su carácter y una íntima conexión con su ser divino. Un verdadero inspirador.
El hecho de cantar bhajans, aunque simple en su concepto es en realidad un proceso muy intenso, donde el cantante se convierte inconscientemente en consciente de la divinidad interior, y conduce a los seguidores a este nivel.
El hecho de cantar bhajans, aunque simple en su concepto es en realidad un proceso muy intenso, donde el cantante se convierte inconscientemente en consciente de la divinidad interior, y conduce a los seguidores a este nivel.
Bhagwan Baba, una y otra vez, hizo hincapié de la importancia de cantar los bhajans. Dice, este acto debe hacerse con una sensación de sintonía fina, que uno es expuesto a la energía divina disponible en abundancia, en su interior. Normalmente no aprovechamos esta energía, si cantamos los Bhajan, sin entender el significado de las palabras o sílabas, haciendo hincapié en el hecho. Normalmente dan importancia los cantantes en el Raaga (melodía) y Taala (ritmo), sin embargo, el significado contribuye a la Bhaava (sentimiento) que es extremadamente importante para los bhajans. Un ejemplo simple - tome la canción 'Gajavadhana Gana Naatha Naatha', su segunda línea es Gauri Vara Thanaya GunaLaya. El GunaLaya palabra fue corregida por Bhagwan (Swami). Él dijo, la entonación correcta es "Gunaa Laya", que significa la disolución de la mente.
Mis favoritos son los bhajans, que la gente puede seguir con facilidad, dejando al cantante, con la sensación de satisfacción de escuchar emocionalmente. Swami ha cantado algunos bhajans con su hermosa voz de oro y estas canciones llevan la combinación perfecta para desbloquear el camino oculto del sí mismo.
Mis favoritos son los bhajans, que la gente puede seguir con facilidad, dejando al cantante, con la sensación de satisfacción de escuchar emocionalmente. Swami ha cantado algunos bhajans con su hermosa voz de oro y estas canciones llevan la combinación perfecta para desbloquear el camino oculto del sí mismo.
Aquí va un simple truco para dirigir bien los bhajans: Mientras cantan, imaginen como que su garganta se expande y el sonido emana de su centro, y las nubes de la duda se sustituyen por el sol de la fe. Ahora imaginen, que ustedes pueden ver una cara bonita (el rostro de la deidad que están propiciando) que les sonríe y te llama con los brazos abiertos. ¿Este momento no te haría sentir feliz? ¿No generaría este momento, lágrimas de pura alegría ? Cuando eres feliz, ¿cómo pueden los seguidores de estos Bhajans estar decepcionado? - Piensen en esto antes de la próxima sesión de Bhajans.
En mi humilde opinión, a todas las radios en nuestra vida espiritual la falta de sintonía fina y sólo puede recibir y transmitir, si sintonizan bien. Transmitir a través de la devoción de los Bhajans, cantando desde el corazón, no de la garganta, y recibir amor puro a cambio. La próxima vez que salgan de una sesión de Bhajan, piensen por un momento cómo se sienten inmediatamente después de que el aarathi haya terminado y pregúntese por qué se siente así?
Para terminar, me acuerdo de un hermoso verso de Swami Chaitanya que glorifica el significado de los bhajans y el Sankirtana:
"Kalim Sabhajayanty Arya, Guna-Jnah Sara-Bhaginah; Yatra Sankirtanenaiva; Sarva-Svartho Bhilabhyate"
"Aquellos que son progresistas y por lo tanto conocen el verdadero valor del Kali-Yuga, adorenlo porque es un tiempo durante el cual todos los objetivos deseados pueden lograrse simplemente mediante la participación en el sankirtana".
NUESTRA VIDA ES SU MENSAJE
OMSAIRAMMM...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Wonderful Article by an Alumni Student of Bhagawan's Institute
Below is a Most Wonderful Article written in 2007 by an Alumni Student of Swami's Institute in Prasanthi Nilayam .
Why do we sing Bhajans?
Why do we place importance to music while chanting god’s name?
Why are Bhajans and Kirtanas given a high pedestal in our culture?
Why do Bhajans take a priority in the SSSSO throughout the world?
What do we gain out of all of this?
To a normal participant or observer, this is probably a social event where abundant musical talent is available for display and a definite ego-booster for the people leading the show. To others however, this is a party without cover charges where spicy tamarind rice and sambar (both south Indian delicacies) are served occasionally but completely free of charge, and if one is lucky they might end up with ladoos (a globe shaped sweet served during religious festivals). It is also a great way meet new friends who don’t ask disturbing questions such as 'how come you have two helpings of tonight's delicacies?’.
Nevertheless, there are always two sides to a coin - in this case, the worldly and the spiritual aspect. So, when it comes to the trial of understanding the spiritual significance of Bhajans, just as the sugar is invisible to the naked eye when a cake is consumed, the true essence of Bhajans cannot be understood unless experienced. Here is my perspective that aims to answer some of the questions above.
In the period between 1400 and 1650, a great Bhakthi movement swept through Northern India. The implications of this movement were that people could cast aside the heavy burdens of ritual and caste and the subtle complexities of philosophy and simply express their overwhelming love for God. All this is great information, but what is the actual meaning of the words Kirtanas or Bhajans?
In Bhakthi Yoga, Kirtan is the practice of singing and repeating the name of God (in both male and female aspects), as well as using descriptive phrases or divine attributes. The word kirtan comes form the Sanskrit root 'kirt' which means "to name, to communicate, to celebrate, to praise, to glorify." Bhajan, another form of spiritual music in the yogic tradition, usually refers to singing prayers or hymns rather than the repetition of God's name which is called 'Naamasmarana'. Its root, 'bhaj' means "to worship, to revere, to love. Kirtan is a devotional practice and an important aspect of the path of Bhakthi Yoga, the yoga of devotion. Kirtan can be seen as a bridge between our outer and inner selves and an expression of our desire to know and love God within. Traditionally, Kirtanas are done in a call and response style very much similar to a regular telephonic communication or the Instant Messengers in today's internet era.
Why sing Bhajans?
The very question contains the answer: One's inert self (or God) cannot be experienced through doubt or asking questions, but only through 'FAITH'. Music has the power to generate tremendous energy that drives the mind, body and spirit to believe in god or oneself and this is nothing but another manifestation of faith. Imagine adding another 10000 KW layer called devotion to this existing powerhouse. The results are obviously electrocuting, not in a destructive sense, but the process actually leaves one devoid of any negative emotions. This is why Kirtanas and Bhajans have extremely powerful effects when rendered in the true spirit and style.
It was sometime during the year 1993 when M.S.Subbalakshmi, a legend in South Indian classical music visited Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Trayee Brindavan, the Bangalore residence of Sai Baba. I was on this particular occasion, fortunate to be sitting amidst a group of students that witnessed the dialogue between Srimathi Subbalakshmi and her divine master. Bhagwan said, "Boys, do you know who this lady is? She is one of the greatest musicians India has ever witnessed. In all her life, she has sung nothing but Kirtanas". Subbalakshmi, the humble lady that she was, upon hearing this said, "Swami (master), I would like to sing your name until my last breath". It was only then that I understood the molecular nature of the glow that M.S. Subbalakshmi radiated. It wasn’t something acquired by visiting a cosmetologist, but something that reflected as a result of one's character and an intimate connection with her divine self. A true inspirer is also the greatest follower.
The act of singing Bhajans albeit simple in concept is actually a very intense process where the lead singer becomes unconsciously conscious of the divinity within and leads the followers to this level. Bhagwan Baba, time and again, stressed the importance of singing the Bhajans. He says, this act should be done not with a flair to perform but with a feeling of fine tuning oneself to be exposed to the divine energy available in abundance within. We normally don’t tap this energy if we sing the Bhajan without understanding the meaning of the words or stressing the right syllables. Normally singers place importance on the Raaga (melody) and Taala (rhythm), however, the meaning contributes to the Bhaava (feeling) which is extremely important for Bhajans. A simple example - take the song 'Gajavadhana Gana Naatha Naatha', Its second line is Gauri Vara Thanaya GunaLaya'. The word GunaLaya was corrected by Bhagwan (Swami). He said, the correct intonation is "Gunaa Laya" which means dissolution of the mind.
'GunaLaya' on the other hand has no meaning at all. Being a stickler for perfection, Swami always tends to drive home the message that lead singers are meant to direct the followers with a perfect understanding of every Bhajan they render.
My favorite Bhajans are those that people can follow easily leaving the singer as well as the listener feeling emotionally satisfied. Swami has sung some beautiful Bhajans with his golden voice and these songs carry the perfect combination to unlock the hidden path to self inquiry. Here is a simple trick to leading good Bhajans: While singing, imagine that as your throat expands and the sound emanates from your naval center, the clouds of doubt are replaced by the sunshine of faith. Now imagine, you can see a beautiful face (the face of the deity that you are propitiating) smiling at you and calling to you with open arms. Wouldn't this moment make you feel blissful? Wouldn't this moment bring tears of pure joy to your closed eyes? When you are happy, how can the followers of this Bhajan you are leading, be disappointed? - think about this before you lead a Bhajan next time. In my humble opinion, all our spiritual radios lack fine tuning and can only receive well if we transmit well too. Transmit devotion through Bhajans, sing from the heart, not the throat and receive pure love in return. The next time you come out of a Bhajan session, just think for a moment how you feel immediately after aarathi is over and ask why do you feel this way?
In closing, I am reminded of a beautiful verse by Swami Chaitanya which glorifies the meaning of Bhajans and Sankirtana :
"Kalim Sabhajayanty Arya; Guna-Jnah Sara-Bhaginah; Yatra Sankirtanenaiva; Sarva-Svartho Bhilabhyate"
"Those who are progressive and thus know the true value of Kali-Yuga worship it because it is a time during which all desired objectives can be achieved simply by engaging in sankirtana."
OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE...
OMSAIRAMMM...
__._,_.___
Para terminar, me acuerdo de un hermoso verso de Swami Chaitanya que glorifica el significado de los bhajans y el Sankirtana:
"Kalim Sabhajayanty Arya, Guna-Jnah Sara-Bhaginah; Yatra Sankirtanenaiva; Sarva-Svartho Bhilabhyate"
"Aquellos que son progresistas y por lo tanto conocen el verdadero valor del Kali-Yuga, adorenlo porque es un tiempo durante el cual todos los objetivos deseados pueden lograrse simplemente mediante la participación en el sankirtana".
NUESTRA VIDA ES SU MENSAJE
OMSAIRAMMM...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Wonderful Article by an Alumni Student of Bhagawan's Institute
Below is a Most Wonderful Article written in 2007 by an Alumni Student of Swami's Institute in Prasanthi Nilayam .
Why do we sing Bhajans?
Why do we place importance to music while chanting god’s name?
Why are Bhajans and Kirtanas given a high pedestal in our culture?
Why do Bhajans take a priority in the SSSSO throughout the world?
What do we gain out of all of this?
To a normal participant or observer, this is probably a social event where abundant musical talent is available for display and a definite ego-booster for the people leading the show. To others however, this is a party without cover charges where spicy tamarind rice and sambar (both south Indian delicacies) are served occasionally but completely free of charge, and if one is lucky they might end up with ladoos (a globe shaped sweet served during religious festivals). It is also a great way meet new friends who don’t ask disturbing questions such as 'how come you have two helpings of tonight's delicacies?’.
Nevertheless, there are always two sides to a coin - in this case, the worldly and the spiritual aspect. So, when it comes to the trial of understanding the spiritual significance of Bhajans, just as the sugar is invisible to the naked eye when a cake is consumed, the true essence of Bhajans cannot be understood unless experienced. Here is my perspective that aims to answer some of the questions above.
In the period between 1400 and 1650, a great Bhakthi movement swept through Northern India. The implications of this movement were that people could cast aside the heavy burdens of ritual and caste and the subtle complexities of philosophy and simply express their overwhelming love for God. All this is great information, but what is the actual meaning of the words Kirtanas or Bhajans?
In Bhakthi Yoga, Kirtan is the practice of singing and repeating the name of God (in both male and female aspects), as well as using descriptive phrases or divine attributes. The word kirtan comes form the Sanskrit root 'kirt' which means "to name, to communicate, to celebrate, to praise, to glorify." Bhajan, another form of spiritual music in the yogic tradition, usually refers to singing prayers or hymns rather than the repetition of God's name which is called 'Naamasmarana'. Its root, 'bhaj' means "to worship, to revere, to love. Kirtan is a devotional practice and an important aspect of the path of Bhakthi Yoga, the yoga of devotion. Kirtan can be seen as a bridge between our outer and inner selves and an expression of our desire to know and love God within. Traditionally, Kirtanas are done in a call and response style very much similar to a regular telephonic communication or the Instant Messengers in today's internet era.
Why sing Bhajans?
The very question contains the answer: One's inert self (or God) cannot be experienced through doubt or asking questions, but only through 'FAITH'. Music has the power to generate tremendous energy that drives the mind, body and spirit to believe in god or oneself and this is nothing but another manifestation of faith. Imagine adding another 10000 KW layer called devotion to this existing powerhouse. The results are obviously electrocuting, not in a destructive sense, but the process actually leaves one devoid of any negative emotions. This is why Kirtanas and Bhajans have extremely powerful effects when rendered in the true spirit and style.
It was sometime during the year 1993 when M.S.Subbalakshmi, a legend in South Indian classical music visited Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Trayee Brindavan, the Bangalore residence of Sai Baba. I was on this particular occasion, fortunate to be sitting amidst a group of students that witnessed the dialogue between Srimathi Subbalakshmi and her divine master. Bhagwan said, "Boys, do you know who this lady is? She is one of the greatest musicians India has ever witnessed. In all her life, she has sung nothing but Kirtanas". Subbalakshmi, the humble lady that she was, upon hearing this said, "Swami (master), I would like to sing your name until my last breath". It was only then that I understood the molecular nature of the glow that M.S. Subbalakshmi radiated. It wasn’t something acquired by visiting a cosmetologist, but something that reflected as a result of one's character and an intimate connection with her divine self. A true inspirer is also the greatest follower.
The act of singing Bhajans albeit simple in concept is actually a very intense process where the lead singer becomes unconsciously conscious of the divinity within and leads the followers to this level. Bhagwan Baba, time and again, stressed the importance of singing the Bhajans. He says, this act should be done not with a flair to perform but with a feeling of fine tuning oneself to be exposed to the divine energy available in abundance within. We normally don’t tap this energy if we sing the Bhajan without understanding the meaning of the words or stressing the right syllables. Normally singers place importance on the Raaga (melody) and Taala (rhythm), however, the meaning contributes to the Bhaava (feeling) which is extremely important for Bhajans. A simple example - take the song 'Gajavadhana Gana Naatha Naatha', Its second line is Gauri Vara Thanaya GunaLaya'. The word GunaLaya was corrected by Bhagwan (Swami). He said, the correct intonation is "Gunaa Laya" which means dissolution of the mind.
'GunaLaya' on the other hand has no meaning at all. Being a stickler for perfection, Swami always tends to drive home the message that lead singers are meant to direct the followers with a perfect understanding of every Bhajan they render.
My favorite Bhajans are those that people can follow easily leaving the singer as well as the listener feeling emotionally satisfied. Swami has sung some beautiful Bhajans with his golden voice and these songs carry the perfect combination to unlock the hidden path to self inquiry. Here is a simple trick to leading good Bhajans: While singing, imagine that as your throat expands and the sound emanates from your naval center, the clouds of doubt are replaced by the sunshine of faith. Now imagine, you can see a beautiful face (the face of the deity that you are propitiating) smiling at you and calling to you with open arms. Wouldn't this moment make you feel blissful? Wouldn't this moment bring tears of pure joy to your closed eyes? When you are happy, how can the followers of this Bhajan you are leading, be disappointed? - think about this before you lead a Bhajan next time. In my humble opinion, all our spiritual radios lack fine tuning and can only receive well if we transmit well too. Transmit devotion through Bhajans, sing from the heart, not the throat and receive pure love in return. The next time you come out of a Bhajan session, just think for a moment how you feel immediately after aarathi is over and ask why do you feel this way?
In closing, I am reminded of a beautiful verse by Swami Chaitanya which glorifies the meaning of Bhajans and Sankirtana :
"Kalim Sabhajayanty Arya; Guna-Jnah Sara-Bhaginah; Yatra Sankirtanenaiva; Sarva-Svartho Bhilabhyate"
"Those who are progressive and thus know the true value of Kali-Yuga worship it because it is a time during which all desired objectives can be achieved simply by engaging in sankirtana."
OUR LIFE IS HIS MESSAGE...
OMSAIRAMMM...
__._,_.___
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