4.7: Kirtan and Bhajan Workshop
Kirtana and bhajana are universal; you will find these methods of worship in all religious traditions around the world. Kirtana means chanting the names of God musically in a group, while bhajana (literally means worship) refers to devotional songs.
Underlying principles of kirtana
- Chanting, dancing, and playing musical instruments together in a group is an enjoyable and absorbing experience that uplifts one’s mind and heart.
- Song and dance is a natural part of all human cultures.
- Kirtana usually has a slow start to get everyone locked in, and then gradually builds up to a climax. In this context, it heightens the concentration on the names.
- It is anintegral part of deity worship.
- It helps to build relationships between devotees.
- You can chant longer without feeling fatigued.
- All kinds of people can join in.
Proper use of karatalas
- Be careful to stick to the rhythm
- Don’t inadvertently speed up orslow down the kirtana.
- The first two beats should be staccato, the third a chiming ring.
- Be aware of the mood: if kirtana is soft, gentle, and sweet, don’t go clashing your karatalas together loudly.
- They should sound like the ankle-bells on the gopis, not bin lids smashing together.
Movement and dancing
- One may feel stiff or self-conscious and may not feel like dancing. If you do it anyway, you can shake off your inhibitions; it is good for the soul.
- Getting the entire physical body to take part in the chanting process makes the whole experience far more absorbing and more easily creates lasting mental impressions.
The temple songs
These may be difficult at first but do try to follow. We sing the same songs regularly every day. The repetition becomes more relishable. These are the main ones you will need to know.- Sri-Sri-Gurv-astaka (Beginning of Mangal Arati)
- Sri Nrsimha Pranama (End of Mangal Arati)
- Sri Tulasi-kirtana (for Tulasi Arati, after Mangal Arati)
- Sri Guru-vandana (Srila Prabhupada’s guru-puja)
- Jaya Radha-Madhava (sung before class)
- Prasada-sevaya (sung before honoring prasadam)
- Gaura-arati (sung in the evening)
These songs can all be found in a basic songbook available from most temples
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