Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans Part – Ninety Seven

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans

Much is spoken about Bhagawan’s miraculous deeds and mammoth projects. It is believed most people attracted to Him are drawn either by His superhuman abilities or acts of selflessness. But there is one more aspect of Baba’s message that has drawn and is still drawing people from different walks of life, cultures and age groups – Sai Bhajans. Sankirtan is an inherent part of the cultural fabric of India, but Bhagawan gave a new life to it by encouraging people to participate in Bhajans or in community singing as a primary means to redemption. He would say that in this modern era there is no Sadhana more effective than the chanting of God’s name. Further He would explain, singing aloud the name of the Lord in the form of Bhajans is like placing a lamp on the threshold of the house; 

Talking on Bhajans (Sankirtanam) Swami in a discourse delivered on 3 March 1992 spoke of its importance and uniqueness. He also explained how and why we must participate in Bhajans. Swami said:

There is a big difference between Kirtanam and Sankirtanam. Kirtanam is an individual affair. It is singing by an individual for the fulfilment of his prayers. Sankirtanam 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.

Different types of Sankirtana

Sankirtana is of four kinds: One is Guna Sankirtana; two, Leela Sankirtana; three, Bhaava Sankirtana; four, Nama Sankirtana.

Guna Sankirtana 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. Saint Thyagaraja had recourse to this type of singing.

Leela Sankirtana 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 Gita Govindam of Jayadeva.

Bhaava Sankirtana: This is illustrated by Radha, who expresses her different feelings towards God and identifies herself with the Divine in every mood of devotion. Radha and Meera were the exponents of Bhaava Sankirtana.

Naama Sankirtana: 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’ – Chaithanya revelled 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 another methods of singing the glories, it is the supreme good fortune of the residents of Prasanthi Nilayam to enjoy all the four forms of Sankirtana. The bhajans sung here is a combination of all the four forms of Sankirtana.

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans – divine grace for positive living

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans is a sacred message that reminds us of the power of devotional singing. Bhajans are not only songs; they are prayers filled with love, faith, surrender, and spiritual vibration. When sung with sincerity, they purify the heart, calm the mind, and create a peaceful atmosphere around us.

Music has a deep effect on human life. Ordinary songs may entertain the mind for some time, but devotional songs uplift the soul. A bhajan carries the name, glory, and love of God. When the divine name is repeated with devotion, the heart becomes softer and the mind slowly moves away from anger, fear, jealousy, and restlessness.

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans teaches that purification must begin within. We often want the world to become peaceful, but we forget to clean our own thoughts first. If the mind is filled with hatred, pride, and selfishness, our words and actions will also carry that impurity. Bhajans help turn the mind toward God and fill it with noble feelings.

When people sing bhajans together, a beautiful unity is created. Different voices become one sound, different hearts become one prayer, and different people become one spiritual family. In that moment, differences of status, language, age, and background become less important. Devotion becomes the common bond.

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans also reminds us that the divine name has great spiritual strength. A restless mind cannot easily become silent, but it can become peaceful through loving repetition of God’s name. Chanting and singing help the mind focus on something pure. Slowly, negative thoughts lose their hold, and inner peace begins to grow.

Bhajans should not be sung only for musical display. The sweetness of voice is less important than the sweetness of heart. A person may sing perfectly, but if the heart is full of ego, the spiritual fragrance is lost. Another person may sing simply, but with deep love, and that song can touch many hearts. God listens to devotion more than performance.

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans becomes meaningful when the feeling of the song enters daily life. If we sing about love but speak harshly afterward, the message is incomplete. If we sing about compassion but ignore suffering, the bhajan has not yet transformed us. Devotional singing should make our thoughts purer, our speech kinder, and our actions more selfless.

A bhajan can become a medicine for the heart. During sorrow, it gives comfort. During fear, it gives courage. During confusion, it gives clarity. During loneliness, it reminds us that God is near. Many times, a simple divine name sung with faith can bring more peace than many arguments or explanations.

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans also has a powerful effect on the surroundings. A home where God’s name is sung regularly becomes peaceful and sacred. Children absorb good impressions, elders feel comfort, and family members become more connected through devotion. The atmosphere itself becomes lighter when filled with sacred sound.

The world today is filled with noise, stress, competition, and emotional disturbance. People are connected through technology, but many hearts remain restless. Bhajans offer a simple and beautiful way to return to inner peace. They remind us to slow down, remember God, and fill the mind with sacred thoughts.

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans is also a path of humility. When we sing before God, we accept that human strength alone is limited. We seek divine grace, guidance, and protection. This humility removes pride and opens the heart to blessings. A humble heart receives more peace than a proud mind.

Devotional singing also supports self-control. When the tongue is used for chanting God’s name, it becomes less interested in gossip, criticism, and harsh speech. When the ears listen to sacred songs, they become less attracted to negativity. When the mind reflects on divine qualities, it becomes less disturbed by worldly temptations.

Bhajans unite knowledge, devotion, and emotion. They teach spiritual truths in a simple way. Through them, we remember that God is love, life is sacred, service is important, and the heart must remain pure. Even those who cannot study scriptures deeply can feel divine wisdom through sincere singing.

The true purpose of bhajans is inner transformation. They should awaken love for God and compassion for all beings. After singing, we should feel inspired to forgive, serve, speak gently, and live honestly. This is the real sign that devotional singing has purified us.

In the end, sacred music becomes a bridge between the human heart and the Divine. It lifts the mind from worry to worship, from noise to peace, and from ego to surrender. When sung with love, bhajans become more than sound; they become light.

Purify Yourself and the World by Singing Bhajans finally teaches that one pure heart can spread peace, and many pure hearts can bless the world. When we fill our homes, minds, and actions with God’s name, life becomes sacred. Through devotion, purity, and loving song, we move closer to divine grace and help create a more peaceful world.