Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name)

Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name)

Sri Swami Sivananda

Sankirtan is the Svarupa (essential nature) of God. Dhvani is Sankirtan. Sankirtan is the essence of the Vedas. The four Vedas originate from sound. There are four kinds of sound, viz., Vaikhari (vocal), Madhyama (from the throat), Pasyanti (from the heart) and Para (from the navel). Sound originates from the navel. Vedas also originates from the navel. Sankirtan and Vedas are born from the same source.

People sit together and sing the names of the Lord with harmony and concord, and with Suddha or Divine Bhava (feeling). This is Sankirtan. Sankirtan is accompanied by the play of musical sounds as the word ‘San’ precedes ‘kirtan.’ Sankirtan is an exact science. It elevates the mind quickly and intensifies the Bhava or divine feeling to a maximum degree.

Nama and Nami are inseparable. Nama means Name (Name of God). Nami means ‘that which is denoted by the Nama or Name’. Nama is greater than the Nami. Even in worldly experience the man dies but his name is remembered for a long time. Kalidasa, Valmiki, Tulsidas, etc., are remembered even today. Nama is nothing but Chaitanya. Sankirtan is singing God’s name with Bhava, Prem or divine feeling.

Sankirtan Yoga is the easiest, quickest, safest, cheapest and best way for attaining God-realization in this age. People cannot practice severe austerities now-a-days. They do not have the strength of will to practice Hatha Yoga. They cannot maintain perfect life-long Brahmacharya. They do not have the prerequisites for Raja Yoga. They are not endowed with the keen intellect necessary for Jnana Yoga or Vedantic Sadhana. But this Sankirtan Yoga or the Yoga of Singing Lord’s Names is within the reach of all.

There is infinite Sakti or power in the Lord’s Names. It will remove all impurities from your mind. Vedantins say that there are three kinds of obstacles to Self-realization – Mala, Vikshepa and Avarana. To remove them they prescribe Nishkamya Karma (selfless service), Upasana (worship) and Vedantic Nididhyasana (intellectual enquiry). This Sankirtan alone can achieve all these together. Sankirtan removes the impurities of the mind (Mala); it steadies the mind and checks its tendency to vacillate (Vikshepa); and ultimately it tears the veil of ignorance too (Avarana), and brings the Sadhaka (aspirant) face to face with God.

Maya is so powerful that she deludes you every moment. Every moment she makes you feel that there is pleasure only in the sense-objects and nowhere else. You mistake pain for pleasure. This is the work of Maya. Beware. Remember Janma-mrityu-jara-vyadhi-duhkha-dosha, – this world is full of the pains of birth, death, old age, disease and misery. There is no pleasure in these finite objects. Yo Vai Bhuma Tat Sukham. You can have Bliss in the Infinite alone. Sankirtan will enable you to realize this Infinite here and now. Sankirtan will save you from Maya, from delusion. Therefore sing the Names of the Lord always.

Let us, therefore, sing the Maha Mantra:

Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare,
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

This is the great Mantra which is specially meant for the people of Kali Yuga (this modern age of destruction) . Narada went to Lord Brahma and said: “O Lord, the people of Kail Yuga will not be able to practice austerities, nor to perform the Yajnas (sacrifices), nor to pursue the path of Vedanta. Kindly have mercy on them and tell me some easy way by which they can attain God.” Lord Brahma in His Supreme Compassion and Mercy gave this Maha Mantra by repeating which people of the Kali Yuga will attain Self-realization. Therefore, sing the Lord’s Names; serve, love, give, meditate, realize; be good and do good (this is the essence of all scriptures); be kind and be compassionate; enquire “Who am I ?”, know the Self and be free. May God bless you all with health, long life, peace, prosperity and Eternal Bliss.

The Transformative Power of Sankirtan Yoga: Singing the Divine Name with Devotion

Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) is one of the simplest and most powerful spiritual practices available to seekers of all ages and backgrounds. Rooted in the timeless wisdom of the saints and sages, Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) emphasizes the collective and individual chanting of God’s sacred names as a means to purify the heart, calm the mind, and awaken divine consciousness. Through sincere devotion and constant remembrance of the Divine, this path helps devotees experience inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.

The essence of Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) lies in the belief that the name of God is not different from God Himself. When devotees chant with faith, love, and concentration, they invoke divine vibrations that elevate their thoughts and actions. The practice requires no elaborate rituals, special qualifications, or complex philosophical understanding. It is accessible to everyone and can be performed at any time and place.

Throughout history, many saints have praised Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) as an effective spiritual discipline for the modern age. In a world filled with distractions, stress, and uncertainty, the repetition of divine names creates a sacred atmosphere within and around the practitioner. The mind gradually becomes free from negative tendencies, while positive qualities such as compassion, humility, and devotion naturally develop.

One of the greatest benefits of Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) is its ability to unite people beyond social, cultural, and linguistic differences. When devotees gather to sing bhajans and chant the Lord’s name, a sense of harmony and collective joy emerges. The shared experience strengthens faith and inspires individuals to lead lives based on righteousness and service.

Many spiritual organizations, including Devotional india, encourage the regular practice of divine chanting as a means of self-transformation. Through devotional songs and sacred recitations, seekers cultivate a deeper connection with God and experience moments of profound spiritual bliss. Devotional india also highlights the importance of integrating devotion into daily life, making spirituality a living experience rather than a mere concept.

The continuous practice of Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) helps devotees overcome anxiety and restlessness. As the mind becomes absorbed in divine remembrance, worldly worries lose their grip. The sacred vibrations generated through chanting purify thoughts and create an inner environment conducive to meditation and self-realization.

Another remarkable aspect of Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) is that it transforms ordinary activities into acts of worship. Whether one is working, traveling, or performing household duties, silently repeating the Lord’s name keeps the heart connected to the Divine. This constant remembrance gradually fills life with purpose and spiritual awareness.

Devotional india inspires seekers to embrace this sacred path by emphasizing love, faith, and regular practice. Through sincere chanting and unwavering devotion, individuals can discover the joy that comes from communion with God. Devotional india continues to share teachings that encourage spiritual growth and inner awakening.

Ultimately, Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) is a path of love and surrender. It teaches that the divine name possesses the power to heal, uplift, and transform human life. By practicing Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) regularly and following the guidance shared through Devotional india, devotees can progress steadily toward peace, purity, and God-realization. The wisdom of Sankirtan Yoga (Singing of the Lord’s Name) remains as relevant today as ever, offering hope, strength, and spiritual illumination to all sincere seekers.

-Bhakti Yoga (The Path of Devotion)