Significance Of Akhanda Bhajan : November 12-13. 2005

[Guest guest]

This year's Akhanda Bhajan will be on the weekend of November 12-13. This is a

continous 24 hour devotional singing session. This event is held all over the

world in all countries. We encourage all of you to take part in your center's

devotional singing program.

The bhajan commences with the lighting of the sacred lamp - the Akhanda Jyothi -

that is kept burning for 24 hours. Thus the sacred lamp will be lit in each

country during the 24 hour period based on local time and by the time a Sai

centre at Honolulu lights the Akhanda Jyothi, centres in the East would have

completed their Akhanda Bhajan.Before the Bhajans are completed the world would

be a girdle of Akhanda Jyothis lit round the globe in Sai Units. The Akhanda

Jyothi not only helps to concentrate the minds of devotees but promotes also a

sense of spiritual unity and harmony among the devotees. The prayers will be

for Peace in the world.

This is being done not for the sake of one individual, one nation, or one

community. It is for the welfare of humanity as a whole. The Bhajans that are

sung permeate the ether in the form of sound waves and fill the entire

atmosphere, thereby, the whole environment gets purified." - Baba

Baba's miracle at Akhanda bhajan

Nine families started an Akhanda Bhajan Mandali in 1944, consisting mostly of

our relations. We had bhajans every thursday evening regularly. In 1946 , we

requested swami to attend our first annual Akhanda bhajan, which He did. Swami

stayed with us for full 24 hours of the bhajans. We had originally planned the

Bhajans for about 150 people with our limited means. As Bhagavan attended the

function, over 500 people attended, including several distinguished devotees

who came with swami. We had a problemas to how to give prasadam to all of them,

as we had not anticipated such a situation. We represented our problem to Swami.

Baba with his merciful love, came to the kitchen and blessed the food. after the

functionwas over we served Pongal to over 1000 people till the evening. it never

got finished. This miracleis one of the earliest experiences in our lives, which

is still green in our memory. We did this annual Akhanda Bhajan for twenty five

years

continuously. Once or twice Baba could not attend the function, but we took into

account only the years when He attended.

Bhajans becomes global

In the year 1974, we celebrated the 25th year of our Akhanda Bhajan in the

golden Jubilee Hall, Lalbagh. By then our Akhanda bhajan had become very

popular and ever increasing numbers of people attended the function. Nearly

10.000 people attended the 1974 celebrations. Swami, in his concluding speech,

declared that in future instead of our family conducting this akhanda bhajan,

the entire world should conduct the bhajan on the same day . He materialised a

Navarathamala and gave it to me as a benedictory blessing to our family.

>From the book Sanathana Sarathi, page 128

from the chapter " five decades at the lotus Feet" from Dr.R.S.Padmanabhan.

Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust

Bhagavan's 70 th birthday.

In Sai love, Titia de Groot-Boelens,

Holland

AKHANDA BHAJAN

An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Importance Of Bhajans

"As a matter of fact, Bhajan is a constant exercise. It has to be as essential

as breathing." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. p. 238

"Bhajans always give joy and peace."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. 1, p. 190

"Wherever My devotees sing, there I install myself. So sing from the heart,

conscious of the layers of meaning each word has. You can have God installed in

your heart." Sai Baba

"The Name (of God) undoubtedly brings in the grace of God. Meerabai, the queen

of Rajasthan, gave up her status, riches, fortune and family, and dedicated

herself to the adoration of the Lord, "Giridhara Gopala". Her husband brought a

chalice of poison and she was ordered to drink it. She uttered the Name of

Krishna while she drank it. It was transformed into nectar by the grace the

Name invoked." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. p. 217

"Cast away ignorance; you are free, liberated from all bonds that very moment.

All spiritual disciplines have this liberation as their goal. Nama-sankirtana

(repetition of God's Names), too, helps you get rid of this basic ignorance."

Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 70

"Measures for the elimination of egoism: the chief among these is the Bhajan."

Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VI. p. 237

 

"Let your whole life be a Bhajan. Believe that God is everywhere at all times,

and derive strength, comfort and joy by singing His Glory in His presence." Sai

Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 75

"Bhajan is a good disciplinary process by which these two (Kama and Krodha) can

be kept away. Kama is the lust for physical pleasure, power, fame, wealth and

scholarship. Krodha is anger, which is the result of foiled lust." Sai Baba,

SSS, Vol. X. p. 79

"Bhajan (devotional singing) is more important than Bhojan (food). Prayer is

more important than pining for meals. Birds, beasts, insects and worms, all

feed and keep fit. Man is the crown of creation, the monarch and master of all

beings in creation. If he, too, seeks only food and shelter as inferior species

do, it is deplorable indeed. From the moment of waking until the moment when he

lays himself down again to sleep, man is engaged in endless errands, unceasing

turmoil, never-ending tangles and boundless anxiety. And what does he gain

therefrom? More confusion, more mental agitation." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 79

 

"You will relish the Bhajan as you make it a daily function, like eating and

sleeping. You eat twice a day for the upkeep of the body. Should you not do

Bhajan at least once for the upkeep of the mind? Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 81

"Those who sing Bhajans get what can be called 'double promotion', for they

derive joy and distribute joy. Life today is filled with sorrow. It is beset

with fear and despair. The only time you can forget these thoughts and

strengthen yourself to meet the hard times is when you contact the source of

all strength. God. You cannot get that peace while you bend under the burden of

daily life." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X. p. 81

"Whenever an idea of hurting others or taking someone's belonging or spreading

falsehood about others enters your mind, turn to God for help. Ask Him to give

you strength. Repeat the Name of God or hum a Bhajan. You will find that all

your bad thoughts will flee, leaving you free from evil." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol.

X, p. 154

"The hands should be lifted in prayer and words should come out full-throated.

It is unfortunate that even those who are gifted with good voices do not sing

aloud in Bhajans. Man has been endowed with a tongue to sing the praise of God.

If he fails to do so, he remains indebted to God." Sai Baba, SS. 8/96. p. 206

"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 the sound waves is evident from the way radio Waves are transmitted and

received over long distances. The atmosphere that has been polluted by impure

sound waves can be purified by chanting the Divine Name. Likewise, sacred

thoughts, pure speech and pure actions will purify other polluted elements.

There is no better purifying agent than this." Sai Baba. SS. 4/92. p. 71

Meaning Of Akhanda Bhajan

"Akhanda means uninterrupted, without any gap. "Akhanda-Bhajan" means that it

should not be just a twenty-four hour, or even a seven-day affair. It must go

on from birth to death. Bhajan (devotional song) has to start in childhood and

continue onward. It must be constant companion of man, his solace and strength.

Do not postpone it until old age, for it is the essential food for the mind."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. 1, 125

"This day (4 December r976), you have resolved to imbibe Divine Bliss by

reciting the glory of God in chorus and with music, continuously for

twenty-four hours. You call it Akhanda Bhajan, even though it will end after

that period. Still the idea is good and programme will yield good results." Sai

Baba. SSS, Vol. X. p. 79

"This has been named an Akhanda Bhajan, that is to say, Bhajan done without a

break. But was it really an Akhanda Bhajan? It is begun at 6:30 on the evening

of one day, and is closed at 6:30 on the evening of the next day. Can we call

it 'unbroken Bhajan'? What is a period of 24 hours when we consider the

vastness of the universe and the eternity of time? It is just a wink, a minute

part of the life of man on earth. By engaging yourselves in the recitation of

the Name of God for one single day, you claim to have done Bhajan 'without a

break'. Akhanda Bhajan must be as continuous as breathing itself if it is to

deserve its name." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 67

Meaning Of Global Akhanda Bhajan

"The Akhanda Bhajan that is observed by Sai devotees all over the world for full

twenty-four hours in November is an annual event of global significance.

Starting from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Akhanda Bhajan concludes at 6:00 p.m.

on Sunday. The Bhajans (spiritual songs) start with the lighting of the Akhanda

Jyoti (the sacred lamp) that is kept continuously burning for 24 hours." V.K.N,

SS. 12/87, p. 341

Special Significance Of Global Akhanda Bhajan

"This programme of Akhanda-Bhajan continuously done for 24 hours all round the

world in all lands, has therefore spread the message of love through the Names

of the Embodiment of Universal Love. It has saturated the atmosphere with

thoughts of God and peace and joy that He showers. The Bhajans that you have

done here (Prasanthi Nilayam) has affected not only this particular area and

its environment, but it will transmute the entire atmosphere. Continue this

attitude of devotion and humanity, of service and tolerance, the atmosphere

will not be polluted by hatred." Sai Babu, SSS. Vol. X, p. 75

"What is significant about the global Akhanda Bhajan is that while apparently

the duration of the Bhajan is identical, the time sequence varies from country

to country. For instance, when Bhagavan lit the Akhanda Jyoti in the Prasanthi

Mandir at precisely 6:00 p.m. on November 14, 1987, the Akhanda Bhajans had

been going on for many hours in countries east of India from Japan to

Singapore. This means that as the earth revolves, lamps are lit at different

Sai centres according to the local time, and by the time the westernmost centre

in Vancouver lights the Akhanda Jyoti, (Sai) centres in the east would have

completed the Akhanda Bhajan. Before the Bhajans are completed all round the

world, there would be a girdle of Akhanda Jyotis lit around the globe in Sai

centres as far as Fiji in the '"east" and Hawaii in the "west" V.K.N. SS.

12/87, p. 341

Purpose Of The Global Akhanda Bhajan

'Today we are having Akhanda Bhajans (non-stop twenty-four hour global Bhajans

by Sai devotees all over the world. This is being done not for the sake of one

individual, one nation, or one community. It is for the welfare of humanity as

a whole. The Bhajans that are sung permeate the ether in the form of sound

waves and fill the entire atmosphere, thereby, the whole environment gets

purified." Sai Baba, SS, 11/86. p. 280

"Today the atmosphere is polluted by unholy and vicious sounds. This results in

the growth of evil thoughts and feelings, which lead to evil deeds. If the

atmosphere has to be'purified. it has to be filled with pure and sacred

sounds." Sai Baba, SS, 11/86, p. 281

"Singing with intense yearning for God and enjoying the experience of adoring

Him. helps to purify the atmosphere. Man is forced to breathe the air polluted

by sounds that denote violence, hatred, cruelty and wickedness. Therefore, he

is fast losing the high attainments that are in store for him. The vibrations

of the Namasankirtans can cleanse the atmosphere and render it pure, calm and

ennobling. It is with this high purpose in view that this programme of global

Sankirtan was designed." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 67

"No man can escape the influence of the pollution of the air he breathes. The

sounds that we produce, with good intent or bad, spread throughout the air

around us. This is our daily experience. The sounds produced by radio stations

pass through the atmosphere and reach our homes when we tune in. The vibrations

travel vast distances and affect the nature of those who inhale them. The

atmosphere also affects the food man consumes. The pollution in the atmosphere

is imbibed by the plants. The plants supply grain, the grain is the basis of

the meal and the meal shapes the character and behaviour of the person who

consumes it. When the environment is clean and free from evil vibrations, the

food. too, is pure. and the person develops a tendency to be loving and simple.

It is to ensure such an atmosphere, this Sadhana (of Akhanda Bhajan) was

initiated all over the world."

Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, pp. 67 & 68

"The air, even of these villages, is polluted by vulgar film songs, by demeaning

and disgusting conversation. The 24-hour long Bhajan will purify it by divine

vibrations, and those who breathe. The pure air will be healthier and more

upright in behaviour." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. X, p. 81

"Bhajans have a place of pride in Bhagavan Baba's scheme of spiritual Sadhana.

Devotional singing in groups serves not only to concentrate the minds of the

devotees on the Divine but promotes also a sense of spiritual unity and harmony

among devotees." V.K.N.. SS, 12/87. p. 341

"The prayer to the Lord to light the lamp of wisdom and love in the heart of

every devotee, when it goes up from millions of devotees all over the world,

must have an ennobling and unifying effect which cannot be produced by any

other means." V.K.N. SS, 12/87, p. 341

"The Akhanda Bhajan should make devotees feel their unity with the Divine and,

at the emotional level, and fill them with love for entire mankind. Bhagavan

Baba's supreme role in His present advent is to unify humanity by promoting

recognition of the inherent divinity present in everyone, transcending all

divisions of creed, caste, language, nationality and sex. The Akhanda Bhajan is

like a beacon and trumpet-call to humanity to jettison ths pretty divisions of

the past and rise to the heights of its divine destiny." V.K.N.. SS, 12/87, p.

341

Meaning Of Bhajan

"The word "Bhajan" has been derived from the Sanskrit root "Bhaj" which means to

render service. Bhajan singing is indeed a mode of providing service for the

audience to purify their head and heart." Sai Baba

Meaning Of Kirtana

"Kirtana is the word used for the recital or singing of the Name and the Glory

of God." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VI, p. 217

"Kirtana is singing aloud the Glory of God." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 67

"Keertanam (Kirtanam) is an individual affair. It is singing by an individual

for the fulfillment of his prayers." Sai Bubu. SS, 4/92, p. 67

Meaning Of Sankirtana/Sankeertanam

"Samyak-K-eertanam Sankeertanam (Congregational singing of Bhajans) is the best

form of Bhajans. Sankeertanam 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 ot'Sikhism.

'Sankeertana' aims at demonstrating unity in diversity. When all the

participants combine to sing in unison with one voice, it is described as

"Sankeertana." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92, pp. 67 & 68

"San-kirtana means reciting or singing well, or aloud with joy in ecstasy." Sai

Baba, SSS. Vol. VI. p. 217

"Combining one's voice, tune, feeling and rhythm to the appropriate beat of the

song, the devotee should immerse himself in 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 (Sankirtana)." Sai Baba. SS,

4/92, p. 69

"Sankirtana is the process of singing that originates in the heart, nor from 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 the

inner ecstasy. No attention is paid to blame or praise that others may give. It

does not seek the admiration or the appreciation of the listeners. It is sung

for one's own joy, one's own satisfaction, and one's own delight. Kirtana of

this supreme type alone deserves the name Sankirtana" Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p.

67

Purpose

"What is the essence of Sankirtana? Its essential purpose is to earn the love of

God." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92. p. 69

Different Forms Of San-Kirtana

The name of the Lord has been glorified in different ways all over the world.

Jayadeva was one who enjoyed always the sports (Leelas) of the Divine." Sal

Baba. SS. 4/98. p. 68

"Hanuman was proficient in music. There was none that could excel him in

singing. Even Narada Tumbura could not prevail against him." Sai Baba. SS.

4/98. p. 69

"We can distinguish four different forms of Naama-sankirtana:

(a)Bhaava-naama-San-kirtana. (b) Guna-Naama-Sankirtana, ©

Leela-Naama-San-kirtana, and (d) sheer Naama-Sankirtana." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol.

VI. p. 219

a. Bhaava-Naama-Sam-Kirtana:

"Bhaava Sankeertana is illustrated by Radha alone who expresses her different

feelings towards God and identifies herself with the Divine in every mood of

devotion. She expressed her devotion in five forms of Shanta (Serenity), Sakhya

(friendliness, Vaatsalya (maternal love), Anuraag (affection), Madhura

(sweetness). Radha and Mira were the exponents of' Bhaava-Sankeertana." Sai

Baba, SS, 4/92, p. 68

"Bhaava-Naama San-kirtana is the name given to recitals where (God's) Name is

sung with one emotion, or mental attitude (Bhaava) toward the Lord.(l) It can

be Madhura-Bhaava (sweet emotion) as Radha was overpowered only by that

sweetness at all times and places. Her adoration of God is the supreme example

of Madhura-Bhaava. (2) Then we have Vaatsalya-bhaava-sankirtana. Yashoda, the

foster mother of Krishna, can be taken as the ideal for this type of Bhaava

(emotion). Though she had a series of experiences of Krishna being Divine, she

preferred to save him as mother and adore him as her son. (3) Then there is

Saakhya-Bhaava- Sankirtana (comrade feeling), as found in Arjuna who believed

in Krishna as his intimate friend and brother-in-law (for he married Krishna's

sister), and confided in him as a comrade. That too is an attitude that will

attach you to divinity and

sublimate the tower impulses. (4) Daasya-Bhaava- (servant-master attitude)

Sankirtana is another type. Serve the Lord as His faithful unquestioning

servant. This is the path of Hanumana in the Ramayana. (5) The last attitude is

Sat-Bhaava-(unruffled, unconcerned) Naama-Sam-kirtana, praising the Lord,

whatever may happen, undeviated by ups and downs, bearing all vagaries of

fortune as His play. In the Mahabharata, you will find Bhishma saturated with

this attitude. He adored Krishna even when Krishna was advancing towards him to

kill him." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. p. 219

"Bhava means 'attitude' (of mind). So, Bhava-Sankirtan means the adoration, in

song, of God pictured and contacted under various relationships. Some may

prefer to adore Him as the giver of equanimity (Santam), others as a friend,

guide and guardian (Sakhya). still others as the child one loves and tends

(Vatsalya) and yet others as the Lover whom one loves with sovereign love

(Madhura)." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 68

b. Leela-Naama-Sam-Kirtana:

"Another method of Naama-Sam-kirtana is to remind oneself of the various

exploits and sports, the various acts of grace and compassion, which the Lord

has manifested in the world, while reciting His Name. This is called

Leela-Naama-Sam-Kirtana. Chaitanya and Thyagraj realised the Lord through this

path." Stii Bubu, SSS. Vol. VI, p. 219

"This is (also) exemplified by the 'Gita Govindam' of Jayadeva. “Sai Babti.

SS, 4/92, p. 68

"Leela means 'sport', therefore Leela-San-kirtana is the adoration, in song, of

the various expressions of these attributes as evidenced by the accounts of

sages and seers of all faiths." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X. p. 68

c. Guna-Naama-San-Kirtana:

''Many recollect more of the majesty, the glory, the might, the mystery, the

magnificence, the munificence, the love with which God has clothed Himself,

while reciting His Name. This attitude is spoken of as Guna (attributes,

characteristics) Nama-San-kirtana. Most of the saints gradually honoured in

many lands are of this category." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VI, p. 219

"Guna means 'attributes' (of God) So, Guna-Naama-Sankirtana is the adoration, in

song, of manifold attributes of God - omnipresence, omniscience, compassion,

majesty, etc." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 68

"Guana-Sankeertana 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. Thyagaraja had recourse to this type of

singing. In one of his keertanas, 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

life to the preceptor's son whom the Lord of Death had taken. away. You

conquered the God of Love. You liberated from prison Vasudeva and Devaki. You

protected Draupadi when appealed in despair. You were the guardian ofPandavas.

You relieved Kuchela of his poverty. You saved 16,000 damsels from subjection."

In this manner, Thyagaraja recounted the great qualities of God in his songs."

Sai Baba, SS. 2/92. p.

68

d. Naama-Sam-Kirtana:

"Another category is denoted by seekers who attach value to the syllables and

sound of the Name (of God) irrespective of the meaning thereof. When the Name

is pronounced, they say, it draws the aspirant toward God and His grace,

whatever may be the Bhaava (emotion), whether the Leela (sports) or Guna

(attributes) is associated with the Sam-Kirtana or not. The Name (of God) has a

strength, a power, a capacity to redeem, cure and save, alone and unaided, they

aver." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VI. p. 219

"Nama means the 'Name of God'. So, Nama-Sankirtan means the adoration of God,

calling upon Him by various Names, each describing His glory. His achievements,

His relationship with the individual. The Names are many. or even countless. It

is so in all languages. We have many groups of thousand and eight Names, which

can be used for God, as the Vedas declare, has a 'thousand heads', a thousand

eyes. and a thousand feet. Devotees can adore Him and derive bliss through that

adoration, filling each Name with the meaning and significance it carries." Sai

Baba. SSS. Vol. X. pp. 68 & 69

"Chaitanya was the exponent of this form of Kirtana. "All Names are yours. There

is nothing in this cosmos which does not bear the imprint of your Name or Form,'

Chaitanya revelled in singing the Names of the Lord as signifying all that was

beautiful and glorious in the universe." Sai Baba. SS, 4/98, p. 68

Congretational Bhajan Singing

Founder Of Community Bhajan Singing

This method of singing Bhajans was first initiated by Guru Nanak, the founder of

Sikhism." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92, p. 67

Importance

"Community singing sets up vibrations which will cleanse the atmosphere." Sai Baba, SS, 2/98. p. 33

"When all the devotees participate in the Bhajan, the vibrations that are

produced will generate joy and harmony." Sai Baba. SS. 11/86. p. 280

"Bhajans that arc sung permeate the entire ether in the form of sound waves and

fill the entire atmosphere; thereby the whole environment gets purified. By

breathing in this purified atmosphere, our hearts get purified." Sai Baba

"Bhajan has been part of our (Indian) culture, part of the Sanatana Dharma

tradition. But it has survived, however, in an attenuated form, in the villages

only. It has disappeared from the towns, where people have more 'exciting' ways

of spending time and recuperating their spirits. But this programme of

congregational Bhajan by all, must be fostered, developed and transplanted in

the towns later. I am glad to note that the young men of this (Seegehalli)

village and of the adjacent villages, especially those who are attending the

Sri Sai College, are evincing keen interest in these Bhajans. That is indeed a

promising sign fraught with great potential for the future of this country.

They are cleansing their own minds and helping to cleanse the atmosphere of

these villages." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 81 (Seegehalli, 4-12-76)

Rules For Conducting Community Bhajans

"When the chanting of the (Divine) Name is done in community singing, it should

be done in a form in which the entire group can participate easily.

The tune, the rhythm, etc. should be such that all can follow the Bhajan. If the

lead singer takes up a song that is not familiar to others, the response from

the group will be poor. There will be no enthusiasm or genuine participation.

Their minds will be distracted." Sai Baba. SS. 11/86. p. 280

"Reciting the Lord's name is a process of 'give and take'. Singing the Lord's

name should become an exercise in mutual sharing of joy and holiness. Sai Baba,

SS. 11/86. p. 281

"Community Bhajans should not be treated as a pastime. When thousands of persons

join in singing Bhajans, they should be fully absorbed in the devotional process

and the ecstasy of that experience." Sai Baba. SS. 11/86. p. 281

"The singing should be vibrant arid soulful and not mechanical or drawling and

uninspiring. It should combine feeling (Bhavava), melody (Raaga) and rhythm

(Taala) Sai Baba, SS. 11/86, p. 281

"Songs should glorify the Name rather than describe the attributes. When

attributes are praised, some may develop doubts." Sai Baba. SS, 11/86, p. 281

General Guidelines For Conducting Bhajans

"In the Sadhana (spiritual practice) of Nama Smarana (remembering God's Name),

which I prescribe, two other complementary processes are included along the

recollection of the Name and the fixation of the mind on the Name: (i) there

must be purity of feeling, (ii) and dwelling on the meaning of the Name. That

will ensure success." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VI. 177.

"When the Puja (worship) with 108 or 1008 names is progressing, do not be

satisfied when the sound falls on the ear. Try to grasp the meaning too, so

that you can ruminate over the glory which each name denotes." Sai Baba, SSS,

Vol. VII, p. 287

"Many people do Japa (reciting God's name) and join Bhajans, but they are not

aware of the meaning and value of the words they utter mechanically." Sai Baba,

SSS. Vol. IX, p. 167

"Take the Name of the Lord and repeat it always. Do Bhajans with faith and

enthusiasm. Let the whole city shake with devotion you put into the Name." Sai

Baba. SSS. Vol. 1, p. 132

"When you sing Bhajan songs, dwell also on the meaning of the songs and the

message of each Name and Form of God. Do not waste time purposelessly; let

every moment be a Bhajan." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. V, p. 331

"Discipline has to be observed in speech, sport and every kind of relationship.

For instance, during Bhajans, all those singing in chorus have to maintain the

same tune. Discordant singing will jar the ears. Singing Bhajans in unison is a

form of discipline." Sai Baba. SS. 7/96. p. 174

"When the Name is repeated without concentration and without reverence, it

cannot cleanse the mind. Now the Name is on the tongue, the word is in the mind

and the owner of the Name is in the heart." Sai Baba, SSS. VI, p. 165

"Bhajans must be sung from the heart and just should not emanate from the lips."

Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 140

"Bhajan must be a felt experience. Let your heart pant for God, then Raaga

(tune) and Taala (rhythm) will automatically be pleasant and correct. Sincerity

will blot out all errors in Raaga and Taala." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VIII. p. 57

"The Bhajans, this time, were done in a ritualistic fashion. Greater attention

was paid to Raaga, Taala, Laya and Shruti (the melody, the beat, the rhythm and

the tone). All these are conventional qualities (Vyaavaahaarika). To elevate the

Bhajans to a spiritual level what are required are true feeling and the ecstasy

of devotion. The (devotional) songs should flow not from the lips but from the

heart. When the songs come out of the heart they will be blissful for the

ears.'^ Sai Baba. SS, 4/97, p. 94

"Let melody and harmony surge up from your hearts and let all take delight in

the love that you express through that (devotional) song." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol.

X. p. 75

"The words of a song can be expressed in a prosaic manner which has no appeal to

the listener. But when they are sung melodiously, they tug at the heartstrings.

(As in the song "Rama! Nannu Kaapaadu"- "Rama!" save me. Swami sang the song to

demonstrate its appeal.) Such sweetness is contained in the song when it is

rendered melodiously." Sai Baba, SS, 4/92, p. 70

"Conduct your Bhajans with a pure unsullied heart, oblivious to all worldly

desires. When you chant the Lord's Name with a pure heart, you will experience

the Divine." Sai Baba, SS. 4/97. p. 94

Crores (millions of rupees) 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." Sai Baba. SS. 4/92. p. 71

"Bhajans have to be sung to please the Lord, not your fans. With each Bhajan

sung, the mind must be rendered purer, freer from passion, and stronger in

faith." Sai Baba. SS. 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol. IX, p. 162

"You should sing whole-heartedly with the desire to please God. God makes no

distinction between a proficient musician and a beggar in the street. It is the

devotion and sincerity that matters. Merge your soul in the Bhajans you sing.

Spiritualize your Bhajan-singing. Then you will experience real bliss.Once

Emperor Akbar asked his court musician how he would account for the fact that a

wayside beggar's music moved him more profoundly than the music of the state

musician? The latter replied that while the beggar sang from his heart to

please God, his music constrained by the desire to please the Emperor." Sai

Baba. SS, 4/97, p. 96

"The hands should be lifted in prayer and the words should come out

full-throated. It is unfortunate that even those who are gifted with good

voices do not sing aloud in Bhajans." Sai Baba. SS. 8/96. p. 206

"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 talent and

competitions for mastery of musical skill." Sai Baba. SS, 12/74, p. 297 & SSS,

Vol. IX. p. 162

"When a man falls into a well, of what use is it if he controls his voice and

his emotions and whispers quietly, 'I have fallen into this well, I have fallen

into this well. I am in a great danger. Please save me.' No one will be able to

hear or save him. He must shout full-throated, with all anguish he is

experiencing and with extreme desire to be saved, "I HAVE FALLEN INTO THE WELL!

SAVE ME! SAVE ME SOMEONE!" Then only can he hope to get succour. Similarly, when

you are caught in the coils of this world, when you have fallen into this deep

well of worldly misery, shout with all your might, with all your heart that God

may save you. There is no use of muttering faintly and half-heartedly. 'Save me;

I am floundering in this Samsar.' When the prayer comes shrieking through the

heart, help is assured." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X. p. 68

"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 a devotional feeling, it should be expressed by the tongue joining in

the Bhajan. Only then it can be called "Sankirtana"- 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, the cries will be heard and people

will rush to save him." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92. p. 70

"Attitudes of difference and distinction should not enter the hearts of devotees

so far this sacred Sadhana is concerned. It would be far better for all parties

if such self-important and conceited folk stay away from Bhajans rather than

pollute the sacred atmosphere by spirit of rivalry and factionalism." Sai Baba,

SS, 12/74. p. 297 & SSS, Vol. IX, p. 162

"Bhajans where you quarrel and compete, and revel in putting down others and

raising yourselves, might give you satisfaction. But, let me announce here,

they do not please Me at all." Sai Baba, SS. 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol. IX. p.

163

"In singing Bhajans, there should be no spirit of competition and no caviling of

others. The entire concentration should be on the Name and Form of God." Sai

Baba. SS, 3/96, p. 61

"Remember! All are the sons and daughters of Sai Maataa (Mother). How can I

tolerate when the sons and daughters quarrel among themselves into rival

groups? Unless you sing Bhajans for your own joy, you cannot bring joy to

others." Sai Baba, SS. 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol. DC. p. 163

"During Bhajans the women are engaged in mutual recrimination. They quarrel over

seats. Can't they experience Bhagavan wherever they are?" Sai Baba, SS. 7/96, p.

184.

"The office-bearers in the units of our (Sai) Organization should be ever

vigilant, that this poison does not creep into the working of the units, either

in Bhajans, or in the activities ofMahila Vibhag (women wing),-or Seva Dal

(human service wine of volunteers)." Sai Baba, SS, 12/74. p. 297 & SSS. Vol.

IX. p. 163

"I am pleased only when love is the keynote, when the feeling of unity prevails,

when the melody comes from a cleansed God-loving heart." Sai Baba. SS, 12/74. p.

297 & SSS. Vol. IX. p. 163

"I do not need Bhajans which like gramophone records reproduce songs and

Naamaavalis, without any feeling or yearning while singing. Hours of shouting

do not count, a moment of concentrated prayer from the heart is enough, to melt

and move God." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. IV, p. 149

"Some people affirm that the Bhajans used at the Prasanthi Nilayam alone should

be sung. But God is omnipresent. He is the in-dweller in every heart. All Names

are His. So you can call on Him by any Name that gives you joy." Sai Baba, SSS,

Vol. VI, p. 238

"This (Sai) Organization believes that the Atma (soul) in each is the Atma in

all, and the God that each worships is the God that all worship. 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. For. all Names and all Forms

denote Me only. You betray your ignorance of My Truth when you stick to anyone

of My Names and avoid the rest." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. VIII, p. 71

"Do not care for what others feel about your Dhyana or Bhajan. Do not seek the

approval, appreciation, admiration of others, or refrain from Dhyana because

others dislike it or ridicule it. Be self-reliant, self-confident, see through

your own eyes, hear through your own ears." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X. p. 73

"I have been observing how the Bhajans are sung. When the girls sing, the boys

do not follow in chorus. When the boys sing, the girls do not respond. When

both are singing the Divine Name, why should not they sing in unison? What is

the reason for this narrow separatism? This should be given up." Sai Baba. SS.

4/97. p. 96

"When you sing Bhajans, take care that words you utter do not convey negative

meanings. Here is an example. Our boys (students) sing many Hindi Bhajans, in

which they often use the word 'Thu'. They sing 'Thu Rama', 'Thu Krishna', 'Thu

Sai' which does not convey the respectful way of addressing the Lord. The

Bhajans you sing must convey sacred meanings. You should not use any

disrespectful words in Bhajans." Sai Baba. SS, 4/2001. p. 114

"There should not be any wrong word in Bhajans. If you sing in this way, every

word that you utter would have sanctity." Sai Baba, SS, 4/2001, p. 115

"When the Bhajans end, you should go out in silence. When you get back to your

apartments, you may discuss your private affairs. But as a rule, observe

restraint in speech everywhere. It helps to conserve energy. Excessive talk

affects the nerves. You are liable to forget what you have heard." Sai Baba,

SS, 8/96, p. 211

"At the end of a Bhajan, we say 'Shanti' three times. This prayer is for peace

of the body, the mind and the spirit. Without this trine peace, man cannot have

real peace." Sai Baba, SS, 11/97, p. 289

Sing Bhajans With Full Concentration - An Episode

"Today there is no steadiness of mind in man. Some people think of their

footwear when they sit for Bhajans inside. Once Ramakrishna Paramahansa was

giving a discourse in a temple. Rani Rasamani, the owner of the temple, was

sitting in the front row. All were listening to Ramakrishna's discourse with

rapt attention. All of a sudden, Ramakrishna got up, went to Rani Rasamani and

slapped on her cheek. Everyone was surprised. They thought that Ramakrishna had

become mad. Ramakrishna told the public, '0 people, you may think it is a great

mistake on my part to have slapped her. What for you come? You are here to

listen to my teachings. Whether you practise or not, at least you should listen

to what is being said. If you do not like to listen to the discourse, you better

stay back at home. This Rani Rasamani is thinking of her legal disputes. Why

should she

come all the way to think of the court affairs?' She accepted her mistake and

promised not to repeat it. In modern age, many people attend spiritual

discourses and get impressed by them. But they do not put them into practice."

Sai Baba, SS. 2/99. p. 48

Music With Bhajans

"Bhaava (feeling), Raaga (melody) and Taala (rhythm) are the essentials for

proper singing. Even the name of Bharat (for India) signifies th? combination

of these three elements. (Bh-Ra-Ta). 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 love

for the subject and "Taala" means expressing one's knowledge coherently and

clearly." Sai Baba. SS, 4/892, p. 69

"Its essential purpose is to earn the love of God. Combining one's voice, tune,

feeling and the rhythm to appropriate beat of the song, the devotee should

immerse himself in the singing. Harmonizing the feeling with devotion and love,

the sacred words of song -should be an outpouring of love towards Gcd. That

alone is devotional s'rging. When the song is rendered without understanding

the meanings of the words and without any inner feeling or genuine love for

God, it is mechanical performance." Sai Baba. SS, 4/92. p. 69

"Bhajans do not become effective through drums, cymbals, violins and other

accessories. They cover up essential things- feelings, emotions, yearning,

sincerity and faith." Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. IV. p. 148

"Musical instruments used during Bhajans should not drown the voice of the

singer and those who follow. If there is mor»than one instrument used, maintain

a balance among instruments along with singing." Sai Baba

"While singing Bhajans, you should utter the Names (of God) from the depth of

the heart, not concentrating on Raaga (tune) and Taala (rhythm)." Sai Baba, SS,

6/94, p. 150

"Realise that what matters when they (singers) sing Bhajans is not the tune or

the conduct of Bhajans, but the genuineness of the feeling with which they sing

Bhajans. When their hearts are pure and full of deep devotion, the Bhajans will

be full of feeling and will appeal to the hearts of the listeners. What ensures

from the heart is 'positive', while what comes from the mind is often negative"

Sai Baba. SS, 4/98. p. 92

Attributes To Be Attained By Bhajan Singers

"When you do Bhajans and sing the Name of God, you should contemplate on

underlying truth. The Naamaavali, 'Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare;

Hare Krishna. Hare Krishna, Krishana Krishna Hare Hare' has sixteen words. Each

of the sixteen signifies a virtue, which has to be cultivated along with that

Bhajan. (i) He must be a Bhakta (full of devotion), (ii) a Tapo-yukta (prepared

to enjoy sufferings), (iii) a Samsara-mukta (detached from worldly attractions),

(iv) a Padaasakta (eager to serve the Lord), (v) a Vihitha (correct conduct),

(vi) a Daana-sahita (charitable), (vii) a Yashomahita (with unsullied

reputation), (vni) a Kalmasha-rahita (unblemished), (ix) a Poorna (fully

content), (x) a Guna-Gana (endowed with all virtues), (xi) an Utteerna

(equipped with all virtues), (xii) a Vidya-vikeerna (equipped with all fruits

of learning), (xiii) a

Jnana-visteerna (ripe in wisdom), (xiv) a Swaantha (self-controlled), (xv) a

Sadguna-Kranta (adorned with social traits), (xv) a Vinaya Vishranta (moved by

humility), and finally (xvi) a Pada-swantha (fully dedicated to God)." Sai

Baba, SSS. Vol. 1, pp. 164 & 165

Location And Time For Conducting Bhajan Sessions

"The Bhajan Mahdalis (groups), Satsahgs (spiritual meetings) and Bhakta Mandalis

(devotional groups), are now established, must spread the message of

Naama-smarana (remembering God's name), Bhajan and Naama-sam-kirtana at all

times and in all places." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VI, p. 42

"Have Bhajans on as many days as you can, in your village or area. Have them in

places where all can come and join, not in the homes of some people, for in

homes not all may be welcome." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. VI, pp. 237

"Bhajans are best held on Thursday evenings and Sunday evenings. But there is no

unbreakable rule. for it is not the day of the week that counts. It is the heart

that must be ready and eager to imbibe the joy and share it." Sai Baba, SSS.

Vol. VI. p. 238"Group Bhajans must be arranged to suit the convenience of the

locality and the people." Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. VI. p. 238

Expenses For Holding Bhajans

"Have Bhajans as simple as you can, without any competitive pomp and show.

Reduce expenses to the minimum, for God cares for the inner yearnings, and not

the outer trappings. Even this small unavoidable expenditure must be silently

shared spontaneously by a few members of the committee, and not collected by

means of a (donation) plate or Hundi pot. or a subscription or a donation

list. The participants must be bound by love, affection, loyalty, one Name and

Form." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. VI. p. 237

The Magic Of Bhajans

"Remembering the Name is the panacea. When the Name is chanted as a song set to

music, it delights the heart immensely. Many pundits recite the Names as verse

(shalokas). They do no 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 hearts in appreciation when they listen to devotional

music. The words of a song can be expressed in a prosaic manner, which has no

appeal to the listener. But when they are sung melodiously, they tug at the

heartstrings. 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

feelings." Sai Baba, SS. 4/92, p. 70

"Do Bhajans and have the Name of the Lord on your lips. Do not waste even a

single moment. By chanting the name of Rama, Hanuman, the monkey, became

all-powenul, the embodiment of peace and the exemplar of all noble qualities.

Sita was full of praise for him." Sai Baba, SS, 12/87. p. 324

"Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling heavenly cow, can be drawn and tied to a post by

means of a rope. God too. can be drawn towards you by the rope (God's Name), and

tied to the post (the tongue). Then His Name will be dancing upon the tongue

forever, conferring the sv/eetness of His Majesty. The Name (of God) has to be

sung for your own delight, to quench your own thirst, to appease your own

hunger. No one eats to appease another's hunger, nor takes drugs to alleviate

another's illness. So do not care for what others feel about your Dhyana or

Bhajan." Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. X, p. 73

Bhajan Should Be A Continuous Process

''Do not think that it is enough if you just sing Bhajans when the people from

the (Sai) Seva Samiti come and join you. Sing them in your minds, silently and

sincerely, when you are at work, with your friends or even alone by yourself.

Just as a torch in your hand shows you the way if you are walking at night in

the dark, the Name of God on your tongue will guide you through the night of

ignorance in your joumey of life." Sai Baba, SSS. Vol. X, p. 154

Origin Of Akhanda-Bhajan

"Embodiment of the Pure Atman! Last November (of 1975), on the 23rd, people from

all parts of the world had assembled here to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, and

the office-bearers of the (Sai) Centres were here for the Second World

Conference and other functions that took place. Later, they expressed their

desire that they should be allotted a date before the close of the Jubilee

Year, when they in their own places could celebrate the happy occasion. In

order to overcome their disappointment, it was decided that in all (Sai)

Centres all over the world, Bhajan (Namasamkirtan) be held for twenty-four

hours, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday (yesterday, 13 November 1976), and

ending at 6:30 p.m. today (14 November J 976). Therefore, in 42 countries

around the globe more than 7000 centres have enthusiastically

taken up this pleasant assignment. This has been named an Akhanda Bhajan, that

is to say, Bhajan done without a break" Sai Baba. SSS. Vol. X. p. 66

"Srimati Sundaramma is one of the old devotees who has known Sri Sathya Sai Baba

since he was a boy of sixteen. Her father, Seshagiri Rao, came to Sri Sathya Sai

Baba after her. Sundaramma continued the weekly Bhajan singing with great

dedication and without interruption for an entire year. Her father, Seshagiri

Rao, thought that they should celebrate the completion of the year of

Bhajan-singing in a suitable style. Each member of the family thought of

different ways to celebrate the anniversary in a befitting manner, but

Seshagiri Rao's idea that was adopted: Akhanda Bhajan (unbroken Bhajans) for

the one whole day and one whole night. The decision having been taken, they got

down to planning the performance at their house - which songs to sing, what

Prasadam to distribute and pooling of resources to obtain the ingredients of

Prasadam. This was particularly tricky as, in those days. there was rationing of

rice and the system had to be worked out fairly in cash and in kind.

After making all the preliminary arrangements, father and daughter went to

Puttaparthi to announce their attention to Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He was very

happy to hear their plans and responded startlingly, "I have come only for this

reason, for the sake of my devotees. Go ahead with the Akhanda Bhajans. I will

go there and be with you throughout the singing."

Sundaramma explained that, up to that moment, they had planned only a very

simple celebration. But, if Sri Sathya Sai Baba was himself going to attend,

then, she felt that she ought to make more elaborate arrangements. Then Sri

Sathya Sai Baba said he would take charge of all the arrangements. He asked her

to book a place in town and to have the Akhanda Bhajans sung there so that all

those who wanted to attend could do so more conveniently. He also advised her

to ask other devotees to assist in the event.

Sundaramma was in a quandary at this unexpected turn of events. To cope with an

occasion, such as it was turning out to be, was a gigantic task in those days

when even transportation was very difficult. She calculated that about a

hundred regular devotees might turn up for the first Akhanda Bhajan and so she

had Prasadam prepared for that number. However, hundreds of devotees turned up

on that day. They had learned of the event by word of mouth and in dreams and

visions of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Sundaramma became anxious about how she would

provide enough Prasadam to all.

Puja to Shirdi Sai Baba's and Sri Sathya Sai Baba's images was performed under a

gaily bedecked floral canopy. Sri Sathya Sai Baba materialized a silver figurine

of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba to keep beside a large bust of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba,

especially made for the occasion. Then, with circular movements of hand, he

produced 108 golden flowers for the Puja. After Archana (offering with Mantras)

of rare flowers, Seshagiri Rao performed Paadapuja (worship of the feet) to Sri

Sathya Sai Baba who lighted the Akhanda Jyoti (ever-lasting flame) at the

Bhajan meeting.

Sundaramma then requested Sri Sathya Sai Baba to come into the kitchen and

pronounce Akshya (limitless) blessings over the food. He looked at the cooked

food and loudly said "Akshaya" thrice. Then he sprinkled water on the food and

left.

Sundaramma remembers with awe how food prepared for a hundred people fed several

thousands people easily, even generously. The pot containing the Prasadam simply

never became empty. At last, before leaving the kitchen, Sundaramma entreated

Sri Sathya Sai Baba to let the pot be empty and then it was easily emptied.

'Such was the nature of Swami's blessing that it ensured an unending stream of

food,' said Sundaramma.

The event was truly remarkable. The first Akhanda Jyoti, organized by Seshagiri

-Rao, has led the lighting of thousands of other Akhanda Jyotis on Akhanda

Bhajan day in Sai Samithis Bhajan centres throughout the world." Extracted from

Shakuntala Balu's book "Living Divinity", First edition, 1983, pp.175-177

Glimpses Of The Akhanda Bhajan At Prasanthi Nilayam (1994)

"The Akhanda Bhajan had special significance this year when Bhagavan lighted the

Akhanda Jyoti on November 12, 1994, in the renovated Prasanthi Mandir. The

Mandir wore a new attractive look with seven artistically designed and

exquisitely executed domes replacing the old ones, besides the huge imposing

new Mandap in front for accommodating the vast concourse of devotees waiting

for Darshan. The Mandap with twenty massive ornamental pillars, covered with

shining polished granite slabs and bearing a lotus-shaped bowl to carry

concealed lighting, transformed the former open Darshan grounds into a spacious

hall with polished black and white marble slabs for the flooring. Two wings of

the hall appeared like two gigantic pianos, with a series of elephant images

decorating the frieze. At night the Mandir appeared like a Fairy Land

with multi-coloured illuminations setting the Mandir in bold relief and

enhancing the beauty of the sacred edifice."

"The Mandap was filled with thousands of eager devotees from all over the world

while the Mandir was occupied by students from three campuses of the Sai

Institute. On the Akhanda Bhajan day (Saturday, 12th November), Bhagavan came

to the Mandap before the Bhajans started and gave Darshan to all sections of

the crowd. The Akhanda Bhajan commenced at 6:00 p.m. after Bhagavan lighted the

Akhanda Jyoti (lamp) in the Mandir. After the first song on Ganesha sung by the

men students, the Bhajan song, "Akhanda Jyoti Jalao" was sung by the women

students. The Bhajans continued non­stop for twenty-four hours with men and

women leading by turns."

"Bhagavan sat through the Bhajan for nearly two hourc on Saturday. On Sunday

morning, Bhagavan went round the devotees, giving Darshan, and stayed for the

Bhajans for two hours. The Bhajan came to a close at 6.00 p.m. on Sunday, with

the distribution of Prasadam to all the devotees with the-blessings of

Bhagavan. Prasadam consisted of tamarind rice and sweet rice. Bhagavan

supervised the distribution of Prasadam after taking Aarati and stayed on till

all were served." Editor. SS, 12/94, p. 318

Important Questions Concerning Bhajan

QUESTION: Years of Bhajan and Meditation have not borne fruit in me; I am where I was before. Why?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: "How can fire be struck from a wet match-stick? Soaked in

worldly desires and caught in material entanglements, how can the light of

wisdom shine in your head? How can you generate the fire of Jnana" SSS, Vol. X.

p. 140

QUESTION: The Lord told Narada that he could find Him installed wherever His

glory is sung by His devotees. Does it mean that He is installed in the

thousands of places where Bhajan is sung?

Sri Sathya Sai Baba: "No. The pre-condition is 'sung by devotees'. The devotees

sing to please God, to acclaim His Majesty. They do not crave for exhibition,

appreciation or fame, nor have they any envy or pride in their hearts. Tansen

was a celebrated singer attached to the court of Emperor Akbar. He was so

talented that when he sang the Raga Megahmala, clouds gathered thick in the

sky. When he sang Varuna, rain fell. When he sang Nagaswara. serpents flocked

before him. One day while Akbar was engaged in prayer, he heard a Haridasa, a

wandering mendicant, singing a song which touched his heart immensely. Akbar

called Tansen to his presence and asked him why he could not touch his heart so

deeply. 'You have all gifts and are the most talented singer, yet Haridasa moved

me as never before. Why?' Tansen said, 'Maharaj, while I sing, I

look upon your face to discover whether you are pleased or not. The Dasa sings

always looking at the Face of God before him, and he is happy only when God is

pleased.' Bhajan must be sung from the heart and should not just emanate from

the lips." SSS. Vol. X, pp. 140 & 141

>From the book - Festivals at Prasanthi Nilayam - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba - Compiled and Edited by Suresh C Bhatnagar

Significance of the Akhanda Bhajan can also be found here:

 

http://sathyasai.org/calendar/akhand.html

 

online source:http://sai_maa.tripod.com/diwali02/akhanda.html

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