Sankirtan Yoga

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Sankirtan is singing God's name with feeling (Bhava), love (Prema)

and faith (Sraddha). In Sankirtan people join together and sing God's

name collectively in a common place. Sankirtan is one of the nine

modes of Bhakti. You can realise God through Kirtan alone. This is

the easiest method for attaining God-consciousness in Kali Yuga or

the Iron Age " Kalau Kesava-Kirtanat " .

 

When several people join together and practise Sankirtan, a huge

spiritual current or Mahasakti is generated. This purifies the heart

of the aspirants and elevates them to the sublime heights of divine

ecstasy or Samadhi. The powerful vibrations are carried to distant

places. They bring elevation of mind, solace, strength to all people

and work as a harbinger of peace, harmony and concord. They

annihilate hostile forces and quickly bring peace and bliss to the

whole world.

 

Lord Hari says to Narada, " Naham Vasami Vaikunthe Yoginam Hridaye na

cha, Mad-Bhakta Yatra Gayanti Tatra Tishthami Narada " , i.e., " I dwell

not in Vaikuntha nor in the hearts of the Yogins, but I dwell where

my devotees sing my name, O Narada. "

 

Kirtan destroys sins, Vasanas and Samskaras, fills the heart with

Prem and devotion and brings the devotee face to face with God.

 

Akhanda Kirtan is very powerful. It purifies the heart. The

Mahamantra: 'Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-Hare Krishna,

Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare' or 'Om Namah Sivaya' should

be sung continuously for 3 hours or 24 hours, three days or a week,

by forming batches. One will lead and others will follow. Do Akhanda

Kirtan on Sundays or holidays. Do Prabhat-Pheri Kirtan in the morning

around the streets. Kirtan in the early morning is more effective

than at night.

 

At night, sit before the picture of the Lord along with your

children, family-members and servants. Do Kirtan for one or two

hours. Be regular in the practice. You will derive immense peace and

strength.

 

Sing the Lord's Name from the bottom of your heart. Be wholly and

solely devoted to Him. Delay in God-realisation is extremely painful.

Merge in Him. Live in Him. Be established in Him.

 

May peace and prosperity abide in you all!

 

(Source: Essence of Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda)