Baba
Kiirtana variety
Namaskar,
Kiirtana means chanting the divine glories of the Lord out loud, for all the world to hear, so all may be benefited.
On the path of A'nanda Ma'rga there are three recognised types of kiirtana: (a) na'ma kiirtana, (b) pad kiirtana, and (c) pa'la' kiirtana. Each have their own beauty and significance. We should be familiar with all three - understanding their unique and distinct qualities.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Baba story: Na'm kiirtana is the top most
One time when Baba graciously declared that "kiirtana must be sung", then one margii began singing pad kiirtana. At the next general darshan, Baba announced, "When I say sing kiirtana that means na'm kiirtana."
Sadguru Baba went on to explain that our na'm kiirtana is a siddha mantra and can lead one to the height of human glory. So na'm kiirtana is the top most. In AM our na'm kiirtana is: Ba'ba' Na'm Kevalam. This is the main kiirtana sung in our Ananda Marga spiritual practices, and it is this kiirtana which can free us from so many trials and tribulations and allow us to express our great love for Parama Purusa.
So our na'm kiirtana, Baba Nam Kevalam, is a deeply powerful and spiritual form of expression that is quite different from pad kiirtana and pa'la' kiirtana.
What is pad kiirtana?
Some may be wondering what is pad kiirtana. Some may want to know what is it that the above margii sang to Baba that day as mentioned in the above story. Pad literally means “poetry”, and pad kiirtana is a particular type of poetic song where certain lines are sung in a specialised manner with a specific type of chorus, or line of repetition or refrain.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Students of music history can tell more about its distinct qualities, but suffice to say here that in the early days of Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, various margiis were writing and singing bhajans for Baba in this manner. So many songs were lovingly sung to Baba using the specific verse types known as pad kiirtana.
And not only that, various Prabhat Samgiita are in accordance with the rules and style of pad kiirtana. For instance, many of the Prabhat Samgiita between #140 and #160 are examples of pad kiirtana.
So pad kiirtana is very meaningful and describes all the glories of the Lord. However, it is not in the same class as na'm kiirtana. Though quite beautiful and moving and certainly a veritable avenue for spiritual expression, pad kiirtana is of a lower grade than our na'm kiirtana, which as mentioned above is a siddha mantra, or perfect mantra.
What is pa'la' kiirtana
Pa'la' literally means “turn”. First one person sings then the audience responds. Thus pa'la' kiirtana is done in the style of call and response, where the main singer sings a line and the general public responds. But there is another aspect as well.
In between the audience's participation, the main singer(s) perform at length, singing the glories of the Lord and recounting His tales and stories in the form of a dialog or prose that is often sung. So it is a spiritual account or history about Parama Purusa that is led by trained sadhakas, who invite the audience to join in and sing. Because suddenly, on perfect cue, either by voice or by music, the audience is again invited to sing a particular line or lines. Pa'la' kiirtana can be a multi-hour engagement.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Like the above two kiirtanas, pa'la' is a very spiritual and jovial scene. Everyone is involved in singing and dancing as well as listening to the main performers - all the while ideating on Parama Purusa. So it is quite, quite blissful.
One thing to add here is that these days, there are many types of folk and pseudo-culture music that are similar to pa'la' kiirtana. Rap music is one such type. But they are similar only in structure and style, not in meaning. Because no matter what, kiirtana is always aimed at highlighting the glories of the Lord whereas rap music is about all kinds of degenerating and worldly topics like gangbanging, girlfriends, drugs, life on the streets etc. That is why none of today's contemporary pop music is up to the standard of pa'la' kiirtana.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “The world of music today is like a person without a proper guru or proper training. People want to show they can play without having paid their dues. They are selling themselves for gold without realizing that the real value of music is being lost thereby. Gold is becoming even cheaper than glass." (1)
Three types of kiirtana
In brief review, there are three main types of kiirtana:
(a) Na'ma Kiirtana: This is the singing of Baba Nam Kevalam, in its many forms including avarta kiirtana, nagar kiirtana, katha kiirtana (see note), and akhanda kiirtana etc.
(b) Pad Kiirtana: This is when a poetic verse is put into a kiirtana form. Various margiis turn a stanza so their bhajans into this type of kiirtan in order to glorify the Lord. And there are many PS compositions between the numbers of #0140 -> #0160 that fall into this category as well.
(c) Pa'la' Kiirtana: Pa'la' literally means “turn”. First one person sings then the audience responds. Thus pa'la' kiirtan is done in the style of call and response, where the main singer sings a stanza of Baba Nam Kevalam and the general public responds. But there is another aspect as well. In between the audience's participation, the main singer(s) perform at length, singing the glories of the Lord and recounting His tales and stories in the form of a dialog or prose that is often sung. And then it will go back in BNK kiirtana where all join in and sing. So it is a spiritual account or history about Parama Purusa that is led by trained sadhakas, who invite the audience to join in and sing.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Note: Katha Kiirtana: This is when a collection of people gather to sing kiirtana and share stories in between singing BNK kiirtana.
When to sing which kiirtana
Ananda Marga philosophy states,“শুধু যদি কীর্তন ৰলা হয়, কীর্তন মানে নাম-কীর্তন | আর এ যে, “গান-টান গাও,” ওগুলোকে ৰলা হয় পদ-কীর্তন | আর কোনও একটা sketch নিয়ে যা তৈরি করা হয়, তাকে ৰলা হয় পালা-কীর্তন | সকালে আমি ৰললুম, “কীর্তন করো” | না, সৰাই শুরু করে দিল, পদ-কীর্তন | না | শুধু কীর্তন ৰললে নাম-কীর্তনকেই ৰোঝায় |" [बनावटी आध्यात्मिकता और नव्यमानवतावाद Pseudo-spirituality and Neohumanism NH 1-13(E,B) (NP) // Abhi 5-13, RU [EGD] 31 December 1982, A'nanda Nagar]
English summary: If it is told to only sing kiirtan then it means nam kiirtana. If it is told to sing songs etc that means pad kiirtana. If it is based on the sketch of a storyline that means pala kiirtan. In the morning I told you to do kiirtana and everyone started singing pad kiirtana, but that was wrong. If I say do kiiirtana then that only means nam kiirtana.
Note: Mostly, however, in various talks, reporting, and seminars etc, these points about the various types of kiirtanas were introduced, especially around 1970.
All three kiirtanas were done in Baba's presence
All three types of kiirtana - na'm, pad & pa'la' - were sung in Baba's presence, and the proof is that all three have been mentioned and described in places like our Seminar Notes etc. Plus in VSS camps and ERAWS camps there were times when all these three types kiirtanas were performed. So in AMPS we have a long and well-documented history of kiirtana. Before na'm kiirtana came into existence in 1969-70, both pad kiirtana and pa'la' kiirtana were performed in Baba’s presence.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
In Ananda Marga mystical practices, there are three types of kiirtana that goad the mind towards Him. All three are veritable tools for all sadhakas. Yet it is only na'm kiirtana - the chanting of Baba Nam Kevalam - that is our main type of kiirtana. And it is this kiirtana which allows us to quickly move in His proximity by calling Him closer and closer.
In Him,
Bhavesh
Benefits of kiirtana
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Whenever you find time, do kiirtana loudly and you will never become degenerated because by chanting the Lord’s holy name the mind remains elevated." (2)
Ananda Marga ideology says, "At the place of kiirtana, not only the people who are themselves doing kiirtana will be benefited, but also those who are not participating – and even those who are not participating and who do not even like it – they will also be benefited!" (3)
Chanting our Ananda Marga kiirtana is an essential part of our spiritual life. By this practice the mind remains in a sentient flow and is pointed towards the Supreme. In that case there is no scope for one’s degeneration or downfall.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
~ In-depth study ~
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Here I [Marga Guru] want to tell you all very clearly that if under any circumstances any such sinful thoughts every enter your mental sphere and have not yet transformed themselves into physical action you should immediately start singing kiirtana at the top of your voice. I have made a rhyme:”
Ba'ba' na'm kevalam yata pa'p hare
Pa'piider sa'dhya nei tata pa'p kare.
“The repetition of Ba'ba' na'm kevalam even once kills so many [psychic] sins that the worst sinners could not accumulate them." (4)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "You should remember that if you always sing “Ba'ba' Nam Kevalam,” you have a family relationship with Him. More than that, you have a relationship of love with Him." (5)
Beware of pseudo-culture music
We should always be eager to sing kiirtana, because by this way we become purified and move towards the Supreme Entity. And we must always remember that music is for goading the mind toward Parama Purus and not for encouraging animal propensities.
With music, one may go toward either [so-called] heaven or hell - or get stuck in degradation for ions and ions. It is a double-edged sword and can lead one to emancipation or destruction. All pop music leads to one’s degeneration. We should not entertain any type of pop music otherwise that will only lead to one's crudifcation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “If music must descend to the ordinary level of life to conform to the slogan of naturalness, then preeminence will be given to doggerels, as the sweetness and charm of real music becomes extinct. Indeed, the music that is in vogue in the world today in the name of “popular music” is nothing but doggerels of this type." (6)
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "If someone makes a sound like “ra, ra, ra – cha, cha, cha,” or if someone sings, “Follow my song! Let us sing and dance our way to [so-called] hell,” these are sound inferences, but they carry a very crude idea." (7)
Lost treasure of the past will be restored
Even then, we must not give up and think that from today onward all the music created by people will be poor and degrading. Baba guides us that the future of music is not doomed forever.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "It is a matter of great regret that people have forgotten this science of music, whose foundation was laid by the intense efforts of Shiva. Nowadays, instead of considering music as a valuable asset to spiritual practice, they take it as a hobby, a means of livelihood, or a mere pastime. The arduous effort which Shiva invested in this science is conspicuously absent today. Some people lament this...If the followers of Shiva make even one percent of the progress Shiva made, then India and indeed the world and the universe will surely regain that melodious voice and those charming notes. There is no reason for disillusionment. If people only develop their vigour, discipline and simplicity, and make intense effort, then success will come automatically. The lost treasure of the past will be fully restored to human society." (8)
What is the proper approach
Ananda Marga ideology says, “If you have even only one minute’s time, do kiirtan for one minute. If even two or three people gather together, they can do kiirtan collectively; if one thousand people assemble together, then also they can do kiirtan. When you do kiirtan and move towards Parama Purus'a, the Supreme Father, then in Parama Purus'a’s mind also there will be a flow of bliss, because so many minds are coming towards Him with love. He will feel very happy. Seeing the bliss of His devotees, Parama Purus'a will also become overwhelmed with joy, because of His enormous love for His devotees. “How good these devotees are!” – He says. Parama Purus'a loves each and everyone, but He loves those who do kiirtan still more. He will say to them, “Come, come, come, – come near to Me.” This is the proper way to serve Parama Purus'a in the mental sphere." (9)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Moreover, those people doing kiirtana are the devotees of the Lord, and they have already placed a throne for Parama Purus'a in their hearts. So when there is kiirtana Parama Purus'a immediately comes to sit on the throne of their hearts. The divine seat, the universal hub of Parama Purus'a is shifted there. That spot becomes the capital of Parama Purus'a." (10)
References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 3, Disc: 12
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle
3. Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, ‘Kiirtana Dispels Calamities’
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Nityánanda and Liilánanda
5. Subhasita Samgraha - 20, Ideology, Goal and Devotion
6. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
7. Microvitum in a Nutshell, Smell and Microvita – Excerpt C
8. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 2
9. Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Serve the Supreme by Kiirtana
10. Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Kiirtana Dispels Calamities
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Without my even asking
"Tumi a'ma'ya bha'loba'so, a'mi ja'ni go keu ja'n na'...” (Prabhat Samgiita #3365)
Purport:
Baba, You love me. And about this love between You and me, only I know-- nobody else knows. You are so gracious. Without my even asking, You go on providing the fuel for my forward movement.
Parama Purusa, You fill the cimmerian darkness with Your divine effulgence and the heart of the moon with Your sweet nectar. You are the aroma of all inspiration for all souls. You never remain distant nor go far. Always You are with me as mine alone. You are constantly showering Your grace.
Baba, I continue to make mistakes again and again. Even then You lovingly care for me and guide me with Your sha'shan (discipline) and love. Indeed with the rhythm of welfare, You graciously fill up my whole existence. You are the crown on my head that never gets separated from me. You are the crowning glory of my entire existence and my everything.
Parama Purusa, our intimacy and loving relation is so deep. Nobody can imagine. Baba, Your grace is unfathomable. I surrender at Your lotus feet…
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3365:
[1] Sha'shan: Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Hitarthe sha'sanam ityarthe anusha'sanam-- that discipline which leads to the welfare of all human beings." (1)
Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá
Relations with others
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states:
1. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society, Points #40 - 43
"Tumi a'ma'ya bha'loba'so, a'mi ja'ni go keu ja'n na'...” (Prabhat Samgiita #3365)
Purport:
Baba, You love me. And about this love between You and me, only I know-- nobody else knows. You are so gracious. Without my even asking, You go on providing the fuel for my forward movement.
Parama Purusa, You fill the cimmerian darkness with Your divine effulgence and the heart of the moon with Your sweet nectar. You are the aroma of all inspiration for all souls. You never remain distant nor go far. Always You are with me as mine alone. You are constantly showering Your grace.
Baba, I continue to make mistakes again and again. Even then You lovingly care for me and guide me with Your sha'shan (discipline) and love. Indeed with the rhythm of welfare, You graciously fill up my whole existence. You are the crown on my head that never gets separated from me. You are the crowning glory of my entire existence and my everything.
Parama Purusa, our intimacy and loving relation is so deep. Nobody can imagine. Baba, Your grace is unfathomable. I surrender at Your lotus feet…
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3365:
[1] Sha'shan: Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Hitarthe sha'sanam ityarthe anusha'sanam-- that discipline which leads to the welfare of all human beings." (1)
Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Relations with others
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states:
"40) You should try to get advice from everyone, but accept only the best. One whose advice you were unable to accept should not feel internally that he/she is trifling or insignificant to you, to society, or to the organization."Reference
"41) Do not judge anyone to be good or bad hastily, nor express your opinion. Even a small mistake in your decision or in your expression may result in collective harm to society."
"42) Remember, with every person you have a relationship of love and not of fear; those who love you will certainly give you recognition."
"43) Do not hurt an honest person even slightly." (1)
1. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society, Points #40 - 43
== Section 4: Links ==
Recent postingsOther topics of interest
