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We will learn simple bhajans from different parts of India that invoke the “bhakti bhava” in us with easy lyrics and simple melodies. We will go into the meaning of the bhajans and any special significance of the same. When you sing bhajans, dwell on the meaning of the song and the message of each name and form of God.
Significance of Bhajans :
kalerdoshanidhe rajannasti hyeko mahan gunah
kirtanad eva krishnasya muktasangah param vrajet
(Shreemad Bhagavatam 12.3.51)
This verse from the Shreemad Bhagavatam states that Kaliyug, the present era, is an ocean of faults - people have disturbed minds, unsound health, they live in polluted environment, and face disturbing situations. However, there is one very great virtue in Kaliyug. By lovingly chanting the melodious kirtans of the Lord, one can easily get liberated from material bondage.
According to Skand Puran
"Humans should not worry about the burning fire of past sins; the shower of rain from the clouds of God's Holy Name will extinguish it easily."
Benefits:The shlokas have specific rhythm and if chanted properly can produce powerful vibrations. Conveying the majesty and the Omnipotence of God, the shlokas portray vivid descriptions of the different God forms and their Divine powers. Anyone who chants these powerful verses and invokes the appropriate God (Goddess) Forms and Names mentally, will be able to achieve a steady and peaceful mind full of devotion.
Devotional singing, known as bhajans or kirtan, can help to quiet the mind so that the heart can open to the divine, allowing us to taste the blissful reality that is our true nature. It is a participatory spiritual practice in which everyone is encouraged to sing and express their inner joy. Devotion, not musical ability, is the most important aspect of kirtan. To gain concentration in this age of materialism, bhajan is easier than meditation. By loud singing, other distracting sounds will be overcome and concentration will be achieved. Bhajan, concentration and meditation, this is the progression.
Bhajan is important for the devotee because it is intimate and free in expression. Bhajan preserves India's rich legacy of devotion, wisdom and mysticism from saints like Meerabai, Tulsidas, Kabir, Surdas, Thyagaraja, Purandaradasa, Tukaram, Namdev, and many, many others. Many Spiritual leaders and gurus in recent times have stressed the importance of shlokas and bhajans and as such this is an integral part of many traditions.
Sankirtans or musical gatherings are an effective form of yoga or spiritual discipline, necessitating intense concentration, absorption in the seed thought and sound. Because man himself is an expression of the Creative Word, sound exercises on him a potent and immediate effect.
-Paramahansa Yogananda
Other activities:
Holidays and Festivals celebration.
Class Timing:
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST on
alternate Saturdays
Location:
Via Zoom until further notice
Age requirement:
5+ Years
Registration
Registration must be completed prior to attending the class. Prior to registering, make sure you check with the class contact regarding the availability of seats at the proper level for the student as the registration fee is not refundable.
Contact Information:
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