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Bhajan (devotional song) is one of the processes by which you can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Teach the mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God. Wean it away from petty horizons of pleasure…Bhajan induces in you a desire to experience the truth, to glimpse the beauty that is God, to taste the bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to dive into himself and be genuinely his real Self.

Sathya Sai Speaks 7, pp.468-469

By participating in song meetings, we derive many benefits. Love and devotion well up in our hearts. Remembrance of God becomes constant and steady. The practice speeds us on the path to winning the Lord’s grace. With effort and devotion, God’s blessings are won.

The tongue is a post, bhajan is the rope; with that rope, you can bring God Almighty near you and tie him up so that his grace becomes yours. God is so kind that he will yield to your prayers and get bound. You have only to call on him to be by your side, with you, leading you and guiding you.

Sathya Sai Speaks 7, p.52

When we sing with devotion, joy is likely to remain in our hearts all day long. Song becomes a source of inspiration and consolation that transforms our lives. The effort results in expanded consciousness of the presence of God. That awareness promotes faith and peace.

You must pass your days in song. Let your whole life be a bhajan. Believe that God is everywhere at all times and derive strength, comfort, and joy, singing in your heart in his presence the glory of God. Let melody and harmony surge up from your hearts and let all take delight in the love that you express through that song.

Sathya Sai Speaks 10, p.75

The joy which we derive from song helps to sustain and encourage us on the path. It binds us to the Lord and attracts his grace. God derives joy from our joy. When we draw closer to him, the Lord draws closer to us. The bliss of song binds us to him as few other practices can.

The ananda (bliss) that I derive from bhajan I do not get from anything else.

Sathya Sai Speaks 8, p.48

2. The Song Meeting

To get at the sweet juice of a coconut, we must first peel off the fibrous husk and crack the hard nut. In the same manner, to enjoy devotional songs, some preparatory tasks must be accomplished. For the song meeting to be harmonious and beneficial, proper guidelines have to be adopted. Clear organization and policies help to eliminate misunderstandings.

When one member is placed in charge of the activity, there is less chance for confusion. This allows for the orderly development of the session. As the number of members grows, changes have to be made. Suggestions need to be monitored and implemented by a knowledgeable individual or committee.

The decoration of the hall and arrangement of the session should not suggest pomp and undue expense. It is best kept simple and devotional. Ideally the session is convened in a clean and accessible location. All participants should feel welcome to attend. Song meetings should spread good will and tolerance in the community.

Bhajan must spread good will, love, ecstasy. It must invite all to share in the joy and peace.

Sathya Sai Speaks 8, p.47

To foster an atmosphere of peace and love, it is beneficial to start the meeting with omkar (the repetition of Om) and to conclude with a short meditation. This establishes a feeling of brotherhood and cooperation among all.

The group must also decide what its objectives will be. For example, a song center may decide to encourage young members to participate in singing and leading songs. Members may decide that the participation of young members is more important than maintaining high musical standards. This is particularly true when young members are inexperienced at leading songs or playing instruments. The price must be evaluated by the participants in light of the benefits.

Another policy which should be discussed at the outset is song selection, particularly language preferences. It is desirable for the group to sing in the language of their country of residence. Of course, some variety should be encouraged, but it is important that our meetings appeal to newcomers from the community around us. We must help more and more people to know the great love of Sai. It is usually easier for participants to experience the devotion of a song when they understand and can pronounce the words.

3. Standards: Musical or Devotional ?

Devotion is the stamp which posts our loving thoughts to God. A mother cares more for the scrawl of her children than for the beautiful script of a stranger; God listens to our hearts more than to our words.

It is not the perfection of musical talent alone which pleases the Lord. Devotion and sincerity should also be expressed. It is good to encourage wholehearted participation and enthusiasm. Where is the benefit if we are timid and do not sing out?

Some do not sing loud at bhajans. When a man has fallen into a well and is unable to get out, does he mutter to himself? Clap your hands with vigor so that the birds of evil and passion infesting your minds shall fly away.

Sanathana Sarathi, Dec.1980, p.256

It is also desirable, however, that tunes be sung in a harmonious and pleasing manner. Musical training or the learning of scales is not required. What is required is that our singing be a natural reflection of our yearning for God. When we sing with devotion, our joy naturally sweetens the melody.

Bhajan must be a felt experience. Do not sing with one eye on the effect the song makes on the listeners and the other on the effect it makes on God. Let your heart pant for God; then raga and tala will automatically be pleasant and correct.

Sathya Sai Speaks 8, p.60

At a public meeting, it may be necessary for some individuals to express their enthusiasm silently. Praises sung in a discordant manner do little to elevate our spirits. Standards must be met for the musical quality of a public session.

Let those with a good voice and musical talent lead. The keertan (song) must be pleasant; it should not jar on the ear. If your voice is grating or out of tune, do not disturb the melody, but repeat the Namavali (the name of the Lord in song) in your mind.

Sathya Sai Speaks 7, p.172

Another difficulty may arise when working with the most musically talented members. These members may wish to widen the scope of compositions to be sung. In seeking new songs and some variety, they may select songs which are too difficult for other members to follow. There may even be a tendency for some leaders to compete in musical virtuosity. They may display their egos more than devotion, an occurrence directly contrary to the purpose of the discipline.

I do not like bhajan that promotes rivalry or envy or egoism or that emanates from intolerance.

Sathya Sai Speaks 6, p.266

Variety in the program is desirable. New songs help to build our interest and enthusiasm. One effective way to do this is to schedule regular learning sessions. In these sessions, leaders and members can improve their skills and learn new songs. It may be necessary to require leaders to attend these sessions so they can determine if they are prepared to sing the new composition.

4. Take Up the Practice

Song is a key which sometimes can unlock even the hardest hearts. It is like the sun that carries even the heaviest clouds across the sky: their leaden mass is lifted by the divine warmth.

So all should take up the practice of singing to the Lord. Excuses should not be found for missing the song meeting. Each of us has a contribution to make – if only by appreciative listening. Our discipline of regular practice needs to be steadily maintained. For this reason, Sathya Sai Baba recommends regular attendance.

Attend all the sessions in the hall…Do not take shelter behind excuses. It you are ill, bhajan will help the cure, or, let me tell you, it is far better to die during the bhajan with the Lord’s name on the lips.

Sathya Sai Speaks 2, p.186

Harmony and devotion must ultimately be the result of a good song meeting. All who participate must work together with tolerance and the knowledge that the Lord himself is present. When this is done, each of us feels the divine bliss burn brighter within our hearts and we experience the presence of our Lord.

Wherever my bhakta sings my name, I am present there.

Sanathana Sarathi, June 1984, p.161

Questions for Study Circle:

How do devotional songs assist our spiritual growth?
What are the essential ingredients of spiritual songs?
Who is qualified to lead songs?
What place do children have at song meetings?
Should songs be sung in any one particular language?
Are some names better to sing than others?
Who maintains proper standards, and how?
How often should devotional sessions be held?
Where should meetings be convened?

References for Further Study:

Sathya Sai Speaks 6, p.220 (Hold bhajans where all will be welcomed).
Sathya Sai Speaks 7, p.411 (Sing a variety of names, with each line only repeated twice).
Sathya Sai Speaks 9, p.162 (When you sing for joy, then only can you confer joy on others).
Sathya Sai Speaks 9, pp.161-162 (There should be no factionalism at bhajans).