Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Certain Observances to be Adopted for Kirtan

Shri Hari

Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare |

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ||


Every member will initially get the kirtan (group singing of hymns to a deity) done for ten minutes. In case there is time or few participants, he can get the sankirtan (glorifying a deity with devotional songs) done for another ten minutes. By following this regime, the maximum number of bhaktas get a chance to sing devotional songs. We ought to take care of children, guests who have come the first time and distinctive invitees, in particular. In case old members do not get an opportunity to sing the second time for this very reason, it does not matter.


Therefore it is essential that a visible timepiece is placed in front of everyone. Such a watch which is seen by all and members follow the time limit of ten minutes, on their own.


Shri Yamuna

Shri Yamuna is a svamini or devotional ideal very much like Shri Radha. Unlike everyone else Yamunaji has regular, exclusive company of Lord Krishna and it is no wonder that pushti margis place great emphasis on memorizing the forty-one padas of Shr Yamunaji, early on in life. Thus one may begin the kirtan with a stuti (hymn of praise) of Shri Yamuna ji,'Hey Krishna Prem-pravihini...”


Everyone should pay attention to the fact that the mahamantra is recited for at least an hour in a kirtan which lasts for two hours. Other padas or devotional songs which are sung should be easily followed by the gathering which means individual and difficult to grasp padas be avoided and sung back home.



Usually or generally the time of kirtan has been fixed for 5 to seven in the evening, leaving aside the months of December and January when it is extremely cold. Just as it is important to begin the kirtan precisely at 5 o'clock, in the same way it is essential to start the aarti at seven o'clock sharp. Otherwise members who are particular about time can be put to inconvenience.


Usha Bahenji's Yugal or Shri Radha-Krishna

They have to go home on time and offer bhoga (food offered to a deity) to Gopal ji or Thakurji, their personal diety whose seva they do, while attending to His needs.


Krishna Janamshtami

The splendid beauty of paath and kirtan on special festivals like Shri Krishna Janamashtami, Shivratri or Ramnaumi belongs to that particular day. Even if one does not have an off, he must continue encouraging the religious rapture of other members and escalate their enthusiasm.


Shri Manohar Baba

Let us keep in mind that we are paying a homage to all the saints of Vraja and Shri Manohar Baba, in particular, by our monthly Shri Hari Kirtan. Therefore having the kirtan every month is of greater significance than where it is taking place. Above all, a sankirtan should certainly be arranged for special occasions of recurring festivals. And everyone has the responsibility of ascertaining this matter.


Sankirtan

Some members ring up when the kirtan is going on in full swing and ask the address, which distracts everyone's absorption in religious contemplation. Kindly note the directions and landmark if any either in the morning or a day earlier. The best person to tell the correct location is the one who lives there, so please ring him up directly.


In the same manner, inform personally if you are not coming so that the host knows the exact number of devotees attending the kirtan and can make preparations for serving prasad accordingly.Once you have decided the date of keeping kirtan, please be firm about the decision. Other members should also not insist of swapping dates as this practice upsets the entire schedule.


Let us joyously sing in unison'


Shri Vrindavan Vihari Lal Ki Jai...


Shri Radha-Krishna

Jai Jai Shri Radhika-Madhav...


Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare |

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ||

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