The Basics of Bhajan (Devotional Chanting)

The Sanskrit word ‘Bhaja’ has as one of its’ meanings, worship or be devoted. To sing a ‘Bhajan” is to worship devotionally in the form of song.  Music and singing provide the most subtle expressions of our existence. They give us  an outlet for our deepest and most divine inner yearning, a connection to God.

You do not have to be musically trained or highly educated to sing a bhajan. All that is needed is to begin is simplicity. The benefit will be a quiet mind and an open heart. It is interesting to note that scientists have begun to study the effects of chanting with studies finding ‘that chanting can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms as well as increase positive mood, feelings of relaxation and focused attention.’ Gemma Perry PhD

Anyone can sing a bhajan. It is the simple repetition of  the names of God. In the Hindu tradition there are many names for God, you may have heard the Hare Krishna chant made famous by the Iscon Society, followers of Prabhupada Bhaktivedanta. He was one of the first gurus from India professing that chanting the name of God and dancing joyously was akin to prayer.

Singing bhajans can bring a deep feeling of inner peace and a sense of connection to all of God’s creation. A slowly sung heartfelt bhajan will bring tears to your eyes. A bhajan sung in an upbeat tempo can make you feel an uplifted exaltation, even ecstasy. That was often the experience of  chanting with our Guru, Swamini Turiyasangitananda, or as we affectionately called her, Swamini.

Swamini introduced us to the supreme bliss of chanting the names of the Lord over and over, giving oneself over entirely to this heart opening experience of directly calling to the Supreme. You are no longer the mind or the ego,

Ramiya Aust

Initiated Student of
Swamini Turiyasangitananda