Among the nine processes of bhakti, śravaṇam (hearing) and kīrtanam (chanting or glorifying) are particularly emphasized. Kīrtanam is considered the most important, as stated in the Caitanya Caritāmṛta (CC Antya 4.71): “tāra madhye sarva-śreṣṭha nāma-saṅkīrtana.”
Kīrtanam encompasses various forms of glorification:
- Nāma-kīrtanam: Chanting the holy names of Bhagavān.
- Rūpa-kīrtanam: Glorifying the divine form of Bhagavān.
- Guṇa-kīrtanam: Praising the qualities of Bhagavān.
- Līlā-kīrtanam: Narrating the pastimes of Bhagavān.
The essence of kīrtanam is to praise Lord, as encapsulated in the phrase
“bolo kṛṣṇa bhajo kṛṣṇa koro kṛṣṇa-sikha.”
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākur expanded the meaning of kīrtanam to include preaching and spreading the glories of Lord. This can be done through lectures, book distribution, and other forms of outreach, all aimed at inspiring others to glorify God.
Glorification of God requires a focused mind, and kīrtanam helps devotees fix their minds on the divine, making it an essential practice in the path of bhakti.
Engaging faculties in chanting means sankirtan which involves focusing the mind, senses, intelligence, and ego on the holy name of Bhagavān. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when one engages these faculties:
Engaging the Mind
Fixing the mind on God’s name means concentrating on the sound vibration of the holy name. This practice helps prevent the mind from wandering. When the mind is fixed on the holy name, it naturally leads to smaraṇam (remembrance) of God’s form, qualities, and pastimes. This remembrance brings about a deep sense of connection and devotion. The mind’s functions—thinking, feeling, and willing—become aligned with thoughts of God, experiencing His mercy, and desiring to serve Him.
Engaging the Senses
The senses, particularly hearing, play a crucial role in chanting. The Upaniṣads state that the ears are the entrances to the ātmā (soul). By listening to the holy name, the ātmā becomes strengthened. This practice is known as śravaṇam (hearing) and is essential for spiritual growth. It is important to avoid allowing negative influences like lust, anger, greed, and criticism to enter through the ears, as these can disturb the mind and soul.
Engaging the Intelligence
The function of intelligence (buddhi) is to apply logic and provide conviction. When chanting, the intelligence reinforces the understanding that one is a servant of Kṛṣṇa. This conviction helps control and direct the thoughts of the mind, ensuring that the thought of being a servant of Kṛṣṇa remains constant. This alignment of intelligence with the holy name strengthens one’s determination and devotion.
Engaging the Ego
Fixing one’s ahankār (ego) in the holy name means aligning the sense of self and identity with the divine. Ahankār, which fosters the “Me and mine” concept, when fixed in the holy name, transforms this identification to a divine connection, making one feel that Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are one’s own. This shift from self-centeredness to divine-centeredness helps in seeing oneself as part of a larger, divine reality.
Engaging the Soul
Fixing one’s ātmā (soul) in God’s name involves aligning one’s deepest intentions and resolutions (saṅkalpa) with the desire to please Him. The ātmā provides the power for the mind to make resolutions, and when these resolutions are focused on pleasing God, one’s entire existence becomes dedicated to His service.
In this state, every action, thought, and prayer is aimed at pleasing God. This dedication is reflected in the practice of sankīrtanam (congregational chanting), where all faculties are engaged in chanting the holy name. This practice helps one overcome māyā (illusion) and achieve spiritual victory, as expressed in the phrase
“paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam”
(all glories to the congregational chanting of the holy names of Krishna).
Ultimately, this means living and dying with the sole purpose of pleasing God, and praying for His mercy to ensure that one’s life and death are aligned with His will. This is a profound aspect of kīrtanam .
Chanting, therefore, is a holistic practice that engages multiple aspects of one’s being, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with the divine.
The essence of saṅkīrtanam and its profound impact on one’s spiritual journey:
Connection with God: Through continuous saṅkīrtanam, one’s sambandha-jñāna (knowledge of one’s relationship with the Divine) matures. This leads to a deep realization that one belongs to the spiritual world rather than the material one. This connection brings inner guidance from God, helping one discern right from wrong. Advanced devotees, feeling this connection, often yearn to return to the spiritual realm, especially during times of disturbance, which intensifies their desire to attain God.
Development of Vairāgya: Saṅkīrtanam fosters a growing attraction to God and a corresponding distaste for the material world. This detachment (vairāgya) is a sign of spiritual progress. As one develops a liking for God, His devotees, and His abode, one desires to stay with them, which requires becoming like them in purity and devotion.
Purity and Bhoga-Vāsana: God and His devotees are pure and free from bhoga-vāsana (desire for material enjoyment). This purity inspires devotees to give up their own bhoga-vāsana to gain their association.
Genuine Vairāgya: True vairāgya is not just about disliking the material world but developing a genuine feeling of detachment. This detachment is not merely sentimental but comes from a deep realization and attraction to Bhagavān.
Chanting and Remembrance: Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa brings joy by remembering the divine pastimes and associates of God, such as Rādhā, Kṛṣṇa, Yaśoda, Nanda Mahārāj, the gopīs, and the gopas. This remembrance contrasts with the negative feelings towards the material world, reinforcing the desire to reside in Goloka.
Saṅkīrtanam transform one’s spiritual journey, leading to a deeper connection with the divine and a natural detachment from the material world.