Pinner Sai Centre Spritual

GUIDELINES AND DISCIPLINE FOR CONDUCTING BHAJANS

These guidelines have been based on the Pinner Sai Centre guidelines produced in May 2006, the observations of the Centre Committee, feedback and views received from devotees since then. Together with the Committee, the bhajan Co-ordinator(s) are responsible for ensuring that these guidelines are observed at every bhajan session (including rehearsals and practices).

The purpose of group devotional singing has been clearly explained by Swami:

“When one sings alone, the heart is merged in the song.
But when many sing together, it acquires a Divine power”

In order to maintain the highest standards in group devotional singing at Pinner Sai Centre, please observe the following points:

Wednesday Practice Sessions / Rehearsals
1. Continue to attend bhajan practice regularly as these weekly sessions are held so that we can continue to offer our very best devotional singing to Swami.
2. Ensure that the bhajan you intend to sing on Sunday is an approved bhajan and practice it (and a backup bhajan) before attending the Wednesday session so there is no time wasted. Sing only the slow version unless signalled to carry on with the fast version.
3. Select short bhajans so as to give more devotees a chance to sing. Depending on the numbers of devotees at the practice session a longer bhajan may be agreed.
4. Devotional songs in any language can be sung so long as all can follow. At least one bhajan in English should be sung.
5. Co-ordinators will endeavour to ensure that the final listing for Sunday will consist of at least one Ganesh bhajan, Guru bhajan, Maa bhajan, Ram/Krishna bhajan, Sarva Dharma bhajan, Sathya/Shirdi Sai bhajan and a Shiva bhajan.
6. In the slow pace each line will be sung twice and in the fast pace each line will be sung once only, unless it is a long bhajan and agreed otherwise in the practice session. Lines must not otherwise be repeated or new lines introduced.
7. Once the bhajans to be sung on the Sunday have been listed, the second part of the practice session will consist of practicing new bhajans (or brushing-up on approved bhajans that have not been sung for a long time).
New bhajans should be sung without the harmonium, but with the help of tanpura until the notes are well established.
8. Printed wordings of new bhajans should be provided by the devotee. To help further with the notes, tune etc, the cd or cassette (if available) can be brought in so that the original new bhajan could be heard by all to help attain a high standard.
9. Devotees must appreciate and forbear that the skills of singers and musicians will vary. With this in mind….
Please do not (applies to both sessions):
a) interrupt or stop devotees from singing a particular bhajan of their choice, or the one that they have practiced at home, as it is the co-ordinator’s responsibility to assess the quality of the bhajan singing and to make a decision on whether a devotee should continue with the bhajan;
b) have private conversations while others are singing or when the co-ordinators are giving specific guidance as the information is meant to help everyone, including experienced singers and musicians;
c) pass comments directly to singers as this can be confusing if numerous or conflicting comments are made but instead refer any comments, after the bhajan has been sung, to the co-ordinators so that they provide constructive feedback;
d) try and ‘help’ a lead singer by singing alongside as a lead singer as that is not a helpful approach;
10. Discipline implies commitment and therefore if for any reason you cannot attend on Wednesday or Sunday (musicians) or sing on Sunday (lead singers) due to circumstances beyond your control, inform the bhajan co-ordinators asap…at least by Friday if possible.
11. After bhajan practice session has ended, everyone should aim to leave the host's residence promptly and quietly, without any disturbance to the host’s family or to the neighbours when outside.

Musical Instruments
1) Musicians must ensure that instruments are properly tuned and fit for purpose.
2) Only the harmonium, tabla, cymbals (manjira) and tambourine (kanjari) will be used. No other instruments may be used without prior approval.
3) Musical instruments should not drown the voice of the singer and those who follow. Balance must be maintained when more than one instrument is used.

“Bhajans have to be sung and offered to God in an attitude of utter humility…”
“Sing familiar bhajans, so that all can share Ananda (Bliss)”
“Pay attention to the tune, the meaning, the variety, the voice…”
“Together with melody (Raga) and rhythm (Taal), you have to impart feeling (Bhava) to your singing to make the bhajan a sacred offering to the Divine…”

Baba

Sunday Bhajans
1) A bhajan list for each week will be compiled by the bhajan co-ordinator in order to ensure that:
a) devotees that regularly attend bhajan rehearsals / practice sessions and comply with these guidelines get an opportunity to sing bhajans;
b) if possible, equal number of male and female singers will sing bhajans;
c) musicians and chorus are well prepared to accompany and give proper support to all lead singers.
d) the order in which the bhajans are sung produces smooth flow, balance, spiritual energy and harmony.
2) Lead singers and musicians must be seated at least 5mins before start time in the front two rows if possible.
3) Devotees should sit comfortably, and if possible, with their backs straight so as to sing from the abdomen and project the voice fully.
4) Silence must be observed whilst contemplating on the Lord.
5) Before bhajan singing commences, Slokas, Gayatri Mantra and Sai Gayatri will be recited in unison to seek Divine blessings, calm the mind and to warm up the vocal chords.
6) Before a bhajan is sung the appropriate harmonium key note will be given to those lead singers that require it.
7) Lead singers must try and place the microphone at the correct distance and height, well before they are to start their bhajan, so that the bhajans can be heard clearly.
8) Devotees that are not leading the bhajan must sing in harmony as part of the chorus to uplift the lead singer and create maximum spiritual energy.
9) After the bhajans, retain the divine vibration that has been generated through the group devotional singing by leaving quietly and quickly. Where necessary and possible, please help to clear up silently and promptly in the spirit of selfless service.

“Sankeertan aims at the well-being of the whole Universe. Sankeerthan aims at demonstrating unity”
“Bhajan must spread good-will, love, ecstasy; it must cleanse the polluted atmosphere; it must invite all to share in the joy and peace”
“I am pleased only when love is the keynote, when the feeling of unity prevails, when the melody comes from cleansed, God-living hearts”
Baba

Following points will help us to derive maximum benefit from this activity.

1. Arrive punctually and take your seat silently. Do not converse during the Bhajan session.
2. Please join in the singing with enthusiasm. Sing and clap in order to enjoy the Bhajan session.
3. Please focus all your attention on the Form and Name. Do not bother to see who is leading a Bhajan.
4. All activities during the Bhajan session. E.g. recitation of Sai Gayatri Meditation and announcement, are important integral part of the Nam Sngeerthan programme.
5. Devotees arriving late must not disturb those already seated. They must quietly seat themselves behind the already seated devotees.
6. Maintain perfect silence and restrict your movements to a minimum while sitting in the prayer hall.
7. Do not clap out of tune.

An ounce of honest doubt and a commitment to self improvement are the only requirements for beginning the spiritual journey. When we first set foot on the path of spirituality, our only assurance of success lies in our sincere inquiry. Faith, devotion, and knowledge grow in time, but an open mind is required for their development. Earnest seekers will find that a harvest of joy awaits them when they cultivate the field of divinity.

The study circle seeks to transform our behaviour, not to fill our heads with undigested information. It conveys practical knowledge that uplifts and ennobles our characters.

"What is a study circle?
It is not just reading books. Study circle means taking a point and each person discussing what is the meaning of the point to them. Like a round-table conference. Each person gives their point of view, and finally values are derived from this. If there is just reading, there is doubt. But if each one gives his view, doubts will be answered. The topic is viewed; the study circle looks at different facets. It is like a diamond with its different facets, but there is one facet that is flat, the top facet, and from this all can be viewed. To discover the top facet is the task of the study circle. Swamís talks may be taken, or other scriptures. Take a point. Have everyone think about it and discuss it, and come to the final point where doubt is decreased. If only one person reads, there will be only one meaning. All misunderstandings, all points of view-- after these are brought out, the study circle members will get confidence. There is no doubt of this. If each one only reads, this may go on for a year or two, then an allergy to reading develops.

The Study circle is a human dynamo that charges us with ideas, inspiration, and resolve. It lifts the weary and points the way when we become lost. The discipline pushes us from behind as it hols a light in front to guide us. The process is simple, but the results can be wondrous.
The study circle is not a debate. Members are encouraged to state their views, but are discouraged from criticizing others’ views. A variety of perspectives is sought on common theme.

Following points will help us to derive maximum benefit from this activity.

1. The meeting should be started with Omkar and a prayer or spiritual song to raise the atmosphere of the meeting room. This creates a climate of brotherhood and cooperation among all participants and a feeling of working toward a common goal.
2. The study circle is not a debating society; it is an exploration of viewpoints. Each participant should feel free to speak without fear of judgement or personal criticism.
3. Active and equal participation should be sought from all members. The new members should be encouraged to speak. New or quiet members often require a break in the conversation to present their views, and will not speak if another participant appears ready to speak.
4. Dominant members must take care not to monopolize the conversation.