Power of Devotional Chanting – Yogananda

The Power of Devotional Chanting

Excerpts from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda

[Ancient chant traditions from many cultures are recognized today not only for their intrinsic beauty but also for their spiritual power. Paramahansa Yogananda was a pioneer in introducing India’s art of devotional chanting to the West. His book “Cosmic Chants” was written in the 1930s, offering words and music to more than 50 chants that he composed or adapted from traditional songs of India. In the following excerpts from his preface to that book, and from his other writings, he explains how “spiritualized” chants help to quiet and focus the mind in preparation for meditation:]

Popular songs are usually inspired through sentiment or passing interests. But a song born out of the depths of true devotion to God and continuously chanted, audibly or mentally, until response is consciously received from Him in the form of boundless joy, is a spiritualized song.

Such songs, like live matches, produce the fire of God-awareness whenever they are struck on the foundation stone of devotion. Ordinary songs are like wet matches that do not produce any spark of divine realization.

Each of the Cosmic Chants in this book has been spiritualized; that is, at various gatherings each song has been sung aloud and mentally until the chanters found actual response from God. It is hoped that every reader will sing these chants, not as ordinary music to please the ear or emotions, but as soul-saturated songs to be used for divine communion.

Sound Is the Most Powerful Force in the Universe

Power of sound   Devotee Musician

Sound or vibration is the most powerful force in the universe. Music is a divine art, to be used not only for pleasure but as a path to God-realization. Vibrations resulting from devotional singing lead to attunement with the Cosmic Vibration or the Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Singers of these songs who want the best results should chant them alone or with true devotees of God, with ever increasing devotion and fervor. After the notes are learned, one’s undivided attention should be given to repeating them with deeper and deeper devotion, striving fully to understand the meaning of the words in the chant, until one is immersed in the bliss of singing. This joyous feeling is the first perception of God.

* * *

Sankirtans or musical gatherings are an effective form of yoga or spiritual discipline, necessitating intense concentration, absorption in the seed thought and sound. Because man himself is an expression of the Creative Word, sound exercises on him a potent and immediate effect. Great religious music of East and West bestows joy on man because it causes a temporary vibratory awakening of one of his occult spinal centers. In those blissful moments a dim memory comes to him of his divine origin.

* * *

One of the Ten Commandments in the Bible is: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Whenever one repeats a chant or prayer absentmindedly, without complete attention on the Lord, one has taken the Divine Name in vain; that is, without result, without utilizing the omnipresent power of that Name, and without receiving God-response. The Lord does not answer such parrot prayers. To repeat a chant with ever-increasing understanding and devotion is to take the Name of God, not in vain, but effectively.

One who sings these spiritualized songs, Cosmic Chants, with true devotion will find God-communion and ecstatic joy, and through them the healing of body, mind, and soul.

Joy Is the Proof That God Has Answered the Devotee

Joy is the ProofGodess Saraswati

Each of these chants should be sung not once but many times, utilizing the cumulative power of repetition, until the singer feels great bliss wafting through the radio of his heart. When this joy is felt it is proof that God has answered the singer, and that his devotion has been properly tuned; the broadcasting of his ardor in chanting has been true and deep.

* * *

If harmonious music and sweet words can be converted into soul awakening, they are contributing to the cause of one’s liberation…. If a piece of music has no high or holy vibrations, it arouses frivolous, nervous, or even base emotions. Spiritual music, such as hymns and devotional chants, raises the listener’s consciousness, dispelling coarser vibrations.

* * *

Music           Yogini Sant Meera

Music that is saturated with soul force is the real universal music, understandable by all hearts. I have had many demonstrations of this truth during years of appearing before American audiences. I was giving a series of lectures at Carnegie Hall in New York in April 1926 and at that time I suggested to some musical friends the idea of my singing one of these chants, asking the whole audience to join in, without previous rehearsal. My friends thought the chants would be alien to American understanding.

I protested that music is the universal language of the soul’s devotion to God and that all soulful people, whether familiar or not with Eastern or Western music, would understand the divine yearning of my heart during chanting.

One evening I started to chant “O God Beautiful” and asked the audience, who had never before heard the song, to join me in chanting it. For one hour and twenty-five minutes, the thousands of voices of the entire audience chanted “O God Beautiful” in a divine atmosphere of joyous praise. Even after I had left the stage, the audience sat on, chanting the song. The next day many men and women testified to the God-perception and the healing of body, mind, and soul that had taken place during the sacred chanting, and numerous requests came in to repeat the song at other services.

Cosmic Chants

This experience at Carnegie Hall, the music temple of America and the scene of the triumphs of many great singers and musicians, was a spontaneous tribute to the universal nature of soul music and to the untutored understanding of Westerners regarding the Eastern chants.Since that evening I have sung these chants thousands of times with Western and Eastern audiences and have seen divine benefits showered on devotees who chant with love the Lord’s blessed Name.

You can listen to kirtan chants of the Self-Realization Fellowship of Sri Paramhansa Yogananda

Listen to Kirtan Chants

Source: http://www.yogananda-srf.org/

Melodious Devotional Music – Videos

Melodious Devotional Music – Videos

Bhaja Govindam (Sri Adi Sankaracharya)

Bhaja Govindam (Worship God) is spiritual. Any sincere seeker of real happiness and peace of mind can benefit from it. It has 31 verses of guidance for Life and Salvation.
Sri Adi Sankaracharya found an old man memorizing grammar rules. Due to His compassion, He offered His guidance in the form of this Garland of Gems, explaining the Real Purpose of Life.

Brahma Jnaavali Maala (Sri Adi Sankaracharya)

Brahma Jnanavali Maala is a precious gift offered by Sri Adi Sankaracharya to sincere spiritual seekers. Sri Adi Sankara describes the characteristics of one who has realized that he is Brahman, the Real Self. The aspirant for liberation is advised to meditate on these verses in order to attain to the same state.

Ramana Jyoti – Devotional and Meditation Music Album

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti Hi

Lamp of Self Knowledge

Lamp of Self Knowledge

Splendor of the Self

Splendor of the Self


Ramana Jyoti

To download these songs free, please use this link:
Ramana Jyoti Songs – MP3 downloads

Ramana Jyoti – Devotional and Meditation Music

01 Arunachala Ramana Dedication

02 Arunachala Akshara Manamalai – Absorption

03 Arunachala Reverie

04 Arunachala Melody

05 Arunachala Trance

06 Arunachala Ramana Nee Vegamaai Vaaraai – Prayer

07 Arunachala Contemplation

08 Arunachala Meditation

09 Arunachala Surrender

Sri Ramana Maharshi – Evening Vedaparayana

Sri Ramanasramam – Evening Vedaparayana

You can use the Audio Player below to listen to the Playlist of all the tracks – either continuously, or just a specific track. Use the Play and Pause buttons as necessary. You can also listen to Individual Audio Tracks shown after the Playlist.

PLAYLIST:


  • Track 01 – Sri Rudram – Namakam by Ramanasramam
  • Track 02 – Sri Rudram – Chamakam by Ramanasramam
  • Track 03 – Purusha Suktam by Ramanasramam
  • Track 04 – Narayana Suktam by Ramanasramam
  • Track 05 – Durga Suktam by Ramanasramam
  • Track 06 – Taittiriya Aranyaka by Ramanasramam
  • Track 07 – Upadesa Saram by Ramanasramam
  • Track 08 – Na Karmana by Ramanasramam
Individual Audio Tracks:

Track 01 – Sri Rudram – Namakam

Track 02 – Sri Rudram – Chamakam

Track 03 – Purusha Suktam

Track 04 – Narayana Suktam

Track 05 – Durga Suktam

Track 06 – Taittiriya Aranyaka

Track 07 Upadesa Saram

Track 08 Na Karmana

Sri Ramana Maharshi – Morning Vedaparayana

Sri Ramanasramam – Morning Vedaparayana

You can use the Audio Player below to listen to the Playlist of all the tracks – either continuously, or just a specific track. Use the Play and Pause buttons as necessary. You can also listen to Individual Audio Tracks shown after the Playlist.

PLAYLIST:


  • Track 01 Sri Ramana Chatvarimshat by Ramanasramam
  • Track 02 Arunachala Pancharatnam by Ramanasramam
  • Track 03 Taittiriya Upanishad (Siksha Valli) by Ramanasramam
  • Track 04 Taittiriya Upanishad (Ananda Valli) by Ramanasramam
  • Track 05 Taittiriya Upanishad (Bhrigu Valli) by Ramanasramam
  • Track 06 Maha Narayana Upanishad by Ramanasramam
  • Track 07 Na Karmana by Ramanasramam
Individual Audio Tracks:

Sri Ramanasramam – Morning Vedaparayana

Track 01 Sri Ramana Chatvarimshat

Track 02 Arunachala Pancharatnam

Track 03 Taittiriya Upanishad (Siksha Valli)

Track 04 Taittiriya Upanishad (Ananda Valli)

Track 05 Taittiriya Upanishad (Bhrigu Valli)

Track 06 Maha Narayana Upanishad

Track 07 Na Karmana

Devotional Carnatic Music – Videos

Devotional Carnatic Music – Videos


Bantu Reethi Kolu


This is a beautiful song performed in front of a live audience in a Carnatic Music Concert. Singers: Vasundhara and Thyagarajan.

Sri Ramana Maharishi – Arunachala Akshara Manamaalai


Meaning in English and Tamil: Vasundhara
Singers: Vasundhara and Thyagarajan, Violin: Krishna Kutty,
Keyboard: Vikram Rajan, Tabla: Tissa Munasinghe, Tambura: Matthew Greenblatt
This is a Hymn that Sri Ramana Maharshi wrote in Tamil at the request of his devotees who wanted Him to offer them a song to sing when they go to request food from householders.  Named the “Garland of Words”, it is the Pouring of Divine Love to the Almighty, All-pervading Being. It was written in the attitude of a Beloved longing for the Lover.

Ab Jaago Mohan Pyaare


This beautiful Meera Bhajan was part of a Live Carnatic Music Concert performed by Vasundhara and Thyagarajan. Album: Gaana Jyoti.

Narayana


This is a wonderful song originally rendered by Sri Purandaradasa in Kannada. It is melodious and touching. It is filled with devotion, enough to melt even the hardest hearts.
Singers: Vasundhara and Thyagarajan ~ Violin: Krishna Kutti ~ Mridangam: Shubha Chandramouli

bhaja govindam


Bhaja Govindam (Worship God) is spiritual. Any sincere seeker of real happiness and peace of mind can benefit from it. It has 31 verses of guidance for Life and Salvation.
Sri Adi Sankaracharya found an old man memorizing grammar rules. Due to His compassion, He offered His guidance in the form of this Garland of Gems, explaining the Real Purpose of Life.

Brahma jnanavali


Brahma Jnanavali Mala offered by Sri Adi Sankaracharya contains a string of sparkling diamonds of Wisdom. It describes the Absolute Attributeless Reality. Therefore, anyone from any religion can benefit from it. It also encourages us to contemplate on that blissful SELF and obtain Happiness free from sorrow, eventually leading to Perfect Bliss.

alai paaydhe kanna


In this sweet song, Lord Krishna is the manifestation of the One Supreme Being, and the Gopis are the Devotees. It is symbolic of Divine Spiritual Devotion, presented in a simple human manner.

seethamma maayamma


Sri Thyagaraja lovingly calls Sri Sita Devi his Mother and Sri Rama his Father in this beautiful song. Meaning of the song in English can be found in the description of this video.

manujudai putti


This is a Krithi (song) in Telugu originally rendered by Sri Annamacharya.

unnaiyallal


Melodious song that is bound to touch every true devotee’s Heart. Meaning of the song in English can be found in the description of this video.

muruga muruga


A sweet, touching song, full of devotion that it was hard even to perform. Meaning of the song in English can be found in the description of this video.

bhaavayaami


This beautiful Sanskrit song depicts the story of Ramayana in a concise and descriptive manner.

vaathaapi ganapathim


This popular Krithi (song) is usually offered at the beginning of a program to offer a prayer to Sri Ganesha, who removes all obstacles and ensures success.

gana naayaka


This is a beautiful Tamil Varnam (song) on Sri Subramanya, who removes all fear and protects the devotees from evil.

Melodious Bhajans of Saints – Videos

Melodious Bhajans of Saints – Videos


Lagan Guru Charnan Ki


This beautiful Meera Bhajan is devotional and spiritual. This beautiful Meera Bhajan is devotional and spiritual. A great tune, captivating instruments, divine lyrics and melodious singing. The song is from Vasundhara’s album Lagan Guru Charnan Ki.

Ab Jaago Mohan Pyaare


This beautiful Meera Bhajan was part of a Live Carnatic Music Concert performed by Vasundhara and Thyagarajan. Album: Gaana Jyoti.

Ab To Prakat Bhayi


Melodious, meaningful Sant Surdas Bhajan. Filled with devotion. Tune, arrangement and singing reflect the mood of the saint.

Chaadarya Chalti Biriya


This is a sweet Bhajan offered by Sant Kabir Das. It is simple in words, profound in meaning and essential for life. Its tune is melodious, arrangement captivating and singing heart-felt. MEANING IN ENGLISH provided.

bhaja govindam


Bhaja Govindam (Worship God) is spiritual. Any sincere seeker of real happiness and peace of mind can benefit from it. It has 31 verses of guidance for Life and Salvation.
Sri Adi Sankaracharya found an old man memorizing grammar rules. Due to His compassion, He offered His guidance in the form of this Garland of Gems, explaining the Real Purpose of Life.

is tan ka gumaan nahin hota


Nirguni Bhajan – Simple words, profound meaning, catchy tune, captivating arrangment, melodious, heart-felt singing – these are the beautiful aspects of this Nirguni Bhajan. Meaning in English given in the description of the YouTube video.
Album: Atma Jyoti

manado laagyo mero Ram


Wonderful Saint Kabir Das Bhajan. Simple, sweet and yet profound and truthful in its meaning. Most importantly, it is practical advice for a sincere devotee who wants real, sustaining happiness. Both Muslims and Hindus followed Sri Kabir Das.

Brahma jnanavali


Brahma Jnanavali Mala offered by Sri Adi Sankaracharya contains a string of sparkling diamonds of Wisdom. It describes the Absolute Attributeless Reality. Therefore, anyone from any religion can benefit from it. It also encourages us to contemplate on that blissful SELF and obtain Happiness free from sorrow, eventually leading to Perfect Bliss.

har jagah vo hi vo nazar aaye


A sweet and melodious Nirguni Bhajan that reveals that the Grace of the Higher Power is ever available to us at all times and everywhere.

daras bina dukhan laage nain


Saint Meera’s Love for Sri Krishna was Transcendental and Divine. There is no Higher Love than this.

maayi mein to


Saint Mira’s devotion towards Sri Krishna is unique. She mentally merged in the Higher Being manifesting as Krishna to guide true seekers in search of inner peace.

beet gaye din


This is a bhajan originally rendered by the great Saint Kabir. Sant Kabir’s words are simple, yet their meaning is profound and beautiful.

akhiyaan hari darshan ki pyaasi


Sant Sur Das was a great Saint in India. This Bhajan was originally rendered by him, and it is bound to touch the Heart of any true devotee.

Melodious Nirguni Bhajans

Melodious Nirguni Bhajans

Album: Atma Jyoti

01 Har Jagah Wo Hi Wo Nazar Aaye

02 Is Tan Ka Gumaan Nahin Hota

03 Bhoole Raahi Ko Disha

04 Paar Jaana Tha To Phir

05 Bhajan Ki Naav Hai

06 Use Tum Apna Banaalo

07 Aap Itna Karam Kijiye

08 Tu Sab Kucch Paayega

Melodious Bhajans of Saints

Melodious Bhajans of Saints

Album: Lagan Guru Charnan Ki

01 Laagi Lagan Guru Charnan Ki

02 Akhian Hari Darshan Ki Pyasi

03_Mein To_Liyo Savarya Mol

04 Chardarya Chalti Biriya

05 Ab To Prakat Bhai

06 Beet Gaye Din

07 Daras Bina Dhukan Lage

08 Manado Lagyo Mero Ram

09 Prabhu Ji Avagun