Shiva Bala Yogi Virtual^* Darshan
* (Virtual: non physical, but being such in essence or in having the power or practical effect)

Shivabalayogi: BHAJANS (Devotional Song)

During Swamiji’s programs, the hour of meditation is followed by an hour of bhajans. The root word “bhajana” in Sanskrit means worship or prayer. Bhajans are a combination of song, prayer, and consciousness raising. They are songs of worship to God.

Is the energy created during bhajans the same as that which rises in meditation?

“Yes. Both energies are the same. You will have good meditation.”

Explain about bhajans. Why do we have to sing them so fast?

“It is like driving a car. You have to go through different gears to accelerate. If the energy is to rise, you have to go through steps. You have three steps: one slow, one medium fast, and then faster. That is how the energy increases. It is just like a car going through first, second, and third gears. You should play at the different speeds, slow, fast, then very fast. As the tempo increases and the pitch goes up, so does the energy increase.”

“Your song should suit the harmonium [a small Indian organ with metal reeds], or tablas [a type of Indian drum], or other instruments. The instruments and the singing should be in time together. When you are singing slowly, the tablas, the harmonium, the cymbals and everything should be slow. When you are singing medium fast, then all the instruments should be played medium fast. Then all together should go faster and faster. If you go faster and if the pitch of the bhajan goes higher, the energy level will be higher.”

During the bhajans, does Swamiji create all this energy and we just tap into it with the music?

“Yes, but you should not let the energy get down. You have to sustain the level. Swamiji has not yet started giving bhava samadhi in America because of this. If Swamiji starts giving bhava it will be really good.”

“The bhajans should be good once Swamiji starts giving bhava. If something goes wrong with the bhajans then the energy will be lost. You must play together and have control. It is a matter of intelligence [buddhi]. It does not matter how much you practice if you do not use your proper mind at that time. One must maintain control and remain in balance.”

Is there a reason why we do bhajans after meditation?

“If you sing bhajans after meditation you will have lots of bliss. Some people will continue to meditate even after the one hour meditation period. Some do not like to meditate first but prefer to meditate during the bhajans. They will be waiting for that particular time.”

Some people want to play English songs.

“You can easily translate Sanskrit songs into English and they will be nice. You will have to do it nicely. Swamiji will come to you in an astral body and will make you write.”

Is it better to translate the Sanskrit into English or use an English song?

“If a person knows both languages and translates the Sanskrit songs into English, automatically the person will get it and they will be nice. If you have a good knowledge of music then it does not matter to Swamiji what language you sing. You should keep the music good.”

“If the individuals in the bhajan group sing and play only according to their individual will and wish then the bhajans will get spoiled and people will lose interest. However, if you play well, with energy and with increasing pitch and tempo, then Swamiji can show you what astral bodies are and what bhava samadhi is.”