In today’s modern, fast-paced world, where distractions abound and the mind finds little rest, seekers yearn for a spiritual practice that is simple, profound, and effective. One such divine method is Kirtan, the chanting of the holy names of God. More than just devotional singing, Kirtan is a meditative, transformative, and joyful practice that combines the power of sound, remembrance, and love.
Drawing from Swami Mukundananda’s insightful discourse and timeless scriptural wisdom, let us explore the deeper meanings and multifold benefits of Kirtan, why it is considered the Yugdharma (prescribed path) of the Kali Yug, and how it serves as the most accessible spiritual tool for sincere seekers.
The Mind's Need for Variety — And How Kirtan Satisfies It
Swamiji begins by acknowledging the fundamental nature of the human mind—it craves variety. Try to sit and meditate for even five minutes, and you’ll find the mind drifting. This isn’t due to a lack of sincerity, but simply because the untrained mind is restless and prone to boredom. That’s why we crave novelty in daily life—new clothes, new experiences, new entertainment.
“If I say wear the same cloth every day, you say, ‘I’m not a Babaji to wear the same cloth.’ That’s the nature of the mind. If God had given us an option, one day we would have worn the nose out here, second day we would have offset it a little to the right side, third day we would have tried a new style—latest fashion is to wear the nose on the forehead—but in that matter God has given us no options.”
Through humor and practicality, Swamiji explains how Kirtan gives the mind the variety it craves, through changes in melody, rhythm, and divine themes—while still engaging it in the highest contemplation.
The Thousand-Room Palace: A Parable for the Wandering Mind
Swamiji shares a vivid and humorous parable to illustrate the repetitive, distracted nature of the mind:
“There’s one man, he went to sleep and in his sleep he found a palace with a thousand rooms. He went to the first room and it was empty. He went to the second room and it was empty. He went to the third room and it was empty. Continuing like this, he ended up at thousandth room in his dream. In the thousandth room, he found a bed. So he went and lay down on the bed and went to sleep, and in that sleep he saw a dream. That is the dream within the dream. And in that dream he found a palace with a thousand rooms. He went to the first room and it was empty. He went to the second room and it was empty and then he went to the thousandth room. Out there was a bed. He went and lay down on the bed and fell asleep and then he saw a dream with a thousand palace rooms. So you’ll say, ‘Swamiji, has your record got stuck?’ Move ahead. I’m born sick. That’s the human mind.”
This playful story is a poignant depiction of our inner state. We get stuck in loops of thoughts and distractions, often unaware of the futility of our wandering. Kirtan interrupts this loop, giving the mind a divine object to latch onto—God’s names, forms, pastimes, and virtues.
Tridha Bhakti — The Threefold Devotion of the Kali Yug
Kirtan brings together the three essential limbs of Tridha Bhakti:
- Kirtan (Chanting)
- Shravan (Hearing)
- Smaran (Remembering)
This triple practice is not only scripturally endorsed but prescribed for our age. The saints have composed countless bhajans, kirtans, and pads describing the nam (name), roop (form), leela (pastimes), gun (qualities), and dham (abode) of the Lord.
“When you sing it, your ears engage in hearing it. Alongside, the mind is used for contemplation. This becomes the Tridha Bhakti - Kirtan, Shravan & Smaran. This Tridha Bhakti is the prescribed form in this age of Kali.”
In the midst of distractions and worldly chaos, this threefold path becomes a practical and powerful anchor for spiritual elevation.
Kirtan: An External Support for Inner Meditation
Often people ask, "Why can't I just meditate silently?" Swamiji answers wisely—you can, but only if you're already trained. For most, the silent mind becomes a playground for worldly thoughts. Kirtan acts as a scaffolding—an external support that helps build the internal strength for deeper meditation.
He says, “Initially when you do meditation you don’t get the bliss of God. That is why the Kirtan is helpful—the music, the aaroha, the avaroha, the different names, different qualities of God—they all help keep your mind engaged.”
All the prayers and divine sentiments you wish to contemplate are already encoded in Kirtans. Just chant, and your heart naturally absorbs the devotion they contain.
Meditation vs. Kirtan: Which One Sustains?
Swamiji brings home the point with a relatable example. You may sit and meditate for an hour at best before you’re disturbed. But at his Guru’s ashram in Mangarh, they do sadhana through Kirtan for 12 hours!
“Have you ever heard of an ashram where they sit and meditate for 12 hours? That’s what they do in Mangarh. When we sit in the retreat, we do it for at least eight hours. Is it some yogis from the Himalayas who descended there to sit and meditate? No. It was ordinary people. But the power of Kirtan is such.”
This shows the inclusive and practical power of Kirtan—it's not reserved for reclusive yogis but is accessible and enjoyable even for householders and beginners.
Blocking Out Distractions with Divine Sound
Kirtan also serves as a shield against environmental noise. Compare silent japa with Kirtan:
“If you start doing your japa, ‘Shri Krishna Sharanam Mama,’ and the neighbor comes, the wife says, ‘My husband is doing japa, you come later on.’ But if there is Kirtan going on—‘Shri Krishna Sharanam Mama’—everybody can come and sit down. We can do it congregationally.”
Kirtan welcomes community, doesn’t exclude anyone, and transforms the household into a temple. In today’s world, it’s more necessary than ever to have spiritual practices that are resilient in busy environments.
The Energizing Effect of Kirtan
One of the most common complaints in sadhana is drowsiness. Swamiji addresses this humorously:
“Some people say I went into Samadhi. Now when you do Kirtan, that Samadhi is also warded off because there’s chanting going on, the beauty of music is there.”
He even recounts an incident during an all-night Kirtan:
“There was one person who was sleeping. So I said, ‘Are you sleeping?’ He said, ‘No Swamiji, I was meditating.’ So I said, ‘Your meditation is very special. You can meditate even while sleeping. Why don’t you get up?’ Now he got up, and standing up, he started sleeping.”
Unless you’re a "maharathi" who can sleep while standing, Swamiji jokes, Kirtan will keep you awake, energized, and joyfully immersed.
Scriptural Endorsement: Kirtan as Yugdharma
All the scriptures agree—Kirtan is the primary sadhana of this age. From the Bhagavatam to the Ramayana, from Tulsidas to modern saints, the consensus is clear:
“KaliYug kevala naam adhara,
Sumeri sumeri nara uttara hi para,
Ehi kali kalana sadhana duja,
Yoga, yagya, japa, tapa, vrata, puja”
This verse from Ramcharitmanas describes how, in Kali Yug, the only effective spiritual practice is the chanting and remembrance of God's name. Other methods like yoga, sacrifices (yagya), penance (tap), austerities (vrat), and rituals (puja) are no longer as effective in this age of spiritual decline and distraction.
All complex rituals and practices pale in comparison to the simple remembrance and chanting of God’s names.
Digital Kirtan: Devotion in the Age of Technology
Not a singer? Don’t worry! Swamiji understands modern challenges and recommends:
“Utilize a CD, utilize an MP3, or sing along with YouTube or Radio JK Yog. Let it play, and you sing along.”
Even technology can be turned into a conduit for divine connection. Choose a Kirtan based on the bhav (mood) you wish to cultivate:
- For detachment, choose a bhajan reflecting vairagya.
- For divine love, pick one about Radha-Krishna leelas.
- For virtue contemplation, select kirtans on God's gunas.
And to make your spiritual journey even easier, download the Bhagavad Gita: Krishna Bhakti App, which offers a treasure trove of kirtans, daily aartis, AskSwamiji Q&A, and more!
Kirtan Across Cultures: A Universal Path
From Indian Bhakti traditions to Sufi ghazals and Christian hymns, singing the divine name is a universal expression of love for God. The method may differ, but the essence is the same—devotion through sound.
The Bhakti saints of India—like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Meera Bai, Surdas—all emphasized Nama Sankirtan as the fastest path to God. Kirtan unites people beyond boundaries, across religions and languages.
Ready to Experience It? Join the Bhakti Kirtan Retreat!
If your heart is inspired by the glory of Kirtan, it’s time to immerse yourself fully in the Bhakti Kirtan Retreat at Radha Krishna Temple. The retreat offers:
- Heart-melting Kirtans
- Transformative discourses by Swamiji
- Group yoga, meditations, and spiritual discussions
- A scenic, sacred atmosphere of joy and togetherness
- A complete immersion into Tridha Bhakti
Whether you're a beginner or a dedicated spiritual practitioner, this retreat will nurture your soul, elevate your consciousness, and connect you deeply with divine love.
➡️ Reserve Your Spot Now: Bhakti Kirtan Retreat
Final Words: Let Your Heart Sing
Kirtan is not about musical talent. It’s about opening your heart, letting go of ego, and chanting the names of your Beloved Lord with simplicity and sincerity.
So, the next time your mind wanders, offer it a divine melody.
When the world tires you out, find refuge in sacred sound.
Let your tongue chant. Let your ears hear. Let your mind remember.
That is Tridha Bhakti. That is Kirtan. That is the way.
