On the auspicious Karthika Pournima, which is also the birthday of Guru Nanak, Bhagawan lovingly reminds us of the Sadhana popularised by Guru Nanak.
Embodiments of Divine Love! Samyak-kirtanam Sankirtanam (The best form of devotional singing is congregational singing). There is a big difference between Kirtanam and Sankirtanam. Kirtanam is an individual affair. It is singing by an individual for the fulfilment of his prayers. Sankirtanam aims at the well-being of the whole universe. This is also described as Samajika bhajan (community singing). This method of singing bhajans was first initiated by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Sankirtana aims at demonstrating unity in diversity. When all the participants combine to sing in unison with one voice, it is described as Sankirtana. The essential purpose of Sankirtana is to earn the love of God. Combining one’s voice, tune, feeling and rhythm to the appropriate beat of the song, the devotee should immerse himself in the singing. Harmonising the feeling with devotion and Love, the sacred words of the song should be an outpouring of love towards God. That alone is devotional singing.
– Divine Discourse Mar 03, 1992.
