Kirtan and its methods
Saint Prahlad has described navadha bhakti in Srimad Bhagavata Mahapuran. nava means nine. So Saint Prahlad has described nine ways for developing your attachment to God.
Out of these, one is kirtan or chanting. Kirtan means to audibly singing God's names, pastimes, or attributes while practicing to engage the mind in loving remember God. This remembrance is termed as roopadhyan.
Mahaprabhu Chaitanya gave utmost importance to kirtan because it is easiest of the nine ways. This form of devotion can be practiced by all including those leading a family life. One can chant the names of God anywhere while doing anything. There is no restriction of place or time.
Kirtan becomes even more valuable if this is accompanied with musical instruments. The sound of the instruments dulls down the other noises. This makes it easier for the devotee to continue uninterrupted meditation for longer periods of time.
Further, active use of hands and vocal chords prevents lethargy and sleepiness. Additionally, its vibrations benefit anyone who may be sleeping in the next room. Even animals, birds, insects and other living beings are also be benefited merely by listening to the sound of the names of God.
Mahaprabhu Chaitanya said
पशु पक्षी कीट आदि बोली ते न परे, शुनि लेइ हरि नाम तारा सब तरे।
जप ले ते हरी नाम, आपनी ते तरे, उच्च संकीर्तन पर उपकार करे॥
paśu pakṣī kīṭa ādi bolī te na pare, śuni lei hari nāma tārā saba tare।
japa le te harī nāma, āpanī te tare, ucca saṁkīrtana para upakāra kare॥
There are three methods of doing kirtan -
- Vyas method (Devanagari: व्यास पद्धति ISO15919: vyāsa paddhati) - When an aspirant attentively and quietly listens to the glories of God's names, pastimes and attributes.
- Narad method (Devanagari: नारद पद्धति ISO15919: nārada paddhati) - When a devotee sings the kirtan and also plays an instrument to accompany the singing. This is the way Sage Narad practices devotion. He plays the veena (वीणा) and sings God's glories.
- Hanuman method (Devanagari: हनुमत पद्धति ISO15919: hanumata paddhati) - When a devotee dances while singing the glories of God. This is the way Hanuman practices devotion to Lord Ram.
A devotee can practice kirtan using any of these methods at any time according to ones own circumstances and preferences.
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