kirtan standards vs no hard rules in chanting
Other · asked by user [] · 2007-08-06 · 3 answers
nowadays there is a strong tendency to apply standard melodies in morning programs, etc. Would like to know your opinion.
user [19] · 2007-08-06
there is the Kirtan Reform seminar by JAShttp://www.library108.com/media-library/HH-Jayadvaita-Swami/Seminars/Kirtan_Reform_Seminar_mar-2004/
user [95] · 2007-08-06
Yes. Ive heard the complete seminar by HH Jaiadvaita Swami on kirtan reform, and it really opens an eye, exposing the current kirtan situations in modern ISKCON.We ARE the Sankirtan movement afterall! And the more we consciously follow things "As It Is" given to us by the previous acaryas, the better...
Maharaj exposes the numerous additions and manupulations in kirtan standards, which is must hear for anyone who is either leading kirtans in various centres or even one who is serious about following things the way Prabhupada and the previous acaryas have given us.
user [13] · 2007-08-06
Regarding misras comment on arati kirtan melodies...Different ragas manifest different rasas, which correspond to the lilas taking place in the spiritual world (aprkat asta-kala nitya-lila). So at different times of the day kirtan, especially lila kirtan, should be sung with the appropriate melody for the development and experience of the bhava of that lila. Otherwise it will be experienced as rasa-abhasa, inappropriate mixing of the mellows. David Bruce Hughes (Bhaktisiddharta das) researched it and published "Spiritual Music Manifesto", which includes an analysis of the ragas, and the different identities and significance of the particular notes in each one and their relationship to the lila taking place at that time of the day.
Swami B.V. Tripurari has explained that nama-kirtan is not subject to the same rasa/raga considerations as lila-kirtan, but at the same time, even from a lower perspective the appropriate raga for the time of day has a more harmonious and soothing effect on the environment.
The ragas for the arati kirtans, such as Sri Gurvastakam and Gaura Arati, are appropriate for the time of day, and have been given to us by Srila Prabhupada. Given that raganuga-bhakti means following in the footsteps of a nitya-siddha ragatmika bhakta, if we have faith that this is what Srila Prabhupada represents, we should follow that. I know I will... :-)