Ep. 18/ Govinda Jaya Jaya
“Kirtan is the devotional bhakti yoga practice of connecting to your spiritual essence through love.”
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Some people are confused by deities in Hinduism. There is one source, if you will, called Brahman. It’s the ultimate source or energy in Hinduism, sort of like the ocean. Now, imagine that each deity—like Krishna, Hanuman, Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi—is a wave in that ocean. They are faces, energies and flavors of that oneness.
Just as waves are different forms of the same water, these deities are different expressions or forms of Brahman. So, while they may seem separate, they're all connected to the same divine source, like how waves are connected to the ocean.
When Hindu texts say "Brahman is everything," it means that this divine energy is present in all things, including the various deities. Each deity represents certain qualities or aspects of this infinite energy, like love, creation, destruction, or wisdom.
So, saying the deities are part of Brahman means they're different manifestations of the same divine energy, each showing a unique aspect or quality of that ultimate source.
In kirtan, the experience is that there are no performers. This is rooted in the concept of collective participation and unity. Unlike a typical performance where there's a clear distinction between the performers and the audience, kirtan blurs these lines.
Here's how it works:
Communal Singing: In kirtan, everyone present—whether they're experienced singers or newcomers—participates in the chanting. There's often a leader or a group guiding the kirtan, but their role isn't to perform for the audience. Instead, they facilitate the chanting, setting the rhythm and melody for everyone to join in.
Shared Experience: Participants become contributors to the music, blending their voices and energies together. The focus isn't on showcasing musical talent but on creating a collective experience of devotion, unity, and connection to the divine.
Unity in Chanting: As everyone chants together, the individual identities and differences fade away. It becomes a shared journey of sound and spirituality, fostering a sense of oneness and community among everyone present.
So, in kirtan, the emphasis is not on performance but on participation. It's a shared, inclusive, and immersive experience where everyone contributes to the uplifting energy of the chanting, dissolving the boundaries between performers and audience.
"Govinda Jaya Jaya" is a popular mantra often sung in kirtan, a form of devotional chanting in Hinduism. It's a celebration of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism known for his playful and loving nature.
For those of you new to kirtan, here are the basics:
Meaning: "Govinda" is one of the many names of Lord Krishna, referring to him as the "One who brings joy to the senses." "Jaya" means victory or glory. So, "Govinda Jaya Jaya" roughly translates to "Glory to Lord Krishna" or "Victory to Lord Krishna."
Intent: When chanting this mantra in kirtan, the intention is to connect with the divine and invoke feelings of joy, love, and devotion towards Lord Krishna.
Chanting Practice: In kirtan gatherings, the mantra is often sung repetitively, accompanied by music and rhythmic instruments like drums, harmoniums, and cymbals. Participants join in, creating a communal and uplifting experience.
Spiritual Experience: Chanting "Govinda Jaya Jaya" can be a meditative and spiritual practice. It's believed that through repetition, one can cultivate a sense of inner peace, devotion, and connection to the divine.
Cultural Context: While rooted in Hinduism, kirtan has transcended cultural boundaries and is embraced by spiritual seekers worldwide for its joyful, inclusive, and transformative nature.
For newcomers, experiencing kirtan can be a beautiful way to explore spirituality, music, and the power of collective chanting in a welcoming and uplifting environment.
“You are the mantra. you are the vibration. You give and receive at once, as the one.”
Bala
