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Does singing Bhajans help? || Acharya Prashant (2016)
Acharya Prashant
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9 years ago
Bhajans
Sanskrit
Spirituality
Truth
Kabir Saheb
Samadhi
Silence
Language
Description

Acharya Prashant describes singing bhajans as a wonderful practice that arises when one has nothing else to say. He emphasizes that the true essence and sweetness of a bhajan are best captured in the original language in which it was composed, such as Sanskrit, Hindi, or Avadhi. While translations are a secondary option, they often fail to convey the full nectar of the original work. He notes that his own practice involves singing frequently, sometimes even more than speaking. Regarding the necessity of understanding the lyrics, he explains that unless a person has reached a state of total silence, the mind will naturally seek meaning. If the actual meaning is not provided, the mind will invent its own imaginary interpretations because it cannot exist in a vacuum. Therefore, knowing the real meaning of the words is essential to prevent the mind from creating false associations. Addressing the perceived power of Sanskrit, Acharya Prashant clarifies that power does not reside in any specific language or sound, but rather in the Truth and the center from which the words originate. However, he acknowledges that Sanskrit is unique because it was developed specifically as a language for spirituality by sages, rather than for commerce or legal matters. This history has given Sanskrit a highly specialized and rich vocabulary for the spiritual domain, containing terms like Samadhi that do not have direct equivalents in other languages like English.