3/12/2011 Sairam 1

Bhajan WorkshopA workshop to study and learn about Sai Bhajans

Charlotte, NCMarch 12, 2011

3/12/2011 Sairam 2

Bhajans – a form of Service Bhajans – a form of Service “…“…The divine vibrations that result from The divine vibrations that result from

bhajans you sing are spreading to all bhajans you sing are spreading to all parts of the world. The divine name parts of the world. The divine name that you chant purifies the hearts of that you chant purifies the hearts of many. Sing the glory of God. By doing many. Sing the glory of God. By doing so you will render great help to the so you will render great help to the whole world” SSSB, Oct 9, 2002whole world” SSSB, Oct 9, 2002

3/12/2011 Sairam 3

Let us begin with a BhajanLet us begin with a Bhajan

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Today’s Today’s Goals Goals

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Goals of this SessionGoals of this SessionThe goals given by the center for the Bhajan workshop@Charlotte   The goals given by the center for the Bhajan workshop@Charlotte  

► 1. What is a bhajan? Difference between Sai bhajan and regular 1. What is a bhajan? Difference between Sai bhajan and regular devotional singing.devotional singing.

► 2. How to sing a bhajan - Elements of raga, tala and more 2. How to sing a bhajan - Elements of raga, tala and more importantly bhava. importantly bhava. 

► 3. Who should lead a bhajan? Only singers or everyone? How do 3. Who should lead a bhajan? Only singers or everyone? How do we know when one is ready to lead a bhajan? And how to choose we know when one is ready to lead a bhajan? And how to choose a bhajan (simple vs complex, english vs spanish vs hindi etc)?a bhajan (simple vs complex, english vs spanish vs hindi etc)?

► 4. How to follow a bhajan?4. How to follow a bhajan?► 5. Role of accompanying instruments, especially percussion (too 5. Role of accompanying instruments, especially percussion (too

many jalras or loud ganjiras etc :) ).many jalras or loud ganjiras etc :) ).► 6. How to learn a new bhajan?6. How to learn a new bhajan?► 7. Role of bhajan practice sessions in Sai Center. How to practice 7. Role of bhajan practice sessions in Sai Center. How to practice

individually and as a group?individually and as a group?► 8. SSE bhajans - how to teach kids new bhajans?8. SSE bhajans - how to teach kids new bhajans?► 9. Sequence of songs - ganesha, guru, devi etc. Similarly ending a 9. Sequence of songs - ganesha, guru, devi etc. Similarly ending a

bhajan session.bhajan session.

3/12/2011 Sairam 6

New QuestionsNew Questions► Form of a Bhajan - # of times to sing each line Form of a Bhajan - # of times to sing each line

and # of speedsand # of speeds►How to avoid Ego while singing?How to avoid Ego while singing?►How to have confidence?How to have confidence?► Is it appropriate to sing without having group Is it appropriate to sing without having group

practice?practice?► Starting on the right noteStarting on the right note► Shd the lead singer be “corrected” by followersShd the lead singer be “corrected” by followers►# of instruments to be used# of instruments to be used► Reviewing lyrics standards for bhajans – words, Reviewing lyrics standards for bhajans – words,

translations, pronunciationstranslations, pronunciations

3/12/2011 Sairam 7

Bhajans and Bhajans and its its

ClassificatioClassifications ns

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What is a Bhajan?What is a Bhajan?► Singing of chants or hymns or names used Singing of chants or hymns or names used

to worship and remember the Divine.to worship and remember the Divine.► Elements of a Bhajan are same to any Elements of a Bhajan are same to any

devotional musicdevotional music Raga – Same Raga different BhajansRaga – Same Raga different Bhajans Tala - Same Talam different BhajansTala - Same Talam different Bhajans Bhava – Same for all BhajansBhava – Same for all Bhajans

►Bhava is an effect that is created by the BhajanBhava is an effect that is created by the Bhajan►We cannot try to create the bhavam artificiallyWe cannot try to create the bhavam artificially► Talking to the Lord while singing is BhavaTalking to the Lord while singing is Bhava

3/12/2011 Sairam 9

Devotional Songs vs. Sai Devotional Songs vs. Sai Bhajans Bhajans

  Devotional Songs Sai Bhajans1 Sing - Listen style Lead and Follow style2 Specific Singers All are singers ( some lead – all

follow)3 Classical, Semi, Light, Very

light, ChantsMostly Light

4 Attributes oriented Name oriented5 Multiple Paragraphs One Paragraph6 Mostly one speed from

start to endMostly two speeds from start to end

7 Audience keen in listening Audience keen in active participation

8 Performance based on the quality of the Singer

Performance based on the quality of the Bhajan following

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Let us listen to a few BhajansLet us listen to a few Bhajans► Gajavadana Gajananatha – 4 lines (SK) 2mGajavadana Gajananatha – 4 lines (SK) 2m► Guru Baba Guru Baba – 4 lines (MK) 2pGuru Baba Guru Baba – 4 lines (MK) 2p► Ram Hari Hari naam Bolo – 4 lines (AK) Ram Hari Hari naam Bolo – 4 lines (AK) ► Premamayi Sai ma – 4 lines (SK) 1pPremamayi Sai ma – 4 lines (SK) 1p► Hari Om Namo Shiva Shakthi – 4 lines (MK) Hari Om Namo Shiva Shakthi – 4 lines (MK)

2p2p► In Every moment of my life – 4 lines (AK) In Every moment of my life – 4 lines (AK)

2P2P

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Classifications of BhajansClassifications of Bhajans►Bhajans can be classified intoBhajans can be classified into

SimpleSimple MediumMedium ComplexComplex

► IllustrationsIllustrations Simple – All the lines – Words On the beatSimple – All the lines – Words On the beat Medium – Some lines - Words On the beat Medium – Some lines - Words On the beat Complex – Most of the lines – words not Complex – Most of the lines – words not

on the beaton the beat

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Classifications of BhajansClassifications of BhajansSimpleSimple MediumMedium ComplexComplex

Gajavadana Gananatha - Gajavadana Gananatha - DeenaharanaDeenaharana

Vinayaka VinayakaVinayaka Vinayaka Vigna Vinashaka GananathaVigna Vinashaka Gananatha

Every moment of my lifeEvery moment of my life Remind me my LordRemind me my Lord Sai Prem De Shanti DeSai Prem De Shanti De

Satyam Gnana Anantham BrahmaSatyam Gnana Anantham Brahma Muralidhara Gopala MadhuraMuralidhara Gopala Madhura Sai Pita Aur Mata SaiSai Pita Aur Mata Sai

Panduranga Vittala JaiPanduranga Vittala Jai Shri Raghu NandanaShri Raghu Nandana Raghhupathi Ragahava Raghhupathi Ragahava RajaramRajaram

Nandakela Murali GopalNandakela Murali Gopal Sai Bhajan bina Sukh Shanthi Sai Bhajan bina Sukh Shanthi Raghu kula BhooshanaRaghu kula Bhooshana

Dum Dum Dum Dumaru BhajeDum Dum Dum Dumaru Bhaje Ram Hari Naam BoloRam Hari Naam Bolo Janani Ma Sai Janani MaJanani Ma Sai Janani Ma

Guru Baba Guru BabaGuru Baba Guru Baba Hari Om Tat Namashivaya SaiHari Om Tat Namashivaya Sai Premaswaroopini Janani MaPremaswaroopini Janani Ma

Jaya Narayana Jaya Hari OmJaya Narayana Jaya Hari Om Shiva (4) SHivaya Nama OmShiva (4) SHivaya Nama Om Jagadashrya Shree RaghuJagadashrya Shree Raghu

Hari Om Namo Shiva Shakthi NamoHari Om Namo Shiva Shakthi Namo Tumho datha Sai ShankaraTumho datha Sai Shankara Araja Suno Mere Parama KripaAraja Suno Mere Parama Kripa

Bhajamana Govinda GopalaBhajamana Govinda Gopala Jagadodharini Mata DurgaJagadodharini Mata Durga Prema Mayi Sai MaaPrema Mayi Sai Maa

Bolo Naryana Jai Jai vittalaBolo Naryana Jai Jai vittala Hari Narayana Hari NarayanaHari Narayana Hari Narayana Pranava Swaroopa Hari omPranava Swaroopa Hari om

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A Bhajan A Bhajan Session Session

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Sequence of a Bhajan Sequence of a Bhajan session…session…

► Bhajan – OM and first Bhajan in same Bhajan – OM and first Bhajan in same pitchpitch

► Ganesh Bhajan – should take off Ganesh Bhajan – should take off smooth and fastsmooth and fast

► Second, Third Bhajan – Can be slowerSecond, Third Bhajan – Can be slower► Fourth Bhajan to END : speed should Fourth Bhajan to END : speed should

increase gradually to high energy increase gradually to high energy bhajans. bhajans.

► Let us remember check markLet us remember check mark► DemonstrationDemonstration

3/12/2011 Sairam 15

Sequence of a Bhajan Sequence of a Bhajan session…session…

►Check MarkCheck Mark►1- 14 Bhajans1- 14 Bhajans►Use Mix of Use Mix of

categoriescategories►Sample SequencesSample Sequences

AppropriateAppropriate Not So AppropriateNot So Appropriate

3/12/2011 Sairam 16

Bhajan Session - Role of Bhajan Session - Role of HarmoniumHarmonium

About the Harmonium Keys – You can check your own scale About the Harmonium Keys – You can check your own scale Bhajan Practice session at Sai Center -Bhajan Practice session at Sai Center -

► Average Base Scale range for men - 6, 7, 1, 2 - A, B, C, DAverage Base Scale range for men - 6, 7, 1, 2 - A, B, C, D► Average Base Scale range for women - 3, 4, 5, 6 - E, F, G, AAverage Base Scale range for women - 3, 4, 5, 6 - E, F, G, A

How can a Harmonium player help a singer to do his best?How can a Harmonium player help a singer to do his best? Note down the scale this time and find the range of voice of the Note down the scale this time and find the range of voice of the

singer singer Harmonium players must know at least one of the shruthi/scale Harmonium players must know at least one of the shruthi/scale

notations : Western or Easternnotations : Western or Eastern During Bhajan sessions – what role Harmonium player must play?During Bhajan sessions – what role Harmonium player must play?

3/12/2011 Sairam 17

Bhajan Session - Role of Bhajan Session - Role of Percussion Percussion

► How Bhajans will be if no Talam support was there?How Bhajans will be if no Talam support was there?► What are different types of Talams we play in Sai BhajansWhat are different types of Talams we play in Sai Bhajans► How do we decide to play the different types of beats?How do we decide to play the different types of beats?► How should the Talam support be in the overall bhajan How should the Talam support be in the overall bhajan

session between Tabla, Kanjira( Duffli) and Manjirasession between Tabla, Kanjira( Duffli) and Manjira

3/12/2011 Sairam 18

““How to” of How to” of various various

aspects of aspects of Bhajans Bhajans ( Individual level)( Individual level)

3/12/2011 Sairam 19

How to choose Bhajans – a How to choose Bhajans – a quotequote

►“…“…Leaders in bhajans should realize Leaders in bhajans should realize that many overseas devotees are that many overseas devotees are deeply interested in bhajans are eager deeply interested in bhajans are eager to take part in them. The bhajans to take part in them. The bhajans should be simple and easy for them to should be simple and easy for them to follow..” SSSB, April 11, 1997follow..” SSSB, April 11, 1997

3/12/2011 Sairam 20

How to choose bhajans?How to choose bhajans?► Bhajan selection techniquesBhajan selection techniques

Is this suitable to my Voice, Range and Pitch?Is this suitable to my Voice, Range and Pitch? Is this suitable to my accent?Is this suitable to my accent? Is this suitable for our center?Is this suitable for our center? Is this suitable to the occasion? Is this suitable to the occasion?

► House Bhajans House Bhajans ► Nagar sankirtan Nagar sankirtan ► Regular Center BhajanRegular Center Bhajan► Yearly Akhanda BhajanYearly Akhanda Bhajan► Bhajans during service activityBhajans during service activity

► Select “Simple” category of Bhajans if you can follow Select “Simple” category of Bhajans if you can follow “Medium” well and, “Medium” if you can follow “Complex” “Medium” well and, “Medium” if you can follow “Complex” wellwell

► Complex Bhajans can be chosen only when 50% of the Complex Bhajans can be chosen only when 50% of the audience (followers) is very very comfortable following the audience (followers) is very very comfortable following the Complex Bhajan even though you can render it extremely Complex Bhajan even though you can render it extremely well and you could be a professionalwell and you could be a professional

► Choose a bhajan which you can sing better instead of Choose a bhajan which you can sing better instead of choosing a bhajan that you like the mostchoosing a bhajan that you like the most

3/12/2011 Sairam 21

How to practice for singing How to practice for singing BhajansBhajans

► Individual Bhajan Improvement CycleIndividual Bhajan Improvement Cycle►Selection >>Practice>>Signing>>FeedbackSelection >>Practice>>Signing>>Feedback

Where do I select/learn a Bhajan from?Where do I select/learn a Bhajan from? Is there a list of Beginners Bhajans?Is there a list of Beginners Bhajans? Is there any vocal exercise to improve my Is there any vocal exercise to improve my

voice?voice? How to control my fear when my chance How to control my fear when my chance

comes?comes? How do I know that I am improving?How do I know that I am improving?

3/12/2011 Sairam 22

Who should sing Bhajans? – A Who should sing Bhajans? – A quotequote

“…“…If bhajan is sung in a sweet voice, If bhajan is sung in a sweet voice, people will be drawn towards the Lord. people will be drawn towards the Lord. Gradually it will be developed into Gradually it will be developed into Love for God, and His grace will follow Love for God, and His grace will follow in due course.” -Prasanthi Vahini, Page in due course.” -Prasanthi Vahini, Page 1212

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Readiness to sing in the Readiness to sing in the center?center?

► Firstly, if you can OK the recorded version of your Firstly, if you can OK the recorded version of your own Bhajanown Bhajan

► Next - Bhajan at your home is Okayed by your Next - Bhajan at your home is Okayed by your familyfamily

► Next - Bhajans at another person’s house is not Next - Bhajans at another person’s house is not commented badcommented bad

► Next - Practice with Shruthi Sessions /Center group Next - Practice with Shruthi Sessions /Center group and check if the group approvesand check if the group approves

► Then you are READY to render for the FIRST timeThen you are READY to render for the FIRST time► Then render once in 6 monthsThen render once in 6 months► If people feel like listening to us they will come and If people feel like listening to us they will come and

ask for us to sing.ask for us to sing.

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How to follow Bhajans?How to follow Bhajans? How should we follow Bhajans?How should we follow Bhajans?

►Focus on the words of the Bhajan than the singerFocus on the words of the Bhajan than the singer►Focus on Clapping than listeningFocus on Clapping than listening►Focus on the deity of the Bhajan and think of HIMFocus on the deity of the Bhajan and think of HIM►Focus on enjoying the music but follow the bhajan Focus on enjoying the music but follow the bhajan

to the extent you can hear yourself.to the extent you can hear yourself.►Focus on the lord or deity of your heartFocus on the lord or deity of your heart►The lead singer should focus on singing the bhajan The lead singer should focus on singing the bhajan

to invoke devotional feeling in the audience than to invoke devotional feeling in the audience than demonstrating that he or she has learnt Classical demonstrating that he or she has learnt Classical music otherwise it becomes a big distraction.music otherwise it becomes a big distraction.

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How to render this Bhajan?How to render this Bhajan?► “ “How to” and “How Not to” render a How to” and “How Not to” render a

Bhajan? Bhajan? DemonstrationDemonstration

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How to learn a new bhajan?How to learn a new bhajan? Check if New Bhajans are easy to followCheck if New Bhajans are easy to follow Learn the bhajan – Get the lyrics; get the tune Learn the bhajan – Get the lyrics; get the tune

recorded; play the tune in your car many times recorded; play the tune in your car many times and do not sing with the lead singer and do not sing with the lead singer

Practice with help – Try to recall it laterPractice with help – Try to recall it later Record your singing of the Bhajan and check at Record your singing of the Bhajan and check at

your own home bhajansyour own home bhajans Check if your family likes itCheck if your family likes it Practice with fellow lead singersPractice with fellow lead singers If approved by DC, then render in the centerIf approved by DC, then render in the center Teach SSC Children only those NEW bhajans Teach SSC Children only those NEW bhajans

sung in the center – preferably “Simple”, sung in the center – preferably “Simple”, Medium” bhajansMedium” bhajans

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Let us Let us learn new learn new Bhajans Bhajans

3/12/2011 Sairam 28

Bhajan – 1 ( Lyrics)Bhajan – 1 ( Lyrics)► Bhagavan Bhagavan You’re The Moon Bhagavan Bhagavan You’re The Moon

And The Stars And The Sun (2)And The Stars And The Sun (2)And On The Earth In Heaven And Beyond, And On The Earth In Heaven And Beyond, Shines The Kingdom Of Sri BhagavanShines The Kingdom Of Sri BhagavanBhagavan Ram Ram Bhagavan Ram Ram, Bhagavan Ram Ram Bhagavan Ram Ram, Bolo Sri Sathya Sai BhagavanBolo Sri Sathya Sai BhagavanBhagavan Bhagavan You’re The Light Bhagavan Bhagavan You’re The Light Within Every OneWithin Every OneAnd We All Shine Bright As The Sun, In And We All Shine Bright As The Sun, In The Kingdom Of Sri Bhagavan The Kingdom Of Sri Bhagavan

3/12/2011 Sairam 29

Best PracticesBest PracticesDutyDuty ( Individual Level)( Individual Level)► Verify if you can sing - How? Verify if you can sing - How?

Practice at your own home, house bhajans & centerPractice at your own home, house bhajans & center Record while following and hear themRecord while following and hear them Sing a bhajan that is sung in the center Sing a bhajan that is sung in the center

► Arrive early for the bhajan practice on Bhajan Arrive early for the bhajan practice on Bhajan dayday

► Singer could memorize the bhajansSinger could memorize the bhajans► Choose a bhajan which you can sing better Choose a bhajan which you can sing better

instead of choosing a bhajan that you like the instead of choosing a bhajan that you like the mostmost

3/12/2011 Sairam 30

Bhajan – 2 ( Lyrics)Bhajan – 2 ( Lyrics)Satya Sai we praySatya Sai we prayWe will win Your Grace TodayWe will win Your Grace TodaySatya Sai we praySatya Sai we prayWe will live in love everydayWe will live in love everyday

Baba Teach Us how To Live TogetherBaba Teach Us how To Live TogetherBaba Teach Us how To Love ForeverBaba Teach Us how To Love Forever

Grant Us Wisdom And Give Us CompassionGrant Us Wisdom And Give Us CompassionLove Is The Answer Now What Is The QuestionLove Is The Answer Now What Is The Question

Let Us See The World Through Your EyesLet Us See The World Through Your EyesMake An Example Of Our LivesMake An Example Of Our Lives

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Best Best Practices Practices

( A Summary( A Summary

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Best PracticesBest PracticesDisciplineDiscipline ( Community Level)( Community Level)►Brief and effective ( remember 50%)Brief and effective ( remember 50%)►Should know when to stop Should know when to stop ►Emphasizing Universality in BhajansEmphasizing Universality in Bhajans►Twice in the First Speed and Once in Twice in the First Speed and Once in

Second speedSecond speed►Long Bhajans with long lines and more Long Bhajans with long lines and more

than 8 lines – sing some lines only oncethan 8 lines – sing some lines only once►High Pitch line of a Bhajan in Speed 2 High Pitch line of a Bhajan in Speed 2

should NOT be sung twice.should NOT be sung twice.

3/12/2011 Sairam 33

Best PracticesBest PracticesDevotionDevotion (Between Swami and You ) (Between Swami and You ) ►Understand the words and Understand the words and

communicatecommunicate►Talking in music is communication or Talking in music is communication or

BhavaBhava►What is not devotion as per Swami? What is not devotion as per Swami?

Singing to please someone else is NOT Singing to please someone else is NOT devotion; devotion;

Singing thinking of ONE AND ONLY THE Singing thinking of ONE AND ONLY THE DIVINE is devotionDIVINE is devotion

3/12/2011 Sairam 34

QuestionsQuestions