Our ancestors have documented many ways and methods to reach self-realization or Atma Jnana, which ultimately leads to Mukti or Moksha – liberation from the cycle of birth and death. However, not all ways appeal to everyone. For this reason, spiritual practice may sometimes seem boring and devoid of pleasure.
If you are one of those people who can’t get your mind to engage in spiritual practices like meditation, Jnana Yoga, or Raja Yoga, then you can choose the simplest and most pleasurable option available to reach self-realization: Music.
You don’t need to have the ability to sing well or any musical skills to practice Sankirtan Yoga. All you need is faith, awareness, dedication. You can choose a simple Mantra and some simple tune to sing the names of the God. If you prefer to add veriety, you can choose various Kritis available in Carnatic and Hindustani music. Don’t worry about being able to sing them perfectly and don’t try to please anyone. Simply listen and try to sing along with a song that is played or repeat after the singer.
My personal recommendation for the simplest sadhana would be to listen to and repeat Sooryagayathri’s songs. People have recognised divinity in her songs and her voice. Choosing her music for your Sankirtan Yoga practice is highly recommended. You can start with some simple mantra chantings that Sooryagayathri has released. Visit Sooryagayathri’s YouTube channel.
Just remember, music is the simplest key to unlock the path to self-realization. It is the subtlest of arts. Hence, Sankirtan Yoga is the simplest form of yoga that anyone can practice. Sankirtan Yoga also offers benefits similar to those of Pranayama, as you will be working with your breathing a lot. Having control over the breath brings control over the mind, as breathing and thinking are connected.
Beginners can try the chant “Shree Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram,” which has been beautifully sung by Sooryagayathri. It was released on the occasion of the inauguration of the Rama temple at Ayodhya. Another notable release by Sooryagayathri is “Om Namah Shivaya,” sung in three different raagas.
Another recommendation for beginners in music is to try Sooryagayathri’s group bhajans. As Sooryagayathri leads these bhajans and the rest of the group repeats after her, you can also join in and repeat after her. There are some popular group songs on her channel like “Gopigopalam” and “Radhamadhavam,” which bring a lot of joy to the listeners and the singers.
Going forward, I will be posting more about Sankirtan Yoga. Comment your questions below if you have any. To know more about Sooryagayathri, you can read my previous and upcoming posts under the category ‘Sooryagayathri’ here.
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