Pop Quiz Answers: Kirtan v. Bhajan
KIRTAN
Singing the Lord’s name with feeling (bhav).
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama Hare Hare.
The supreme expression of Bhakti Yoga is Kirtan. Kirtan soothes the mind, is a form of pranayama, and can be done by all. Kirtan opens the heart. It is said that in this time of Kali Yuga, that it is the repetition of the Lord’s name that will remove all darkness. Kirtan is done in Call and Response format. Repetition. Krishna Das chants mostly Kirtan.
BHAJAN
Bhajans are songs which rejoice in the Glories of the Lord. Devotional songs in a poetic form. Not Call and Resoponse. A ballad, telling a story, getting lost in Divine bhavana. Shyamdas singing the poems of Surdas is singing Bhajan.
Krishna’s flute call
penetrated the forest and clouds.
Even the great sages who heard it immediately fell
into a state of samadhi.
This sound of Brahman
brings forth the greatest joy.Esi Bansi Baji (He played the flute just like this)



