The Divine Power of Music: Kirtan & the Spiritual Practices of Sikhism
In the 15th century, Guru Nanak founded Sikhism, a religion designed to be distinct from both Hinduism and Islam. Originating in the Punjab region of India, Sikhism teaches that the Divine is one, all-pervasive, and transcendent. God, or Waheguru, is beyond time, death, and form, and is ultimately incomprehensible. This idea is captured in the powerful phrase Ik Onkar, meaning "There is One God."
The Role of Music in Sikhism
Sikh spirituality emphasizes two key practices for attaining a connection with the Divine: Nam-Simran (chanting the name of God) and Kirtan (devotional singing). These practices, alongside meditation, form the foundation of Sikh devotion. According to Guru Nanak, the cosmic sounds (nada) and the spiritual world are deeply connected. He taught that "It is through singing divine praises that we find a place in the Lord’s court," underlining the importance of music in Sikh worship.
Music holds a central place in Sikhism as the most effective means of reaching the ultimate spiritual goal, known as dhyey. It is believed that singing kirtans, or praises of Waheguru, is the quickest way to connect with the Divine and dissolve the ego.
"There is one supreme being, the eternal reality, the creator, without fear and devoid of enmity, immortal, never incarnated, self-existent, known by grace through the true guru."
— Ik Onkar
Kirtan and the Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is a collection of hymns and teachings from the 10 Sikh Gurus and other prominent spiritual leaders, such as Kabir, Ramananda, and Namdev. These compositions are meant to be sung, as the text holds spiritual power only when chanted or sung aloud. Kirtan is the devotional music style used in Sikhism, which is integral to both Sikh prayer and daily life. The Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the 11th Guru of Sikhism, embodying the teachings of all previous Gurus and guiding Sikhs toward spiritual enlightenment.
The sacred text of the Guru Granth Sahib is composed using Hindustani classical ragas (musical scales) and talas(rhythmic cycles). This sacred scripture, sung in a meditative, devotional manner, is central to the practice of Sikh worship and is deeply intertwined with Sikh music. The act of singing kirtans is an expression of devotion and is intended to bring the singer and listener closer to the Divine.
The Spiritual Importance of Kirtan
The word "Kirtan" is part of the Navada Bhakti (nine steps of devotion), where it occupies the second position. While musical accuracy is important, the kirtan is not meant for personal glory or showcasing vocal skills. The aim of kirtan is to serve the Gurus and the Divine, and to dissolve one's ego in pure devotion. The focus is on the spiritual connection, not the technical perfection of the performance.
Unlike Hindustani classical music, kirtans are not performed to highlight the performer's abilities. Instead, the intention is always selfless— to honor Waheguru and deepen one's spiritual practice. Displaying virtuosity through taans or alaps is discouraged, as it detracts from the purpose of devotion. Kirtans, sung with humility, are said to possess the power to "awaken the soul" and "bring forth the glory of God."
The Ragas and Instruments of Sikh Kirtan
Kirtans are performed in a variety of ragas like Bhairav, Malhar, and Dhanashree. These ragas are designed to align the listener’s mind with different emotional states and spiritual moods, helping to facilitate a deeper connection to the Divine. The sacred instruments used in Kirtan include the mridang, rebab, pakhawaj, sarangi, and kartala, each contributing to the unique soundscapes of Sikh music.
One of the most significant historical figures in Sikh music is Guru Nanak himself, who was accompanied by a rebab(a type of stringed instrument). Guru Nanak even modified the instrument by adding an additional string to accommodate the full range of Hindustani classical music, underscoring his deep connection to the musical traditions of the time.
Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Kirtan
Kirtan holds transformative potential for those who participate in it. According to Guru Tegh Bahadur, Kirtan is "the glory of God with words, mind, and action." For Sikhs, the act of singing kirtans is not merely a ritual but a spiritual practice that aligns the body, mind, and soul with the Divine. This practice allows one to transcend worldly attachments and move closer to the ultimate goal of Mukti (liberation).
Incorporating devotional music such as kirtan into daily life helps foster a sense of inner peace, spiritual fulfillment, and a direct connection to Waheguru. Whether you are new to Sikhism or deeply involved in the practice, the power of music remains a profound aspect of spiritual devotion and growth.
