*Swami’s divine teachings on singing bhajans, its rule, etc..* In a Divine Discourse delivered in 1968, Swami teaches us how bhajan singing should be conducted: “Have bhajans (group singing of devotional songs) on as many days as you can, in your village or area. Have them in places where all can come and join, and not in the homes of some people, for in homes not all maybe welcome. Have them as simple as you can, without competitive pomp or show; reduce expenses to a minimum, for God cares for the inner yearning and not the outer trappings. Even this small unavoidable expenditure must be silently shared spontaneously by a few members of the Committee, and not collected by means of a plate or hundi pot, or a subscription or donation list. “The participants must be bound by love, affection and loyalty to one Name and Form. Bhajans are best held on Thursday evenings and Sunday evenings – but that is no unbreakable rule, for it is not the day of the week that counts. It is the heart that must be ready and eager to imbibe the joy and share it. As a matter of fact, bhajan is a constant exercise; it has to be as essential as breathing.” In a DivineDiscourse in 1974, Swami sternly reprimands those conceited bhajan leaders who sing for pomp and praise: “Bhajans (congregational devotional singing) have to be sung and offered to God in an attitude of utter humility; they are not to be taken as exercises in an exhibition of talents and as competitions for mastery of musical skill. They have to please the Lord, not your fans. With each bhajan song, the mind must be rendered purer, freer from passion, and stronger in faith. But, you find that you do not succeed in this task. The adoration does not arise from the heart; nor is it addressed to the Supreme by the sincere Self. It is tainted by the admixture of envy, pride and hate. How can prayers so fouled reach God? #sathyasai #saibhakta