The Inner Melody
In the following advisory that appeared in Sanathana Sarathi [newsletter from Prasanthi Nilayam], Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba encourages devotees to actively participate in bhajans [devotional singing]. By the same token, He categorically cautions lead singers to desist from showing off their prowess. That skill might please the singer, but it definitely does not please the Lord, He emphasizes.
Bhajans have to be sung and offered to God in an attitude of utter humility; they are not to be taken as exercises in exhibiting one’s talents and as a competitive avenue for displaying one’s musical skill. They [bhajans] have to please the Lord, not your fans.
With each bhajan, the mind must be rendered purer, freer from passion, and stronger in faith. But I 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?
For example, I have noticed that when a new devotee sings, others do not sing the lines after him! They ignore and insult him in this manner. On the other hand, when a singer from their group leads with a song, they join enthusiastically.
This kind of group politics has no place among Sai devotees and cannot be tolerated in Sai bhajan groups. I find this evil trait—wherein members divide themselves into rival groups, competing for chances to sing and attract the attention and appreciation of the people— spreading across most bhajan mandalis [groups]. Urged by such selfish motives, they do not join in the singing when the sincere bhajan singers lead; this means either that they have lost their voice or that their hearts have been so deadened by selfishness.
Egotistical attitudes should not enter the hearts of devotees as far as this sacred sadhana [spiritual effort] is concerned. Nor can the songs of such people be pleasant to the ear; for, it is only when the feeling arises in the heart that the song will appeal to the hearts of others. It would benefit everyone if such self-important and conceited folk stay away from bhajan instead of polluting the sacred atmosphere with their rivalries and factionalism.
When devotees of Sathya Sai, to whom the world is looking for guidance and inspiration descend to such levels, how can the world be uplifted and dharma restored?
Bhajans where you quarrel, compete, and revel in putting down others and raising yourselves might give you satisfaction, but let Me announce here that they do not please Me at all. I am pleased only when love is the keynote, when the feeling of unity prevails, and when the melody comes from a pure god-loving heart.
The office-bearers of our organization should be ever vigilant to prevent this factional poison from creeping into the working of the different units—either in bhajans or in the activities of the mahila vibhag [women’s wing] or seva dal [voluntary service].
Remember that all are the sons and daughters of Sai mata [mother]. How can I tolerate it when the sons and daughters quarrel among themselves and divide themselves into rival groups? Understand that unless you sing bhajans for your own joy, you cannot bring joy to others.
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Dec. 1974
