Datta Maata 120: Nāda bhakthi

What is the language of cuckoo? Its language enriches all the beings of the world again and again. Each and every sound that it emanates brings lot of joy. To bring about such cherishment, one need not go behind the meaning of the sound. That (the sound) itself is sufficient.

Usually, in this world, for the mind to be happy, it needs to go internally. To enhance such internal journey, words (vāk) are mandatory. Here, we must consider the meaning of “vāk” as Nāda (music). Only when we consider so, we can understand the meaning of the example of cuckoo.

Our elders say that Nadopasana is a very easy way to reach God. Why? The answer lies in the example we have discussed. Just like the song of a cuckoo, Nāda brings joy to us even after listening to it any number of times. That is why; it becomes an easier way to achieve the journey into the self by practicing again and again. Unlike other ways, the more is the practice, the more one is bestowed with peace and happiness. One may doubt – Will the one who practices Nāda (musician) and a scholar obtains the same kind of happiness? The answer to this lies in the question – What kind of scholar is a cuckoo? This indicates us that the music practitioner obtains the same kind of happiness as that of a seeker who pursues the path of Jnana. A cuckoo only sings during the month of spring season and it does not produces any sound during rest of the time. Likewise, a music practitioner must not engage in unworthy talks. When he is not practicing, he must imbibe silence. This is what the example teaches us. The sounds of cuckoo are benefitting the entire world by bringing happiness to itself and to the others. Similarly, the music practitioner can generate peaceful vibes all around provided he practices with total involvement. With the grace of Datta Sadguru, you all will be blessed with the energy to practice Nāda and the willing mind to enjoy Nāda.

Nāda is not just practicing music. That is also there. Many worry, “Oh! I cannot sing like a cuckoo. How can I sing?” It is wrong to lament so. If we begin to practice, the God gifted voice will become sweet. The more one sings, the more the melody is. As we find water, we may get saline water at the very beginning. But, gradually, we will find potable water. The more we dig, the more we get. Likewise, you must start from singing bhajans. It is said that one must sing the divine names of Lord. With such Nāda, we communicate our grief and problems to God. That is why; Nāda is also a part of nava vidha bhakthi (nine types of devotion). It is the ninth type of devotion. We must cultivate this. Nadopasana is not for those who learn music. We too can sing. Those who sing songs, open up their voices. If we try to prevent such Upasakās (practitioners), they become upset. Unknowingly, such people sing aloud, closing all the doors in an isolated room. As they practice, their voice becomes melodious automatically. At the very beginning, those who practice singing bhajans, might feel that their voice appears quite harsh. But, we must try to sing gradually. Only then, our voice cooperates. Secondly, Nāda bhakthi is a very good way to communicate all our inner feelings to God. The kshamapana stotra (hymns of seeking pardon from God) is sung at the end of worship. It is also Nāda.

Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!