365betÓéÀÖ

Significance of Singing

Singing in Vaishnavism encompasses various acts of vocal expression, primarily as a form of worship and devotion. It includes the vocal performances by singers during worship, emotional expressions through music by figures like Krishna and Raktaka, and joyful singing by the gopis and other devotees. Singing serves as an anubhava, highlighting its importance in enhancing spiritual experiences. Additionally, it is part of cultural practices, as seen in ceremonies, and is acknowledged in various scriptures, emphasizing its divine and pleasurable nature.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Chanting, Vocal performance

In Dutch: Zingen; In Finnish: Laulaminen; In Spanish: Cantando; In German: Singen

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Singing'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Singing is interpreted as vocal music, which Bhikkhus are discouraged from engaging with, highlighting a focus on detachment from sensory pleasures and distractions in spiritual practice.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) Vocal music that the Bhikkhus were advised against witnessing.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Singing'

Hinduism Books

Singing in Hinduism encompasses vocal expressions of devotion and praise, often linked to Lord Krishna and cultural celebrations. It manifests emotional connections through music, reflecting joy, spirituality, and an artistic engagement with the divine.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The act of producing musical sounds with the voice, as performed by the apsara Purvacitti.[2] (2) The act of producing musical sounds with the voice, performed by Krishna in conjunction with the gopis.[3] (3) The act performed by the singers as indicated in the text.[4] (4) The act of producing music with the voice, described by 'gayantyau' as they engage in song.[5] (5) The vocal expression by Lord Krishna, indicated as part of his artistic engagement during the rasa dance.[6]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The act of producing musical sounds with the voice.[7] (2) The act of vocalizing devotional songs that evoke emotional and spiritual reactions among the listeners.[8] (3) The act of vocalizing tunes or melodies, which was a prominent sound in the arena along with the playing of musical instruments.[9] (4) The vocal expression that accompanied the dancing and musical instruments during the worship.[10] (5) The act of producing musical sounds with the voice, although the specifics of who was singing remain unknown.[11]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The act of vocal expression that Raktaka is noted for, contributing to his service.[12] (2) Vocal expression of music that may occur in a state of confusion or joy (unmada).[13]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) An anubhava (gita) manifested as vocal expressions in praise or devotion.[14]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The producing of sound in the ‘Shadja� and other notes of music, specifically referring to ordinary temporal singing, which is forbidden here.[15]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.