ਰਮਣੰ ਕੇਵਲੰ ਕੀਰਤਨੰ ਸੁਧਰਮੰ ਦੇਹ ਧਾਰਣਹ ॥ (SGGS JI, Ang 1356)

Kirtan is often performed as some sort of duty or job. Some prefer it to be soothing for the mind and soul. But there’s the next stage of Kirtan which is to be completely detached from the world which is performing only for Guru.

This was one of the main teachings of Baba Nand Singh Ji that Kirtan should be performed for Guru not for anyone else* (keeping in mind that Guru is the sole audience). They not only did this bachan but had done it themselves with Baba Jawand Singh by performing extensive Jap Tap Sewa in addition to Kirtan for Guru Granth Sahib to attain Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Darshan.

Baba Ji said on many occasions that Kirtan is Khurak of Guru Nanak. Khurak meaning appetite/food. This was to direct Kirtaniya to do Kirtan in a way that is directly serving Guru Nanak and not anyone else or some worldly values.

As a Kirtaniya, have you been conscious about who’s the audience you are singing for?

*This was also one of the mandates that they have given to Sant Sujan Singh Ji during his departure to Delhi [1].

Sources:

1. Anand Chamatkar by Bhai Gurmukh Singh