Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar understood the urgent need of cultural renaissance for the all-round progress of humanity. As a philosopher, following his own intuitive approach, he focused unprecedented light on various aspects of the cultivation of art, literature, and music. This light included revelations of the importance, for the human spiritual journey, of the discovery of aesthetic science; while one of his greatest contributions was to identify the science of supra-aesthetics and to explain how aesthetics is transformed into supra-aesthetics. And on the practical level, he on the one hand founded institutions that wholeheartedly and explicitly supported and encouraged various aesthetic pursuits; and on the other hand personally composed a body of songs called Prabháta Saḿgiita which finally came to total 5018 compositions. The present book is a compilation that consists of his discourses on the subject of saḿgiita, and also of various of his own Prabháta Saḿgiita songs.

Saḿgiita is the combination of song, dance and instrumental music, so the organization of this book that obviously suggested itself and that we have followed has been to present first the author’s discourses on saḿgiita as a whole, then his discourses on song, then his discourses on dance, and finally his discourses on instrumental music. Following some of the discourses are one or two of the author’s Prabháta Saḿgiita songs that were found to express nicely some of the themes of the preceding discourse. At the beginning of the book also one such song has been given, and at the end, another.

Prabháta Saḿgiita does not only mean songs written by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. The word prabháta also means “dawn”, so Prabháta Saḿgiita heralds the dawn of a new era of music. Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar used the charming and melodious medium of song to doubly ensure that the ideas in his discourses would penetrate the core of listeners’ beings and be translated thence into action. It is worth mentioning here that the author referred to his own Prabháta Saḿgiita songs in one discourse of this book, and also included one of his songs in another discourse.

Out of the vast body of Prabháta Saḿgiita songs (5018 songs in all) there are scores of songs which are in conformity with the contents of various discourses of this book. But only twenty of the most relevant songs have been selected and included.

The publishers would like to think of their work on this book as a very small part of the tribute that they should pay to the author in the year 2007, the silver jubilee year of Prabháta Saḿgiita.

The last four discourses of the Saḿgiita part of the book are on the subject of kiirtana. As the author writes, “So kiirtana is not just song. Dance is also a part of it, and instrumental music is also a part of it.” Therefore kiirtana is saḿgiita. And not only that, “. . . among all forms of saḿgiita, kiirtana is the best.”

Several of the discourses in the book consist of passages excerpted, for the sake of conciseness, from one or more longer discourses. In order to get a more complete idea of the author’s viewpoints on culture, art, literature, aesthetic science, etc., we suggest that the readers try to go through the full discourses.

The author himself selected the discourses for the original Bengali (1987) edition of this book. At the time of making the selection, he decided to change the titles of some of the discourses as compared to titles that had been used previously. This has resulted, in this English edition, in three discourse titles different from the titles used in some previous collection of discourses. In order to help researchers, we have mentioned, at the end of such discourses – along with the source book for the discourse – the original title of the discourse. To summarize that information here: the discourse “Are Saḿgiita and Supra-Aesthetic Science Inseparable?” has appeared previously as “Supra-Aesthetic Science and Music”, “What I Said in Switzerland” as “Dance, Mudrá and Tantra”, and “Táńd́ava Dance – What and Why?” simply as “Táńd́ava”.

To further assist researchers, it is our policy to indicate at the end of these publisher’s notes – in addition to the original language of each speech, the date and place, by whom it was translated, and where, if other than in this book, it was originally published – whether or not a tape of the speech is in existence. At the time of this printing, however, not all the cataloguing of tapes has been finished. Further information as to tapes will be given in future printings.

Footnotes by the translators have all been signed “–Trans.” Unsigned footnotes are those of the author.

Square brackets [   ] in the text are used to indicate translations by the editors or other editorial insertions. Round brackets (   ) indicate a word or words originally given by the author.

Acknowledgements

This book is the result of the assistance and support lent by many persons in various ways. Their sincere efforts are helping us develop an ever more professional system of work, so that the immense contribution of Shrii P.R. Sarkar can be presented in the best possible manner. Some esteemed readers, or better to say, lovers, of Shrii P.R. Sarkar’s books have come forward to make arrangements for the continuous publication of his books over the coming years; thanks to them, progress is being made in building up a committed and dependable sales network. Any interested person can come forward to participate in this effort.

Ideally every new book translation undergoes initially a draft by the main translator, then “first editing”, then “second editing”, then final verification. Other important functions include coordination of the different steps, and the development and management of a sales network. Some of those who have contributed to these efforts: Viiresh Bose translated (from the original Bengali) most of the excerpts from Shabda Cayaniká. Deváshiiśa translated “The Inner Science of Surasaptaka”, “Classifications of Flute” and the second part of “Two Folk Songs – Bhát́iyáli and Bháoyáiá”, and did the final editing of two discourses. Prof. Áditya Mohanty translated the first part of “Two Folk Songs – Bhát́iyáli and Bháoyáiá” and “Táńd́ava Dance – What and Why?” Ácárya Priyashivánanda Avadhúta translated all twenty Prabháta Saḿgiita songs and did the first editing of all portions of the book that had not previously been published in English. Gáyattrii Ghista and Táraka Ghista did the second editing of all portions of the book that had not previously been published in English. Mádhava Basak did typing, DTP work and office work. Avadhútiká Ánanda Gaorii Ácáryá checked and edited ten Prabháta Saḿgiita songs. Shrii Vasanthan Parameswara proofread the entire book after its second editing. Ácárya Nityasatyánanda Avadhúta checked several music-related points for which he was best qualified. Kirit Dave took on sales management and coordination work.

We are also indebted to many others who gave constant encouragement and necessary inputs. Final verification and parts of other tasks were done by the staff of Ananda Marga Publications.

If any defects be found, readers may be sure that they do not derive from the illustrious author, nor are they the responsibility of those who contributed to the work; rather they are the responsibility of the Publications staff alone.

Sources

“Shiva – The Embodiment of Saḿgiita”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Komale-Kat́hore” in Namah Shiváya Shántáya, 1982. First English publication as part of “Shiva – Both Severe and Tender” in Namah Shiváya Shántáya, 1982. Third English publication as part of “Shiva – Both Severe and Tender” in Namah Shiváya Shántáya, 1995, tr. from the original Bengali by ÁVA, Avadhútiká Ánanda Rucirá Ácáryá and ÁAA.

“Saḿgiita as Soft Expressions of Art”. Original language, date and place not identified. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Mánuśer Sáhitya o Shilpa Sádhaná”. First English publication as part of “The Practice of Art and Literature” in Abhimata: The Opinion, 1973. Third English publication as part of “The Practice of Art and Literature” in Prout in a Nutshell 10, 1987, tr. from the original Bengali by ÁVA and Jayanta Kumár.

“Song, Dance and Instrumental Music”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Giita, Vádya o Nrtya” in Abhimata Part 3, 1984. First English publication in A Few Problems Solved 3, 1988, tr. by ÁVA and Avadhútiká Ánanda Mitrá Ácáryá.

“Aesthetic Science and Saḿgiita”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Nandana Vijiṋána” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 17, 1981. [[First English publication in Prout in a Nutshell 10, 1987. Retr.]] from the original Bengali by VB.

“Are Saḿgiita and Supra-Aesthetic Science Inseparable?” Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Mohana Vijiṋána Kii?” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 15, 1980. First English publication as “Supra-Aesthetic Science and Music” in A Few Problems Solved 4, 1988, tr. from the original Bengali by ÁVA and Avadhútiká Ánanda Mitrá Ácáryá.

“Kiirtana: The Panacea for All Afflictions”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in English in the booklet “The Bliss of Kiirtana”, 1982, tr. from the original Bengali by Avadhútiká Ánanda Mitrá Ácáryá. First Bengali publication as “Kiirtana Mahimá – 1” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 22, 1985.

“Kiirtana Dispels Calamities”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in English in the booklet “The Bliss of Kiirtana”, 1982, tr. from the original Bengali by Avadhútiká Ánanda Mitrá Ácáryá. First Bengali publication as “Kiirtana Mahimá – 2” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 22, 1985.

“Serve the Supreme by Kiirtana”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in English in the booklet “The Bliss of Kiirtana”, 1982, tr. from the original Bengali by Avadhútiká Ánanda Mitrá Ácáryá. First Bengali publication as “Kiirtana Mahimá – 3” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 22, 1985.

“Where My Devotees Sing”. Discourse in Hindi. Originally published in Hindi as “Madbhaktá Yatra Gáyanti” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 8, 1993. First English publication in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 9, 2007, tr. from the original Bengali by Deváshiiśa.

“The Inner Science of Surasaptaka”. Discourses in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as parts of “A”, “Á” and “Á” (Discourses 9, 10 and 11) in Varńa Vicitrá 2, 1984. Tr. from the original Bengali by Deváshiiśa and ÁPA.

“The Musical Octave and Kúrma Nád́ii”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Guńagán” in Shabda Cayaniká 24, 1990. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

“The Cosmic Ideation and Unit Ideation of Rágas and Rágiińiis”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Khańd́aparshu” in Shabda Cayaniká 13, 1987. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

“Dhrupadii Style of Music”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Case Ending – 2” in Varńa Vijińána, 1983, tr. from the original Bengali by Deváshiiśa.

“Meditative Songs Heard from Afar”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Gátu” in Shabda Cayaniká 22, 1989. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

“Saḿgiita”. Discourses in Bengali and English. First excerpt originally published in Bengali as part of “Gandharva” in Shabda Cayaniká 19, 1988. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB. Second excerpt originally published in Bengali as part of “Prajiṋá Sampad – 5” in Prajiṋá Sampad, 1981. First English publication as part of “The Faculty of Knowledge – 5” in The Faculty of Knowledge, 1984, tr. from the original Bengali by ÁVA.

“The Virtuoso Of Saḿgiita”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Gáyan” in Shabda Cayaniká 22, 1989. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

“Vaekharii Power”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Galavaekharii” in Shabda Cayaniká 21, 1989. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

“The Practice of Songs – Sore Throat and Its Remedy”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Gáninii” in Shabda Cayaniká 22, 1989. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

“Komalagiiti – Soft-Sounding Songs”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Komalagiiti” in Shabda Cayaniká 8, 1986. Tr. from the original Bengali by ÁPA and ÁAA.

“Carnatic Music”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Kodańd́a” in Shabda Cayaniká 8, 1986. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

“Baul, Jhumur and Kiirtana Songs of Ráŕh”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Chapter 25” in Sabhyatár Ádibindu – Ráŕh, 1981 (“Chapter 24” in the 2004 edition). First English publication as part of “Chapter 25” in Ráŕh: The Cradle of Civilization, 2004, tr. from the original Bengali by VB and ÁAA.

“Two Folk Songs – Bhát́iyáli and Bháoyáiá”. Discourses in Bengali. First excerpt originally published in Bengali as part of “Yatamána” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 10, 1980. First English publication as part of “Yatamána – The Stage of Perseverance” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 10, 2007, tr. from the original Bengali by Prof. Áditya Mohanty. Second excerpt originally published in Bengali as part of “U” (Discourse 21) in Varńa Vicitrá 3, 1984. Tr. from the original Bengali by Deváshiiśa.

“What I Said in Switzerland”. Discourse in English. Originally published in English as “Dance, Mudrá and Tantra” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 12, 1980.

“Táńd́ava Dance – What and Why?”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as “Táńd́ava” in Ánanda Vacanámrtam 10, 1980. Tr. from the original Bengali by Prof. Áditya Mohanty.

“Koramudrá – Kaomudii Dance”. Discourses in Bengali. First excerpt originally published in Bengali as part of “Kora” in Shabda Cayaniká 8, 1986. Tr. from the original Bengali by ÁPA. Second excerpt originally published as part of “Kaomudii” in Shabda Cayaniká 9, 1986. Tr. from the original Bengali by ÁPA.

“Mudrá”. Discourse in English. Originally published in English as part of Learned and Educated section of “Talks on Education” in Prout in a Nutshell 18, 1980.

“Fine Arts and Mudrá”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Kriyá” in Shabda Cayaniká 10, 1987. Tr. from the original Bengali by ÁPA and ÁAA.

“Ektárá – One-Stringed Musical Instrument”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Kolamba” in Shabda Cayaniká 8, 1986. Tr. from the original Bengali by ÁPA.

“The Science of Instrumental Music Has Multifarious Expressions”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Ekaváda” in Shabda Cayaniká 2, 1985. First English publication as part of “Eka to Ekáuṋga” in Shabda Cayaniká 2, 1995, tr. from the original Bengali by Deváshiiśa.

“Classifications of Flute”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Kola” in Shabda Cayaniká 8, 1986. Tr. from the original Bengali by Deváshiiśa

“Invention of Various Musical Instruments”. Discourse in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali as part of “Końa” in Shabda Cayaniká 8, 1986. Tr. from the original Bengali by VB.

All Prabháta Saḿgiita songs. Songs in Bengali. Originally published in Bengali in numerical sequence in twenty-five-song Prabháta Saḿgiita booklets, 1982-1990. Second Bengali publication in five-hundred-song Prabháta Saḿgiita books, 1994-2003. Some of the songs underwent a third publication in a second edition of some of the books. Tr. from the original Bengali by ÁPA.

Key:
ÁVA = Ácárya Vijayánanda Avadhúta
VB = Shrii Viiresh Bose
ÁPA = Ácárya Priyashivánanda Avadhúta
ÁAA = Ácárya Acyutánanda Avadhúta