New Book Explores Srila Prabhupada’s Standards for Kirtana
By Atma Tattva Das, ISKCON News Staff Writer | Jun 19, 2024
To help preserve a crucial part of Srila Prabhupada’s legacy, Srila Prabhupada’s disciple Jayadvaita Swami has released a new book, Srila Prabhupada’s Kirtana Standards: A Handbook. The handbook serves as a guide for performing kirtana following in Srila Prabhupada’s footsteps.
Recognizing the importance of both standards and flexibility, the book compiles and contextualizes teachings and instructions Srila Prabhupada gave and also speaks to the spiritual essence of kirtana. The book (256 pages) pulls together instructions from Srila Prabhupada’s books and letters, as well as the testimony of his direct disciples. Extensive footnotes document the history and standards given. Insights from various devotees known for their kirtana further enhance the book. The well-known kirtaniya Madhava Dasa has written the book’s Foreword.
The book answers many specific questions: “What about ‘Jaya Prabhupada’ and ‘Jaya Gurudeva’?” “What about mantras for Lord Rama?” At the same time, it discusses broader issues like purity, professionalism, and what to think about while chanting.
An appendix offers selections from articles about kirtana by Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Another tells of standards set by Srila Prabhupada for kirtana in Vrindaban. In a third appendix, Srila Prabhupada discusses the link between chanting Hare Krishna and following the “devotional process.” A fourth appendix provides history and early letters from Srila Prabhupada about an envisioned World Sankirtana Party. The final appendix provides a six-page summary of kīrtana standards. The book also has an index to help readers find topics quickly.
Jayadvaita Swami said of the book, “As we increasingly develop our ‘kirtana culture,’ I hope this book will help that culture grow stronger, deeper, and ever more uplifting.”
Devotees in North America can order Kirtan Standards from Krishna.com and UK devotees can purchase from the Bhaktivedanta Manor’s online bookstore. For those seeking bulk orders in the US/Canada, contact Madhupati Das via email or call +1 (973) 519-3374. For all other orders, please visit blservices.com. For general inquiries, please contact Pradyumna Das via email.
Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of ISKCON or ISKCON News.
