|
A Note about the Gita Chanting Competition from Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda:
Let us understand the grand vision behind the seemingly simple program. Chanting initially introduces one to the world renowned Bhagavad Gita. Naturally this leads to the study of the text, resulting in the gain of the knowledge revealed therein. Knowledge translated into action becomes a way of living one’s life successfully and joyously.
The logical design of the project is CHANT – STUDY – KNOW – LIVE!!
Why Chant Gita?
गीतापाठेऽर्थजिज्ञासा ततो ज्ञानं भविष्यति।
कृतार्थता हि ज्ञानेन तस्माद् गीतां पठेन्नरः॥
Verse composed by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda
From the recitation of the Bhagavad Gita arises the desire to know its meaning. Thence arises the Knowledge (of the Self). From this Knowledge arises fulfillment. Hence an individual must recite the Bhagavad Gita. The study of the Gita is the key to opening the vast treasure of God’s love for us. It starts with chanting, then study, and over time, assimilating (embracing) that same love wholeheartedly and completely. Gita Chanting allows one to begin this journey here and now, and opening themselves to the embrace of the infinite love.
Guidelines
| Grade / Group |
Verses (to be chanted from memory unless otherwise specified) |
| Pre-K, K |
1 to 8 |
| 1, 2 |
1 to 16 |
| 3, 4, 5 |
1 to 25 |
| 6, 7, 8 |
1 to 36 |
| 9 – 12 |
1 to 47 |
| 9 – 12 |
1 to 47 (reading only) |
| Adult |
1 to 47 |
| Adult |
1 to 47 (reading only) |
Judgement Criteria (reciting from memory):
| Memory |
Pronunciation |
Presentation |
Overall Effect |
Total |
| 30 Points |
50 Points |
10 Points |
10 Points |
100 Points |
Judgement Criteria (reading only):
| Pronunciation |
Presentation |
Overall Effect |
Total |
| 60 Points |
20 Points |
20 Points |
100 Points |
Definition of terms in the Judgment Criteria:
1. Memory
This is the ability to chant the specified portion as required by the panel of judges without any break, hesitation or confusion.
Fluency in chanting vs Need for prompting.
2. Pronunciation
The ability to chant the verses in consonance with the International Chinmaya Gita Chanting Competition Learning Aid. (Audio recording by Swami Brahmanandaji is recommended for practice. CMSD Audio recording is available on our website.)
- Clear pronunciations
- Proper pronunciation of guttaral, cerebral etc.
- Proper pronunciation of alpa prāṇa and mahāprāṇa
- Proper pronunciation of aspirate (visarga)
- Proper pronunciation of nasal
- Proper breaking of sandhi at the end of a quarter
3. Presentation
Posture, mannerism, sincerity of effort etc.
4. Overall Effect
Refers to Devotional Bhāva (Bhāva loosely translated in English is right attitude and feeling) and the overall effect on the listener.
- Posture
- Style
- Confidence level
- Music
5. Chanting Style:
Chanting v/s reciting like prose; Tune is not a criterion for judging.
The Decision of the Judges is final.
Register by May 5, 2020
|
