What was being referred to are the stock and standard Bhajans, which hardly fall into the true category. But there are beautiful soul-uplifting bhajans with equally beautiful music that flows from the depths, which is even helpful at one stage of sadhana, especially in the preliminary stages. An example of the former type could be, ‘suna hai taare hain tumne lakhon, humein bhi taaro to hum bhi jaanein’, we have heard that you have liberated many, but we will believe it if you liberate me as well. If you see closely, it is a challenge thrown to the Divine that He must liberate us regardless, even if I continue my old ways with impunity. Well, the Divine may do it, but to put conditions before the Divine is not bhakti but a bargain. Bhaj simply means to take joy in the Divine, and Bhajan is simply a song full of love, self-giving, devotion, adoration and surrender to the Divine.
So while the word Bhajan is often used for all kinds of songs directed towards God, one must know the difference between a song rising out of egoism and another emerging out of a state of surrender.
At the same time, we must know that what is useful at one stage becomes a hindrance at another and what is good for one person may not be good for another. So listen to the bhajans if they help you progress and come in contact with the Divine. But a time comes when these outer supports drop off and all in us is directed directly towards the Divine.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
