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Creating the lyrics is a labor of love. We spend hundreds of hours researching and translating the original Sanskrit, Hindu and Bengali and typesetting them so that friends and devotees can absorb the deep meanings more and sing these sacred chants. If our work is useful to you, enriching your spiritual life in some way, please consider supporting us with a donation. Your support makes a big difference.
Vocals: Naren K. Schreiner
Recording and Mixing: Sonido Difunto, Querétaro MX
Produced by: Naren K. Schreiner
in collaboration with Dr. Pravina Rodrigues
©℗2022 Sangita Yoga Music, BMI
Naren K. Schreiner
"I'm so excited to release this unexpected album. I was asked to record three mantra for a research team comprised of both Indians and Americans that is studying the the benefits of mantra in trauma therapy and recovery. I made great efforts with the sound engineers to capture the sonic textures of purely acoustic Indian instruments--tanpura and harmonium--and to chant the Sanskrit mantras in the traditional way as taught by the gurus of India.
I envisioned a flow of mantra: First, the Omakaram, the sacred vibratory Om, in its powerful simplicity. Second, Shiva Mantra, specifically the Mritunjaya Mantra, meant to overcome unnatural death and give relief to pain, suffering and illness. Third, Shanti Mantra, expanding individual healing into a universal prayer for the wellbeing of all living beings.
My prayer is that these recordings will support one's own spiritual life, bringing peace, healing and an expanded heart. Above all, these sacred mantras can bring us in contact with the Divine Presence that is always hiding just behind our restless thoughts, behind our beating heart."
~Naren
Invocation follwed by chanting of Om 108 times
Omkaram Stotra (from the Shiva Śaḍākṣara Stotra of the Rudrayāmala Tantra)
oṁkāraṁ bindusaṁyuktaṁ nityaṁ dhyāyanti yoginaḥ
kāmadaṁ mokṣadaṁ caiva oṁkārāya namo namaḥ
The syllable Om, in union with bindu (the divine center) meditated upon daily by yogis, Leads to the fulfillment of desire and to liberation To this Om I reverently bow.
The ancient Mritunjaya Mantra invokes the grace of Shiva's power over life and death. The ever-compassionate Shiva bestows universal harmony and ultimate healing, especially in times of turmoil and despair. Chanting this mantra rouses one's faith and invokes the healing and transformative power of Shiva, for one's self or for a loved one. An ancient tradition still practiced today is to chant this mantra 108 times with faith, concentration and devotion.
Invocation Karpura Gauram
Learn to chant this on our online course.
Sanskrit verses from the Yajur Veda
Karpūragauraṁ karuṇāvatāram |
Saṁsārasāraṁ bhujagendra hāram ||
Sadā vasantaṁ hṛdayāravinde |
Bhavaṁ bhavāni sahitaṁ namāmi ||
Pure as camphor, avatar of compassion
Essence of this world, wearing the Lord of Serpents as a garland
Eternally residing in the heart’ s lotus
O Shiva, one with Shakti, God and Goddess, I bow to You.
Mantra chanting 108 times
oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanam
urvārukamiva bandhanān mṛtyor-mukṣīya mā ‘mṛtāt
A Sacred Prayer For All Beings
sarveśām svastir bhavatu
sarveśām śāntir bhavatu
sarveśām pūrnam bhavatu
sarveśām maṇgalam bhavatu
may all beings be established in the Self
may all beings be peaceful
may all beings be fulfilled
may all beings be blessed
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Om śānti śānti śāntiḥ
New arrangements of Paramahansa Yogananda's groundbreaking 1938 Cosmic Chants, and several of the Bengali songs that he loved to sing. Naren’s arrangements are unique, focusing on the musical roots of India. His knowledge of Indian Classical music as well as his research of Bengali devotional music have enabled him to arrange Cosmic Chants into a form closer to their original expression.
Release Date: June 21, 2018 by Sangita Yoga Music, BMI
In the temple of silence,
In the temple of peace
I will meet Thee, I will touch Thee, I will love Thee
And coax Thee to my altar of peace.
In the temple of samadhi
In the temple of bliss
I will meet Thee, I will touch Thee, I will love Thee
And coax Thee to my altar of bliss
Bengali:
Shaanti mondire, shaanti kutire
Tomaare heribo, tomaare paaroshibo
Bhaalobaashibo, bhaalobaashibo
Bhulae aanibo, bhulae aanibo
Hridoyo bedi pore
Shaumadhi mondire, Shaumadhi kutire
Tomaare heribo, tomaare paaroshibo
Bhaalobaashibo, bhaalobaashibo
Bhulae aanibo, bhulae aanibo
Shaumadhi bedi pore
Whence do they come here?
Whither do they flit away?
In all follies’ dark sway
Keep floating on hope’s way.
Take the dust of each one’s feet
Serving Mother where She sleeps.
When my dream’s dream is done
She will lift me on Her lap.
Do not dry the ocean of my love
With the fires of my desires,
With the fires of my restlessness.
For Thee I pine [cry], for Thee I weep. I'll cry no more, Thou mine evermore!
Thee I find behind the fringe of my mind.
Hide no more, Lord [Ma], hide no more.
Leave me not, Lord [Ma], leave me no more!
These verses were translated from the original Bengali song, which is a form of Vaishnava Padabali Kirtan, a genre of sacred music that dates back to the 15th – 17th century. These songs were composed in the praise of Sri Radha and Krishna’s Divine play and are a vital part of medieval Bengali literature. Our version of this song has been taken from the original Bengali “Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita” (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna), by Sri Mahendranath Gupta (Master Mahasaya). This beloved song of Bengal was brought to the West, translated and set to music in the song “My Krishna is Blue” by Sri Paramahansa Yogananda.
Bengali
Moribo moribo shokhi nischoy moribo
Amar Kaanu haeno gunonidhi
Kaare diye jaabo.
Naa poraayo Radha aungo
Naa bhaashaayo jaule
Morile baadhiya rekho Tomaleri daale
Ami tomaey boroi bhalobashi
Amar Krishna kaalo Tomal kaalo
Ami taito Tomal bhalobashi
Aha Krishno kaalo, Tomal kaalo, Tomal bhalobashi
Tomaleri tolae she je bajai tobashi
Ami taito Tomal bhalobashi
English Translation by Lopamudra Bose
One day I will die, I will surely die
And my Kanu - the noble and virtuous Krishna
Who can I leave him with?
Don’t burn this body of Radha,
Nor float it down the waters
When I die, bind this body to a branch of the Tamal Tree.
I deeply love the Tamal Tree
My Krishna is of dark hue, and so is the Tamal Tree
Oh friend, that is why I love the Tamal Tree,
Krishna is black, the Tamal is black, I love the Tamal
Beneath the Tamal boughs, He played His flute.
That is why I love the Tamal Tree.
Paramahansa Yogananda recalled that this song was a favorite of his Guru’s, Swami Sriyukteswar, and they would often sing it together in Bengali. Sri Yogananda has rendered a beautiful English version. In this context, ‘desire’ refers to the Sanskrit word ‘kāma’ or selfish material desire. This lustful and greed for material satisfaction is said to be the root cause of spiritual suffering. Pranayama, which means ‘life force control’ is the sadhana that yogis prescribe to help overcome this desire. In its cosmic sense, pranayama is the Creator and Mover of all life. The ‘wishing tree’ is the Kalpataru in Sanskrit and is a mythological and symbolic tree that fulfills all desires, both material and spiritual. The yogi calls out to the Lord for guidance and aid. The Lord responds with counsel to the yogi to be immersed in pranayam.
Desire, my great enemy,
With his soldiers surrounding me; is giving me lots of trouble, Oh my Lord.
That enemy I will deceive, remaining in the castle of peace
Night and day in Thy joy, Oh my Lord.
What will be my fate? Oh Lord, tell me.
”Pranayam be thy religion, Pranayam will give thee salvation.
Pranayam is the wishing tree.
Control the little pranayam, become all-pervading Pranayam.
You won’t have to fear anything anymore.”
Original Bengali song by Sri Ramprasad, 18th century mystic poet who achieved spiritual liberation through sadhana and ecstatic chanting to the Divine Mother Kali. Paramahansa Yogananda loved this song, and many songs of Sri Ramprasad. Sri Daya Mata, a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, recalls the time when he sang this song in Bengali to a few gathered in his ashram in Encinitas, CA. He then began to translate, line for line, this holy song.
English adaptation by Paramahansa Yogananda, from Cosmic Chants:
Will that day, O come to me Ma?
When saying, “Mother dear” my eyes will flow tears.
Heart’s lotus will blossom forth, darkness will steal away
Steal away, Ma steal away.
A thousand Vedas do declare Divine Mother’s everywhere
Sri Ramprasad says, “My Mother everywhere stays”
Blind eyes see the Ma hiding everywhere.
Melody arranged by Naren K. Schreiner in jhaptal
Bengali transliteration and translation by Lopamudra Bose
Aemon dīn ki haube Tārā
When will that day come, O Tara?
Jaube Tārā Tārā Tārā bole / Be-e porbe dhārā
When saying “Tara, Tara, Tara” / my tears will flow.
Hrīdī paudde uthbe phūte / Moner ådhar jābe chhute
Heart’s lotus will blossom, mind’s darkness will flee
Taukhon dhaurā taule porbo lute / Tārā bole haubo shārā
Then I will fall to the earth, my whole being uttering Tara
Tejibo shaub bhedā bhed / Ghūche jābe moner khed
I will relinquish all dualities / All grievances will flee my mind
Ore shauto shauto shotto bed / Tārā āmār nirākārā
Oh, hundreds of vedas declare My Tara is beyond form [everywhere]
Sri Ramproshād raute, Ma birāje shaurbo ghaute
Sri Ramprasad declares, Ma resides everywhere *literally ‘in every ghaut’ [referring to the Bengali custom of having a sacred water vessel, ‘ghaut' or ‘kalash’, placed on the altar of every home and temple].
Ore åkhi aundho daekh Mā ke
Oh blind eyes, behold Ma
Timire timire bhaurā
Amidst the deep darkness
Oh devotee, I can give thee salvation, but not My love and devotion;
For when I give those away, I give Myself away.
Ask of Me salvation, but not My love and devotion
For indeed then, when I give those away
I became poor, enclosed in your heart’s way.
This chant is an English translation and adaptation by Paramahansa Yogananda of one of his favorite Rabindranath Tagore’s songs.
Who is in my Temple?
All the doors do open themselves;
All the lights do light themselves.
Darkness like a dark bird flies away, oh, flies away.
It is likely that this song is inspired by a Baul song, which is a genre of sacred folk music composed by the roaming holy men and women of Bengal called Baul, who sing and dance as a form of sadhana that is rooted in mystical yoga and tantra.
I will be a gypsy! I will be a gypsy!
Roam, roam and roam!
I’ll sing a song that none have sung
I’ll sing to the sky! I’ll sing to the wind!
I’ll sing to my red cloud
I’ll roam, roam and roam
I’ll roam, roam with Om!
I’ll be the king of the land through which I roam.
This great soul later took sannyas and was known to world as Swami Vivekananda. He wrote these lofty verses as a description of samadhi. He later wrote an English version, “Hymn to Samadhi”. The genre of the song is dhrupad, and he composed it in the raga is Bageshri. Swami Vivekananda, a great disciple of the avatar Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, was revered by the young Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Paramahansa Yogananda’s birth name). In the book Mejda by Sri Yogananda’s younger brother, there is an intimate account of young Mukunda singing this very song at midnight and then entering into a deep state of samadhi.
Transliteration by Lopamudra Bose
নাহি সূর্য নাহি জ্যোতিঃ নাহি শশাঙ্ক সুন্দর।
Nahi shurjo nahi jyoti nahi shauhanko shundauro l
ভাসে ব্যোমে ছায়া-সম ছবি বিশ্ব-চরাচর॥
Bhashae byomay Chaya-shaumo chobi bissho chaurachoro ll
অস্ফুট মন আকাশে, জগত সংসার ভাসে,
Aushphuto mono akashae, jaugoto shongsharo bhashae
ওঠে ভাসে ডুবে পুনঃ অহং-স্রোতে নিরন্তর॥
Othae bhashae dubae punoh auhong-srotae nirauntauro ll
ধীরে ধীরে ছায়া-দল, মহালয়ে প্রবেশিল,
Dheerae dheerae Chaya-daulo, mauhaloyae probesheelo
বহে মাত্র ‘আমি আমি’ — এই ধারা অনুক্ষণ॥
Bauhae matro “ami ami”—aei dhara aunukhhauno ll
সে ধারাও বদ্ধ হল, শূন্যে শূন্য মিলাইল,
Shae dharau bauddho holo, shunnae shunno milailo,
‘অবাঙমনসোগোচরম্’, বোঝে — প্রাণ বোঝে যার॥
Aubongmonoshogochaurom, bojhae – prano bojhae jaar ll
THE HYMN OF SAMADHI
Composed in English by Swami Vivekananda
Lo! The sun is not, nor the comely moon,
All light extinct; in the great void of space
Floats shadow-like the image-universe.
In the void of mind involute, there floats
The fleeting universe, rises and floats,
Sinks again, ceaseless, in the current "I".
Slowly, slowly, the shadow-multitude
Entered the primal womb, and flowed ceaseless,
The only current, the "I am", "I am".
Lo! 'Tis stopped, ev'n that current flows no more,
Void merged into void — beyond speech and mind!
Whose heart understands, he verily does.
It was published Tagore’s book, Geetabitan in 1931 listed as a Puja song. He also composed the melody, which is based on Raag Yaman Kalyan. It was a favorite of Swami Vivekananda who sang it often, and also of Paramahansa Yogananda. Researchers of Tagore’s works believe that Tagore composed this song in dedication to the life of Jesus Christ.
Bengali:
Shotto mongolo premomoyo tumi,
Dhrubojyoti tumi aundhokarae
Tumi shauda jaaro hridhae birajo
Dukhojala shei paashore shob dukhojaala shehi paashorae
Tomaro gyanae tomaro dhaynae taubo namae kauto madhuri
Jei bhaukoto shei jane Tumi janao jare shei jane Ohae, tumi janao jarae shei janae
Literal Translation in English by Lopamudra Bose:
You are Truth, Auspicious and permeated with Love
You are my polestar in the darkness.
You reside forever in my heart, overcoming all sorrow.
Your wisdom, Your meditation, Your name—so sweet, so sweet!
That devotee knows whom You let know, Oh! only whom You let know
Thou art my life, Thou art my love,
Thou art the sweetness which I do seek.
In the thought by my love brought,
I taste Thy name so sweet, so sweet…
Devotee knows how sweet you are.
He knows whom You let know .
This vandana, or adoration, is to the guru-lineage of Paramahansa Yogananda; and to the Divine Mother that Sri Yogananda worshiped and communed with from his youth throughout his life—Ma Kali, and specifically Her form in Dakshineshwar Temple, named Bhavatarini Kali.
Jai Guru Jai Guru Jai Guru Jai
Paramahansa Yogananda Jai Guru Jai
Swami Sri Yukteswar Jai Guru Jai
Lahiri Mahasaya Jai Guru Jai
Mahavatar Babaji Jai Guru Jai
Jai Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma
Bhavatarini Kali Jai Ma Ja
Naren's most popular album offers a variety of sacred chants, kirtans and bhajans, with accompaniment in violin, sarangi, santoor and cello.
“Chanting gives expression to the soul’s innate yearning for the Divine. Since ancient times, kirtan has been the cornerstone of the devotional schools of Indian religion, combining the artistry and disciplines of traditional music with the transcendent power of mantra meditation. Kirtan focuses the mind and purifies the heart. Kirtan is calling out to God. Kirtan is calling in to God.”
– Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati
Release Date: May 26, 2016 by New Earth Records
Re-release Date: November 14, 2020 by Sangita Yoga Music
Read our short article about Saraswati and this chant.
Learn how to chant Saraswait Vandana from our online course.
Chorus:
Jaya jaya he bhagavati sura bhārati
tava caraṇau praṇamāmaha
Victory! Victory to the Goddess of learning, music and the arts! We bow at Your feet.
nāda bramha mayi jaya vāgīṣvari ṣaraṇam te gatcāmaḥ
Goddess of speech, permeated with Nada Brahma (Aum, the Sound of God) We take refuge in Your presence.
tvamasi ṣaraṇya tribhuvana dhanya sura muni vandita caraṇa
navarasa madhura kavita mukhara smita ruci rucira bharaṇa
You protect the three worlds, all seek shelter in You. You are worshiped by gods and sages alike. You are sweetened by the honey of the nine rasa (nine emotions of drama and music). Your face and form manifest beauty and delight.
āṣīnābhava mānasa hangse kunda tuhina ṣaṣi dhavale
hara jaḍatām kuru bodhi vikāṣam ṣtita pankaja tanu vimale
You ride the beautiful Swan from the holy Lake Manasarovar. You are fair as the moon, pure white as the jasmine blossom. Overcome all of our obstacles! Expand our wisdom like an opening lotus bud.
lalita kalāmai ġñāna vibhāmai veeṇa pustaka dhāriṇi
matira ṣtām no tava pada kamale ai kunṭha viśa hāriṇi
Mother of all art forms, Beholder of all knowledge, holding in Your hands all books of wisdom and the divine veena (ancient stringed instrument), we bow at Your lotus feet. Remove from us all that is impure.
This chant is inspired by the folk songs heard in the villages of India, where simple devotion and fervent kirtan have remained strong for centuries. This chant calls out in praise to Sri Rama, the Savior and King of ancient India, the “Giver of Compassion”.
Raghupate Ramachandra Raghava Daya Nidhe
Madhura madhuranam Gurunam Gurunam
Om Guru Jai Jai Sat-Guru Jai Jai
Sri Guru Sharanam Jai Guru Jai
Paramahansa Yogananda Jai Guru Jai
Sweet and honey-like is the Name, the Guru’s name
Om Guru, Victory to the Guru!
I take refuge in the divine guru!
Learn to chant this on our online course.
Sanskrit verses from the Yajur Veda
कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारम्
संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारम् |
सदा वसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे
भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ||
Karpūragauraṁ karuṇāvatāram |
Saṁsārasāraṁ bhujagendra hāram ||
Sadā vasantaṁ hṛdayāravinde |
Bhavaṁ bhavāni sahitaṁ namāmi ||
Pure as camphor, avatar of compassion
Essence of this world, wearing the Lord of Serpents as a garland
Eternally residing in the heart’ s lotus
O Shiva, one with Shakti, God and Goddess, I bow to You.
Nirvana Shatakam is attributed to the great Adi Shankaracharya. In this short treatise he defines all that we are not (neti, neti—not this, not that), and positively affirms that we are Spirit. This declaration, "I am He" or "I am Spirit" is a common interpretation of "Shivohum" which has several literal meanings in Sanskrit. Often set to music, these verses are a powerful affirmation of our true nature in the face of the many limitations our souls are identified with.
Paramahansa Yogananda wrote that the seeds of truth expounded in scripture are covered by "the hard shell of language and ambiguity." But through the guidance of a true guru one can use the "nutcracker of intuitive perception" to open the shells and find within the seed of truth.
With these words in mind, I offer a simple adaptation of this sacred text in the way that I have learned it, and I encourage serious seekers to look for further understanding and knowledge from authentic and qualified sages and their writings.
Original Text By: Adi Shankara (7th Century)
Language: Sanskrit
Translation compiled and adapted by Naren K. Schreiner.
mano-buddhyahaṅkāra-cittā ni nāhaṁ na ca śrotrajihve na ca ghrāṇanetre |
na ca vyoma-bhūmiḥ na tejo na vāyuḥ cidānandarūpaḥ śivo'haṁ śivo'ham ||
I am not mind, nor intellect, nor ego, nor feeling-consciousness (citta). I am not touch, hearing, taste, smell nor sight (the five senses). I am not ether, earth, radiance (fire), nor air (the five elements). I am conscious bliss in form, I am Spirit, I am Spirit.
na ca prāṇasañjño na vai pañcavāyuḥna vā saptadhātur na vā pañcakośaḥ |
na vāk pāṇipādau na copasthapāyū cidānandarūpaḥ śivo'haṁ śivo'ham ||
I am not life-force (prāṇa), nor the five breaths (vāyus), nor the seven bodily metals, nor the five sheaths of consciousness (kośa). Not the bodily functions of elimination, procreation, motion, holding, or speaking. I am conscious bliss in form, I am Spirit, I am Spirit.
na me dveṣa-rāgau na me lobha-mohau mado naiva me naiva mātsarya-bhāvaḥ |
na dharmo nacārtho na kāmo na mokṣaḥ cidānandarūpaḥ śivo'haṁ śivo'ham ||
I have no aversion nor attraction to anything, no greed, nor delusion, nor ego-pride, nor envy. Not duty (dharma), nor wealth, nor desire, nor liberation (mokṣa). I am conscious bliss in form, I am Spirit, I am Spirit.
na puṇyaṁ na pāpaṁ na saukhyaṁ na duḥkhaṁ na mantro na tīrthaṁ na vedā na yajñāḥ |
ahaṁ bhojanaṁ naiva bhojyaṁ na bhoktā cidānandarūpaḥ śivo'haṁ śivo'ham ||
Not virtue, nor vice, not happiness nor sadness. No mantras, holy places, scriptures (Vedas), nor rituals (yajña). I am not the one who eats food, nor the act of eating, nor the food itself. I am conscious bliss in form, I am Spirit, I am Spirit.
na me mṛtyuśaṅkā na me jātibhedaḥ pitā naiva me naiva mātā na janma |
na bandhur na mitraṁ gurur-naiva śiṣyaḥ cidānandarūpaḥ śivo'haṁ śivo'ham ||
For me there is no death nor identification with caste. I have no father, nor mother, nor birth. Not relatives, nor friends, nor guru, nor students. I am conscious bliss in form, I am Spirit, I am Spirit.
ahaṁ nirvikalpo nirākāra-rūpo vibhur-vyāpya sarvatra sarvendriyāṇām |
sadā me samatvaṁ na muktir na bandhaḥ cidānandarūpaḥ śivo'haṁ śivo'ham ||
I am without any attributes and without any form. I am all-pervading, omnipresent, eternal. I am beyond both liberation (mukti) and material bondage. I am conscious bliss in form, I am Spirit, I am Spirit.
A meditation on the glories and the wonder of Sri Krishna who is both Gopala (cowherd boy) and Bhagavan (Lord).
Gopala Krishna Bhagavan Krishna
He Nath Narayana Vasudeva Hari
Hare Krishna Hare Rama Sri Radhe Govinda
Mukunda Madhava Keshava Madhusudana
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Gopala: Cowherd boy / Krishna: The dark one (dark complexion) / Bhagavan: Glorious One
Nath Narayana: Lord of Mankind / Vasudeva: Son of Vasudeva / Hari: Lord, Thief of Hearts
Mukunda: Giver of Liberation / Madhava: Consort of Lakshmi
Keshava: Destroyer of Evil / Madhusudana: Slayer of the Demon Madhu
Selected verses from the Guru Gita, found in the Skanda Purana, wherein Lord Shiva defines and praises the true Guru (Sat-guru) and guru-principle (guru-tattva). Translation compiled and adapted by Naren K. Schreiner.
Gururbrahmā gururvisnur gururdevo maheśvarah
Gurureva parabrahma tasmai śrīgurave namah.
Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Lord Shiva. Guru is indeed Parabrahman. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Ajnānatimiraandhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā,
Caksur unmīlitam yena tasmai śrīgurave namah.
The Guru uses the eye-salve of knowledge to clear the vision of one who is blinded by the darkness of ignorance. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Tvam pitā tvam ca me mātā tvam bandhustvam ca devatā
samsārapratibodhārtam tasmai śrīgurave namah.
You are father and you are mother, you are sibling and you are a god. You show us the true nature of this world. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Yena cetayate hīdam cittam cetayate na yam,
Jāgrat-svapna-susuptyādi tasmai śrīgurave namah.
The Guru illumines the universe, brings illumination to our consciousness in the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Yasyāmatam tasya matam matam yasya na veda sah,
Ananya-bhāva-bhāvāya tasmai śrīgurave namah.
One who knows not, knows; one who knows, knows not. The Guru is above such limitations. I bow to the Divine Guru
Yadaṅghrikamaladvandvaṁ dvandvatāpanivārakam|
Tārakaṁ sarvadāpadbhyaḥ śrīguruṁ praṇamāmyaham
Your lotus-like feet remove the pain of duality and protect us from all calamities. I bow to the Divine Guru
Akhanda-mandalākāram vyāptam yena charācaram,
Tatpadam darśitam yena tasmai śrīgurave namah.
The Guru reveals the consciousness which pervades the entire universe with its animate and inanimate objects. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Sarvaśrutiśiroratnavirājitapadāmbujaḥ|
Vedāntāmbujasūryo yastasmai śrīgurave namaḥ
The crest jewels of all the revealed scriptures adorn your lotus feet. You are the sun shining on the lotus of Vedanta. I bow to the Divine Guru
Yasya smarana-mātrena jñānam utpadyate svayam,
Ya eva sarva-samprāptis tasmai śrīgurave namah.
By deeply recollecting the Guru, knowledge arises spontaneously. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Chaitanyam śāśvatam śāntam vyomātītam nirañjanam,
Nśāda-bindu-kalśātītam tasmai śrīgurave namah.
The Guru is eternal, peaceful, pure, and transcendent; beyond nada (sound vibration), bindu (thought-point), and kala (time). I bow to the Divine Guru.
Aneka-janma-samprāpta- sarva-karma-vidāhine,
Svātmajnāna-prabhāvena tasmai śrīgurave namah.
The Guru awakens the power of Self-knowledge which burns up all the karmas acquired through countless lifetimes. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Mannāthah śrījagannātho madgurus trijagadguruh,
Mamātmā sarva-bhūtātmā tasmai śrīgurave namah.
My Lord is the Lord of the universe. My Guru is the Guru of the three worlds. My Self is the Self of all beings. I bow to the Divine Guru.
Dhyāna-mūlam guror mūrtih pūjā-mūlam guroh padam
Mantra-mūlam guror vākyam moksa-mūlam guroh krpā.
The root of the meditation is the Guru’s form. The root of the worship is the Guru’s feet. The root of mantra is the Guru’s voice. The root of liberation is the Guru’s grace.
Brahmānandam paramasukhadam kevalam jñānamūrtim,
Dvandvātītam gaganasadrśam tattvamasyādilakshyam;
Ekam nityam vimalam acalam sarvadhī-sāksi-bhootam,
Bhāvā-tītam triguna-rahitam sadgurum tam namāmi.
Full of the bliss of Brahman bestowing the highest joy, absolute, wisdom personified. Beyond duality, like the heavenly sky, and the object of [the mantra] “Thou art That”. One, eternal, taintless and steady. Seer and witness of all. Beyond all states of mind, and free from the three gunas. Guru-lord, I bow to You.
Nityaṁ śuddhaṁ nirābhāsaṁ nirākāraṁ nirañjanam
Nityabodhaṁ cidānandaṁ guruṁ brahma namāmyaham
Eternal, pure, beyond perception, formless, without taint, eternal knowledge, consciousness and bliss — to you, Guru, Brahman, we bow.
Śrīmat-parabrahma gurum smarāmi
Śrīmat -parabrahma gurum vadāmi
Śrīmat-parabrahma gurum namāmi
Śrīmat-parabrahma gurum bhajāmi.
I remember Guru, who is Parabrahman. I speak of Guru, who is Parabrahman. I bow to Guru, who is Parabrahman. I worship to Guru, who is Parabrahman.
For complete lyrics with pronunciation guide, we highly recommend and warmly invite you to enroll for Sangita Yoga’s free online course to learn Sri Hanuman Chalisa. A new Spanish edition of the course is also available. Visit our online courses here.
This spontaneous kirtan was recorded by Naren and tabla player Saumya Jain after they completed recording the Temple of Silence album. "I composed this chant when I was in México with the local devotees who revere him. This is dedicated to Sri Hanuman and to his devotees that have spread all over the world, including the sacred land of México."
Mangala murati māruti nandana
Sakala āmangala mula nikandana
Ram Lakshman Janaki Jai Bolo Hanuman Ki
Sita Ram Jai Sita Ram!
Invocation: From the Chandi, Devi Mahatmyam, an ancient Sanskrit scripture in worship of the Goddess.
Learn How to Chant: https://courses.sangitayoga.com/courses/devi-pranam
sarvamaṅgalamāṅgalye śive sarvārthasādhike
śaraṇye tryambake gauri nārāyaṇi namo’stute
sṛṣṭisthitivināśānāṁ śaktibhūte sanātani
guṇāśraye guṇamaye nārāyaṇi namo’stute
śaraṇāgatadīnārtaparitrāṇaparāyaṇe
sarvasyārtihare devi nārāyaṇi namo’stute
jaya nārāyaṇi namo’stute
The sacred essence of all that is sacred.
Our eternal shelter, shining Goddess with eyes three
O Narayani, victory and salutations to Thee!
Eternal Mother, the power of creation, preservation, and destruction
Foundation and embodiment of all qualities
O Narayani, victory and salutations to Thee!
Ever intent on liberating those who surrender to Thee
O Devi, remover of all suffering
O Narayani, victory and salutations to Thee!
Kirtan:
Jai Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma
Om Kali Om Kali Om Kali Om
Bhavatarini Kali Om Kali Om
Pranam:
Jayanti maṇgalā kāli bhadra kāli kapālini
Durgākshmā shivadātri swāhā swādhā namostute
Kāli Kāli Māhākāli Kālike pāpa hārini
Dharma kāma prade devi nārāyaṇi namo’stute
Kāli Kāli Māhākāli Kālike Parameshwari
Sārvānanda kare devi nārāyaṇi namo’stute
Jaya nārāyaṇi namo’stute
From the Producer: “I have spent the last several years searching for the right person to sing on this album--someone who is both devoted to Paramahansa Yogananda and who is trained in India's traditional music. I found the perfect person in Naren, who has been a disciple of Yoganandaji for most of his life. One wise man said to me, 'You can be the greatest musician in the world, but without devotion it’s just good music.' Not only does Naren sing with deep devotion, he also brings his ability to adapt these songs to the traditional Indian rhythms.... I hope you enjoy his renditions as much as I do.” –Phil DeCardo
Release Date: November 1, 2014 by Sangita Yoga Music, BMI
Full of bliss, giving joy transcendent,
Of higher knowledge, the abode,
Dual no more, clear as the heavens,
Known to all as: “Thou art That”.
He is pure, permanent, unmoving,
The everlasting Seer of all,
Far, far beyond qualities and thought,
Guru-Lord, I bow to Thee.
Sanskrit transliteration:
Brahmānandam parama-sukhadam kevalam jñāna-mūrtim
Dvandvā-tītam gagana-sadṛśam tattvam-asyādi-lakshyam
Ekam nityam vimalam acalam sarvadhī-sāksi-bhootam
Bhāvā-tītam triguna-rahitam sadgurum tam namāmi
Night has flown, dawn has come
Wake my children, wake!
Sitting in the asana of meditation
Think ye of thy guru’s lotus feet
O thou blue sky
Under blue cover
Hast thou hidden my beloved Lord?
Open thy cover, let me discover
My beloved Lord in thy heart of hearts.
This chant is an English translation and adaptation by Paramahansa Yogananda of one
of his favorite Rabindranath Tagore songs.
Who is in my Temple?
All the doors do open themselves;
All the lights do light themselves.
Darkness like a dark bird flies away, oh, flies away.
Paramahansa Yogananda and Tagore: “The songs of Rabindranath have been on my lips since early youth. All Bengalis, even the unlettered
peasants, delight in his lofty verse.” From his book, Autobiography of a Yogi in the chapter, “Rabindranatha Tagore and I Compare Schools”
So do Thou my Lord
Thou and I never apart
Wave of the sea dissolve in the sea
I am the bubble, make me the Sea,
O I am the bubble, make me the Sea,
Make me the Sea, O make me the Sea
I am the bubble, make me the Sea,
O I am the bubble, make me the Sea.
Door of my heart
Open wide I keep for Thee
Wilt Thou come, wilt Thou come?
Just for once come to me!
Will my days fly away
Without seeing Thee, my Lord?
Night and day, night and day
I look for Thee night and day.
O God Beautiful; O God Beautiful; At Thy feet, oh, I do bow.
In the forest Thou art green;
In the mountain Thou art high;
In the river Thou art restless;
In the ocean Thou art grave.
O God Beautiful; O God Beautiful! At Thy feet, oh, I do bow!
To the serviceful Thou art service;
To the lover Thou art love;
To the sorrowful Thou art sympathy;
To the yogi Thou art bliss.
Who tells me Thou art dark
O my Mother Divine?
Thousands of suns and moons from Thy body do shine!
Wink has not touched my eyes ever since I saw Thee.
Without Thee my breath does not want to flow.
Wink has not touched my eyes ever since I saw Thee.
Thou didst say Thou wouldst come but Thou hast not come.
Restless is my soul day and night.
Wink has not touch my eyes ever since I saw Thee.
Mother, I give You my soul, soul, soul call.
You can’t remain hidden anymore.
Give my Mother a soul, soul, soul call.
She can’t remain hidden anymore.
Come out of the silent sky
Come out of the mountain glen
Come out of my secret soul, Mother
Come out of my secret soul
Come out of my cave of silence.
Mother, I give You my soul, soul, soul call.
You can’t remain hidden anymore.
Give my Mother a soul, soul, soul call.
She can’t remain hidden anymore.
Esho Ma. Yearning For The Divine Mother. These songs from the mystic poet-saints of Bengal are over 200 years old, composed by devotees of the Divine Mother. Most of the songs on this album were favorites of the great Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and of Paramahansa Yogananda.
Bengali Translations and Transliterations by Lopamudra Bose
Produced by Kali Mandir and Sangita Yoga
Released November 13, 2012 by Sangita Yoga Music
sarvamaṅgalamāṅgalye śive sarvārthasādhike | śaraṇye tryambake gauri nārāyaṇi
namo’stu te || sṛṣṭisthitivināśānāṁ śaktibhūte sanātani | guṇāśraye guṇamaye nārāyaṇi
namo’stu te || śaraṇāgatadīnārtaparitrāṇaparāyaṇe | sarvasyārtihare devi nārāyaṇi
namo’stu te || jaya nārāyaṇi namo’stu te jaya nārāyaṇi namo’stu te | jaya nārāyaṇi
namo’stu te jaya nārāyaṇi namo’stu te ||
The sacred essence of all that is sacred, our eternal shelter, shining Goddess with three eyes;
O Narayani, victory and salutations to Thee!
Eternal Mother, the power of creation, preservation, and destruction, foundation and embodiment of all qualities;
O Narayani, victory and salutations to Thee!
Ever intent on liberating those who surrender to Thee, Devi, remover of all suffering;
O Narayani, victory and salutations to Thee!
Esho Ma, esho Ma hridauyo rauma, paurano putoli go Ma
Maumo hridauyo ashon-e hau Ma ashino, nirokhi tomare go Ma
Achi jaunmabodhi taubo mukho che-e, dhori e jibauno je jatona sho-e
Tato tumi jano Ma, aubodho shauntanero dukho
Maumo hridauyo kaumolo bikasho koriye, prokasho tahate go Ma
Come, O Ma, come! Delight of my heart, life-essence of my being.
Be seated on the asan* deep within my heart; there I will behold You
All my life I have gazed upon Your face; this has enabled me to endure the pains of life.
You well know, Ma, the sorrows of this ignorant child.
Come, O Ma, come! Delight of my heart, life-essence of my being.
Make my heart’s lotus fully bloom, for You to manifest therein.
Mojlo amar mon bhromora Kalipaudo nil kaumol-e
Kalipaudo nil kaumol-e,
Shyamapaudo nil kaumol-e
Jauto bishoy modhu tuccho holo kamadi kushum shaukol-e
Chauron kalo bhromor kalo, kalo-e kalo mishe gaelo
Pauncho tautto, prodhan mautto raungo dekhe bhaungo dile
Kaumolakanteri mone ashapurno aetodin-e
Shukh dukkho shoman holo, anando shagor uchhaul-e
Engrossed is the bee of my mind on the blue lotus feet of Ma Kali,
The blue lotus feet of Kali, the blue lotus feet of Shyama.
Tasteless, to the bee, is the honey of sense-pleasures from the blossoms of desire.
Ma’s feet are black, and black, too, is the bee; black is made one with Black.
The Five Principles become revealed; I behold them and go deep within.
Kamalakanta’s hopes are fulfilled; pleasure and pain are the same,
He overflows with the Sea of Bliss.
Shyama Ma ki amar kalo re
Loke baule Kali kalo; amar mon to baule na kalo re
Kalo rupe digombori, hrid pauddo kore alo re
Kaukhono sheto, kaukhono pito, kaukhono nil lohito re
Ami age nahi jani aemono jani, bhabie jaunomo gaelo re
Kaukhono Purusho, kaukhono Prokriti, kaukhono Shunnorupore
Maer e bhabo bhabie Kaumolakanto shohoje pagol holo re
Is my Mother dark? People say Kali is black, but I do not think She is so;
Her black form is sky-clad, illuminating my heart-lotus.
Sometimes pure white, sometimes of golden hue, sometimes a dark blue or red;
I have never known a Mother like this; my lifetime passes in contemplation.
Sometimes Purusha*, sometimes Prakriti*, sometimes Formless;
Pondering these bhavas** of Ma, Kamalakanta simply loses his mind
Amar shadh na mitilo, asha na purilo shaukoli phura-e ja-e Ma
Jaunomer shodh daki go Ma tore, kole tule nite a-e Ma
Pritthibir keu bhalo to bashena, ei pritthibi bhalo bashite janena
Jetthai ache shuddhu bhalo basha bashi, shetthai jete pran chay Ma
Bauro daga pe-e, bashona tejechi, bauro jala shoe kamona bhulechi
Aunek kendechi, kandite parina, buk phete bheinge ja-e Ma
My desires are not quenched; my hopes are not fulfilled;
All is ending, O Ma.
From the very first day of my life, I have longed for You
To receive me on Your lap, O Ma.
In this world, Ma, nobody truly loves me
This world does not know how to love.
Where there is pure, loving love, there my soul yearns to be.
After great pain, I have given up desires
After great suffering, I have forgotten my whims
I have cried much; I can cry no more
O Ma, my heart is torn open…
Jaugoto Janoni go Ma Tara Jagotke taurale amake dubale, ami ki jaugoto chhara go Tara
Diba auboshan raujoni kale, diyechi shatar Sri Durga bole
Mono jirno tori mayate kandari, dubilo, dubilo, dubilo haura
Dino Ramproshad bhabi-e shara, Ma ho-e pathale mashir para
Kotha giyechile e dhaurmo shikhile, Ma ho-e shauntane chharo go Tara
Mother of the Universe, O Ma Tara
You keep the universe afloat, while You let me drown.
Am I not a part of this universe too?
The day has ended, night approaches
And so I begin to swim with the name of Ma Durga.
My weak mind is like a raft steered by maya
It sinks, sinks, and sinks.
Poor Ramprasad is overwhelmed with the thought
That his own Mother would send him away to his Aunt’s home.
Where, Ma, have You learned such dharma?
How could You be my Mother and yet abandon me?
Ore mon Kali baulo
Bipaudo nashini Kalir nam, jaupo nam
Ore mon, kaeno bholo Kali baulo
Kinchit korona bhau-e dekhe augadh sholilo
Auna-eshe bhaubo nodi Kali kulaiben kulo
Ja haubar ta holo bhalo kal gaelo mon Kali baulo
Kali nam auntore jaupo baela auboshan holo
Kalher chhokhe di-e dhulo, bhaubo parabare chaulo
Sri Ramproshad baule, “Kaeno mon ore bholo?
Kalir nam auntore jaupo, baela auboshan holo!”
Oh mind, sing Kali’s name!
Kali’s name protects you from danger, pray Kali’s name!
Oh mind, why do you forget to sing Kali’s name?
Do not have a hint of fear to see the deep dark waters;
One can easily swim across Kali’s river of Life
Only good can happen when the mind utters Kali
You will fool your karma and go safely across
Sri Ramprasad says, “Why, mind, do you forget Her?
Recite within Kali’s name until the end of life.”
Hrid kaumolo monche dole kauralo baudoni Shyama
Mon paubone dula-iche, dibausho raujoni O Ma
Ida pingaula nama, shushumna mono rauma
Tari moddhe gantha Shyama, Brohmo shaunatoni O Ma
Abiro rudhiro ta-e, ki shobha hoechhe ga-e
Kam adi moho ja-e, herile aumoni O Ma
Je dekheche Maer dol, she pe-eche Maer kol
Ram Proshader eyi bol, dhol mara bani O Ma
On the stage of my lotus-heart, the fierce-looking Shyama is gracefully swaying.
The breeze of Her mind is the ebb and flow of Day and Night.
Ida, Pingala, Shushumna,* all are delighted by Her presence,
Within them is embedded Shyama; She is All-encompassing Brahma.
Her beauty is enhanced by the red abir** on Her body.
All desires will flee by gazing at Ma.
He who sees Ma’s sway is received on Ma’s lap.
Ramprasad’s words are declared with the beat of a drum.
Jautone hridoe rekho, adorini Shyama make
Mon tui daekh ar ami dekhi, ar jaeno keu nahi daekhe
Kamadire di-e phaki, ei mon biraule dekhi
Raushonare shonge rakhi, shey jaeno Ma bole dake
Kuruchi kumontri jauto, nikaut hote dio nako
Gaen nauyone prohori rekho, shey jaeno shabdhane thake
Kaumolakanteri mono bhai amar ei nibedauno
Doridre paile dhaun, sheki aujautone rakhe
Cherish Shyama Ma tenderly in your heart.
O mind, you look and I am looking too; but no one else can see.
Deceive the lures of the world, and in seclusion the mind will see.
Keep control of the tip of the tongue, that the mind may call out to Ma.
Bad taste, bad company and the like—do not allow them near.
O eyes of wisdom, keep vigilant watch of the mind!
O dear mind of Kamalakanta, hear this humble plea:
When a poor man receives a treasure, does he not cherish it?
Kole tule ne Ma Kali, kaler kole dishna phele
Receive me on Thy lap, Ma Kali, do not cast me onto the lap of death and delusion