Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.
There are prayers for just about everything in the Sanskrit
tradition. Actually, there are prayers for everything in every other tradition
- but they may not necessarily be recognised or organised as such. Then gain,
often, when a prayer would be appropriate, we forget to offer it up, but in
vedantic practice we (ought to!) never forget. Be it the opening of a present,
the setting off on a journey, the cooking of a meal… there are indeed prayers
which can be used to enhance each and every action we may carry out in our
daily lives. The purpose of prayer is to focus the mind and subdue the ego;
"this is the task to be done, but "I" am not the doer".
We have seen a few prayers (see the label on sidebar). This month we
will investigate one of the most-used larger prayers, which masquerades as
'hymn' to some extent, and which offers deeper meanings beyond blessing of
actions. It is chanted at every puja, before every endeavour of business or
study or such; it is the Great Prayer of Sri Ganesha.
ïI g[ezawvRzI;R>/ Shri
GaneshaatharvashiirshaH
This is a plea of blessing upon endeavours and the removal of any
obstacles in our path. If we chant it with understanding and genuine humility
it aids the shift within us to 'get out of our own way' and allow the process
to unfold.
Now, it is next to impossible to teach you the correct chanting in
this online format, so for general purpose, think only to learn the words and
meanings - this is sufficient. The chanting is best left to the experts! Here
is a very fine example, true to the chcchandas of Shringeri-mutt parampara -
the tradition from which Chinmaya Mission arises.
SAADHANA
Rousing chanting, you surely agree? It is done at speed and will
take your ear a while to adjust, but keep it 'bookmarked' or on your 'watch
later' tubular listing and make a sankalpa (vow) to listen at least once daily
to this chant until next Thursday. Currently, without knowledge of the words,
it will be vibration alone which you will carry with you… but that itself is
powerful! From next week we shall delve into the words and their meaning.
