Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.
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
Last week you were introduced to the idea of prayer as a regular
practice at all times. This particular prayer, as stated then, is used to
initiate just about anything. If you are about to embark on a new course of
study, are about to take an interview, going on a major trip… anything at all
which holds deep import and requires smooth running, that is when you should
pull out this prayer. To be able to
chant it like the priests on that clip last week may be a bit much to expect,
when you are learning only from the page like this. However, be not daunted.
Learn the words, the essence, and set your heart and mind to it, and it will be
every bit as effective.
Before an text is approached in Sanskrit tradition, there is a
mantra of invocation. There are such 'shanti paths' for most deities, but this
one of Ganesha is very popular and is often used on its own - it is strong and
worth using before beginning daily tasks of all types.
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ॐ भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः
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Om Bhadram
KarnebhiH ShRnuyaama Devaah
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भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः
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Bhadram
Pashyem-Akshabhir-YajatraaH
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स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवागँसस्तनूभिः
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Sthirair-Angais-Tushtuvaagamsas-TanuubhiH
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व्यशेम देवहितं यदायूः
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Vyashema
Devahitam YadaayuuH
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स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः
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Swasti Na
Indro VRddhashravaaH
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स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः
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Swasti NaH
Puusha Vishva-VedaaH
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स्वस्ति नस्ताक्षर्यो अरिष्टनेमिः
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Swasti
Nastaarkshyo ArishtanemiH
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स्वस्ति नो ब्रुहस्पतिर्दधातु
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Swasti No
BRhaspatir-dadhaatu
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ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
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Om,
ShaantiH ShaantiH ShaantiH
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As this is an important shanti path, have given it in slightly
different format (though that last strange colour is a complete mystery!!!), hoping to help you at least get a rhythm going in its
recitation. Don't fret about accent for now, concentrate on enunciation; it is
pretty phonetic, so take your time. Speed is not the issue, accuracy is. Of
course, if the Sanskrit frightens you a bit, then the translation will suit you
better.
Om; may we hear only that which is auspicious with our ears
May we see only what is auspicious with our eyes, oh holy ones who
are worthy of worship
May our lives be filled with satisfaction and our organs and bodies
be strong and healthy
May we continue to praise the Lord during the lifespan granted to us
by the gods
May god Indra, of great fame, bless us
May the omniscient Puusha (cosmic being) bless us
May the protector, Garuda, bless us
May the Lord BRhspati protect us.
Om peace, peace, peace.
Not quite as bouncy a flow, but the beauty comes in the intention
and the adoration. There is very little which needs to be explained after this
translation - it's purpose is quite clear. If we are to be strong in our
saadhana, then keeping our senses well-tamed is of primary importance. There is
much in the world to distract, disturb and delay us from our path, it is up to
us to redirect our ears and eyes, indeed all senses, to more worthy
(auspicious) pursuits; devotional music, philosophical reading, healthy eating
and so forth.
This mantra, then, is a plea for commonsense! It acknowledges that
we are instruments of Higher Purpose, if we permit ourselves to be, and that we
have guides all around us. The names are not important, but the essence of
presence is.
