Translations

1. Vandanaa Trayee

Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakotisamaprabha.
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva
Sarvakaaryeshu Sarvadaa.

Translation:
O, Lord Ganesha of the curved trunk and massive body, the one whose splendour is equal to millions of Suns, please bless me so that I do not face any obstacles in my endeavours.

Yaa Kundendutushaarahaaradhavalaa
Yaa Shubhravastraavrtaa
Yaa Veenaavaradandamanditakaraa
Yaa Shvetapadmaasanaa.
Yaa Brahmaachyutashankaraprabhrtibhir-
Devaissadaa Poojitaa
Saa Maam Paatu Sarasvatee Bhagavatee
Nishsheshajaadyaapahaa.
*(These lines are part of this prayer but were not sung on this recording.)

Translation: May that Goddess – Bhagavati – the blessed Saraswati presiding deity of learning and remover of our lethargy, laziness and ignorance, kindly protect us. She is pure and white like the Jasmine, the full moon and the garland like formation of dewdrops. She is dressed in a spotless robe. She has, in her hand, the auspicious instrument Vina. She is seated on a white lotus. She is the one who is always respected by Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, Shankara the annihilator and other Gods.

Gururbrahmaa Gururvisnuh
Gururdevo Mahesvarah.
Gurussaakshaat Param Brahma
Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.

Translation:
The Guru is none other than the creator,
Lord Brahma; he verily is Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and he truly is Mahesvara, the destroyer. He is the supreme Brahman himself. To such a Guru I offer my salutations.
(All traditional prayers) 

2. Omkaaraaya Namaha

Omkaaram Bindusamyuktam
Nityam Dhyaayanti Yoginah.
Kaamadam Mokshadam Chaiva
Omkaaraaya Namo Namah.

Translation:
The sacred letter ‘Om’ is associated with the sacred dot – the Bindu. This ‘Om’ is the bestower of all wishes and is indeed capable of leading one to freedom from worldly bondage and is meditated upon by yogis.
To this letter ‘Om’ we offer our salutations.
(Traditional prayer) 

3. Vedic Chanting

Taittiriya Upanishad, Shikshavalli,
10th Anuvaka

Devapitrkaaryaabhyaam Na Pramaditavyam.
Maatrdevo Bhava. Pitrdevo Bhava.
Aachaaryadevo Bhava. Atithidevo Bhava.
Yaanyanavadyaani Karmaani. Taani Sevitavyaani.
No Itaraani. Yaanyasmaakagum Sucharitaani. Taani Tvayopaasyaani.

Translation:
“Do not neglect your duties to the Gods and your ancestors. May your mother be like a God unto you. May your father be like a God unto you. May your guru be like a God unto you. May your guest be like a God unto you. Wherever you have observed faultless deeds performed, you should follow those alone, and no others. When you have seen us, your teachers, perform good actions follow those alone.”

Summary:
Commonly known as Shishyaanushaasanam, this section contains the final mantras of instruction given by the guru to his students as they prepare to leave the ashram and enter the life of a householder. These mantras are often recited as the convocation address at university graduation ceremonies. The selected mantras on this CD come from the middle portion of this anuvaka.

Taittiriya Upanishad, Brahmanandavalli,
8th Anuvaka

Bheeshaasmaadvaatah Pavate. Bhishodeti Sooryah. Bheeshaasmaadagnischendrashcha. Mrtyurdhaavati Panchama Iti. Saishaanandasya Meemamsaa Bhavati. Yuvaa Syaatsaadhu Yuvaadhyaayakah. Ashishtho Drdhishtho Balishthah. Tasyeyam Prthivee Sarvaa Vittasya Poornaa Syaat.
Sa Eko Maanusha Aanandah.
Te Ye Shatam Maanushaa Aanandaah.
Sa Eko Manushyagandharvaanaamaanandah. Shrotriyasya Chaakaamahatasya.
Te Ye Shatam Manushyagandharvaanaamaanandaah.
Sa Eko Devagandharvaanaamaanandah.
Shrotriyasya Chaakaamahatasya.
Te Ye Shatam Devagandharvaanaamaanandaah.
Sa Ekah Pitrnaam Chiralokalokaanaamaanandah. Shrotriyasya Chaakaamahatasya. Te Ye Shatam Pitrnaam Chiralokalokaanaamaanandaah.
Sa Eka Aajaanajaanaam Devaanaamaanandah. Shrotriyasya Chaakaamahatasya.
Te Ye Shatamaajaanajaanaam Devaanaamaanandaah. Sa Ekah Karmadevaanaam Devaanaamaanandah.
Ye Karmanaa Devaanapiyanti. Shrotiyasya Chaakaamahatasya. Te Ye Shatam Karmadevaanaam Devaanaamaanandaah.

Translation:
“From fear impelled by the absolute the wind blows. From fear the Sun rises. From fear the fire burns and the senses feel. Finally from fear does death run after man.” And now follows a discourse on bliss: “Imagine a young, good man who is fit, healthy and strong and has all the wealth in the world.
Equate that to one unit of human bliss.
Now multiply that by a hundred times.
This equals one unit of the bliss of the Manushyagandharvas, and also one who has studied the Vedas and destroyed desire.
Multiply this by hundred and it equals one unit of the bliss of the Devagandharvas, and also one who has studied the Vedas and destroyed desire.
Multiply this by hundred and it equals one unit of the bliss of the Pitrs (ancestors), and also one who has studied the vedas and destroyed desire.
Multiply this by hundred and it equals one unit of the bliss of the divine immortals and also one who has studied the vedas and destroyed desire.
Multiply this by hundred and it equals one unit of the bliss of the Karmadevas, who reach the Gods through Karma.

Summary:
This is the penultimate anuvaka of Brahmanandavalli, and extols the ‘Beatific Calculus’, or a quasi-mathematical relationship between the bliss of a young man, who has everything in this world and one unit of the bliss of Brahman, or realisation. The Upanishad calculates one unit of the bliss of Brahman to be 10010 times more than the bliss of a man who has all in this world. The previous anuvaka exhorts the aspirant to be fearless and strong, as only such a person may realise the absolute within. The first verse describes the all-pervasive nature of fear. 

4. Asato Maa

Om Asato Maa Sadgamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amrtam Gamaya.
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih.
(Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 1st Adhyaya, 3rd Brahmana, 28th Mantra)

Translation:
O Lord please lead me from the unreal to
the real. Lead me from darkness to light
(i.e. from ignorance to knowledge).
Lead me from death to immortality.
May there be peace, peace and perfect peace. 

5. Sahanaa Vavatu

Om Saha Naavavatu Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai.
Tejasvi Naavadheetamastu
Maa Vidvishaavahai.
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih.
(Taittiriya Upanishad, Brahmavalli & Bhrgu Valli, Shanti Mantra)

Translation:
May the Lord protect us together.
May he nourish us together.
May we work together uniting our strength for the good of humanity.
May our learning be luminous and purposeful. May we never hate one another.
May there be peace, peace and perfect peace. 

6. Poornamadah

Om Poornamadah Poornamidam
Poornaat Poornamudachyate.
Poornasya Poornamaadaaya
Poornamevaavashishyate.
(Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 5th Adhyaya, 1st Brahmana, 1st Mantra)

Translation:
That is perfect – this is perfect.
What comes from such perfection truly is perfect.
What remains after perfection from perfection is yet perfect.
May there be peace, peace and perfect peace. 

7. Gaayatri

Om Bhoor Bhuvassuvah
Om Tat Saviturvarenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayaat.
(Rgveda – 3, 62)

Translation:
May there he peace on mortal, immortal and divine planes. I meditate upon the most brilliant splendour of the Sun God. May he stimulate our intellect (so that we are inspired to take the right action at the right time). 

8. Mahaa Mrityunjaya

Om Triyambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam.
Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaat
Mrtyormuksheeya Maamrtaat.
(Rgveda, Taittiriya Upanishad, Rudra Mantra, 1st Kanda)

Translation:
We worship Lord Shiva the three-eyed one, the one who is the master of all senses and qualities and the one who is the sustainer of all growth. May he release us from the bondage of death as a ripened cucumber is released from its stalk and may he (not deprive us of immortality) grant us immortality. 

Veenaa-MuraIi

(Music Interlude)

10. Geetaa

Karmanyevaadhikaaraste
Maa Phaleshu Kadaachana.
Maa Karmaphalaheturbhooh
Maa Te Sangostvakarmani.
(Gita – 2, 47)

Translation:
You have but the right to perform action;
you have no hold on the results thereof.
May you not seek the rewards of action and may you never engage in wrong action
(this is not an excuse for inaction!) 

11. Mangalam*

Bhoomimangalam. Udakamangalam.
Agnimangalam. Vaayumangalam.
Gaganamangalam. Sooryamangalam.
Chandramangalam. Jagat Mangalam.
Jeevamangalam. Dehamangalam.
Manomangalam. Aatmamangalam.
Sarvamangalam Bhavatu Bhavatu Bhavatu.
Sarvamangalam Bhavatu Bhavatu Bhavatu.
Sarvamangalam Bhavatu Bhavatu Bhavatu.

Translation:
May there be tranquillity on earth, on water, in fire, in the wind, in the sky, in the sun, on the moon, on our planet, in all living beings, in the body, in the mind and in the spirit. May that tranquillity be everywhere,
and in everyone.
(Words in Sanskrit by Ravi Shankar and Dr Nandakumara) 

12. Hari Om*
(Music interlude)

13. Svara Mantra*
(Music interlude)

14. Vedic Chanting

Taittiriya Aranyaka, 4th Prasna (Pravargya Mantras, 42nd Anuvaka)

Prthivee Shaantih Antariksham Shaantih Dyaushshaantih Dishashshaantih Avaantaradishaashshaantih Agnishshaantih Vaayushshaantih Aadityashshaantih Chandramaashshaantih Nakshatraani Shaantih Aapashshaantih Oshadhayashshaantih Vanaspatayashshaantih Gaushshaantih Ajaa Shaantih Ashvashshaantih Purushashshaantih Brahma Shaantih Braahmanashshaantih Shaantireva Shaantih Shaantirme Astu Shaantih. Tayaaham Shaantyaa Sarvashaantyaa Mahyam Dvipade Chatushpade Cha Shaantim Karomi Shaantirme Astu Shaantih.

Translation:
“May there be peace on earth, peace in the ether, peace in the heaven, peace in all directions, peace in fire, peace in the air, peace in the sun, peace in the moon, peace in the constellations, peace in the waters,
peace in the plants and herbs, peace in trees, peace towards cattle, peace towards goats, peace towards horses, peace towards mankind, peace in the absolute Brahman, peace in those who have attained Brahman, may there be peace, only peace.
May that peace be in me, peace alone. Through that peace may I confirm peace in myself, and all bipeds and quadrupeds.
May there be peace in me, peace alone.”

Summary:
This is the central portion of the famous Mahashanti Mantra, the great prayer for peace. As well as being the final anuvaka
of the Pravargya mantras, it is also the Shanti mantra of the 5th Prasna of the Taittiriya Aranyaka which is the Brahmana for Pravargya.

Taittiriya Brahmana, 3rd Ashtaka,
10th Prapathaka, 8th Anuvaka

Agnirme Vaachi Shritah. Vaagghrdaye. Hrdayam Mayi. Ahamamrte.
Amrtam Brahmani.
Vayurme Praane Shritah. Praano Hrdaye. Hrdayam Mayi. Ahamamrte.
Amrtam Brahmani.
Suryo Me Chakshushi Shritah.
Chakshur Hrdaye. Hrdayam Mayi. Ahamamrte. Amrtam Brahmani.
Chandramaa Me Manasi Shritah.
Mano Hrdaye. Hrdayam Mayi.
Ahamamrte. Amrtam Brahmani.
Disho Me Shrotre Shritaah.
Shrotragum Hrdaye. Hrdayam Mayi. Ahamamrte. Amrtam Brahmani.
Aapo Me Retasi Shritaah. Reto Hrdaye. Hrdayam Mayi. Ahamamrte.
Amrtam Brahmani.
Prthivee Me Shareere Sritaa.
Shareeragum Hrdaye. Hrdayam Mayi. Ahamamrte. Amrtam Brahmani.

Translation:
“Air is established in my breath.
My breath in my heart. My heart in me.
Myself in the immortal, the immortal in Brahman.
The sun is established in my eyes.
My eyes in my heart. My heart in me.
Myself in the immortal, the immortal in Brahman.
The moon is established in my mind.
My mind in my heart. My heart in me.
Myself in the immortal, the immortal in Brahman.
The direction is established in my ears.
My ears in my heart. My heart in me.
Myself in the immortal, the immortal in Brahman.
The waters are established in the seed.
The seed in my heart. My heart in me.
Myself in the immortal, the immortal in Brahman.
The earth is established in my body.
The body in my heart. My heart in me.
Myself in the immortal, the immortal in Brahman.”

Summary:
These mantras form part of the “Kaathaka Bhaaga” of the Taittiriya Brahmana, and are often used during the Laghu nyaasa (short introductory hymns). It beautifully identifies aspects of nature as one with parts of our body, which is one with the immortal Brahman. In other words, all is Brahman. 

15. Prabhujee*

Prabhujee Dayaa Karo
Maname Aana Baso.

Tuma Bina Laage Soonaa
Khaali Ghatame Prema Bharo.

Tantra Mantra Poojaa Nahi Jaanu
Mai To Kevala Tumako Hi Maanu.

Sare Jaga Me Dhundaa Tumako
Aba To Aakara Baahan Dharo.

Translation:
Oh Master, show some compassion on me
Please come and dwell in my heart.

Because without you, it is painfully lonely
Fill this empty pot with the nectar of love.

I do not know any Tantra, Mantra or ritualistic worship I know and believe only in you!

I have been searching for you all over the world please come and hold my hand now. 

16. Sarve Shaam

Sarveshaam Svastir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Shaantir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Purnam Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavatu.
(Traditional Prayer)

Translation:
May good befall all,
May there be peace for all,
May all be fit for perfection, and
May all experience that which is auspicious.

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayaah.
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu.
Maa Kashchit Duhkhabhahg Bhavet||
(Traditional Prayer)

Translation:
May all be happy. May all be healthy.
May all experience what is good and
let no one suffer.