Chants
Ricky leading at Kripalu in 2011
shantipath - shanti mantra - peace chant
Shanti Mantras are invoked in the beginning of some topics. They are supposed to calm the mind of the reciter and environment around him/her. Reciting them is also believed to be removing any obstacles for the task being started.
 Listen to the solo chant. (33 seconds) Houston, TX
Listen to the class chant. (2 min) Houston, TX
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"May we be protected when we come together.
May we study with vigor and strength. May we glow, be brilliant and lustrous from our studies. May there be no enmity, bad feelings between us." Let us together (-saha) be protected (-na vavatu) and let us together be nourished (-bhunaktu).
Let us together join our mental forces in strength (-veeryam) for the benefit of humanity (-karvaa vahai). Let our efforts at learning be luminous (-tejasvi) and filled with joy, and endowed with the force of purpose (-vadhita mastu). Let us never (-maa) be poisoned (-vishaa) with the seeds of hatred for anyone. Let there be peace and serenity (-shaantih). This mantra highlights the nature of the teacher-student relationship that produces ideal results for the student. The transference of mental, spiritual and intellectual energies from the teacher to the student can be achieved through a mutually nourishing relationship which is based on (mutual) respect, joy (of giving and receiving), and absence of malice or negative thoughts. |
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