practice livestream

The practice livestream began in march of 2020…

…when I returned from India into New York Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, and needed to find a way to get back to my daily practice of chant and prayers. With the Footsteps of Ram Dass Yatra groups in the foothills of the Himalayas, I had been getting up early to lead Hanuman Chalisas and read aloud from the Ramayana and from books about Neem Karoli Baba. So it seemed natural to carry on doing that from home on Facebook livestreams, and see if anyone would like to join me.

Well, it’s now more than three years later and we’re still going strong! I have no idea if I’ll stop doing it at some point, but for now here we are. We gather on my Shyama Chapin Kirtan Facebook page every morning at 7am (or as close to that time as I can manage…) New York time, and go for about two hours.

We begin by ringing my little bell, with its sweet tone that feels to me like a call to the Divine to sit with us and accept our prayers and offerings. Then we read a little bit from a sacred Hindu epic or in a commentary on one of the sacred texts, bathing our minds in the purifying dharma. After that we chant prayers together: 11 Hanuman Chalisas, a Bajarang Baan and a Durga Chalisa. And we close with a short reading from a book of stories about a saint, often Neem Karoli Baba but sometimes others as well. Currently we are reading from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. And we sing some final short prayers to the Guru.

Please join us sometime if you feel so moved! Below are words to some of the prayers we often chant:

Hanuman chalisa

maṅgala mūrati māruta nandana

sakala amaṅgala mūla nikandana

Son of the Wind, embodiment of blessings and joy, you destroy the root of all that is inauspicious.

shrī guru charaṇ saroja raja nija mana mukura sudhāri

baraṇau raghubara bimala jasu jo dāyaka phala chāri

buddhihīna tanu jānike sumiraũ pavana kumār

bala buddhi vidyā dehu mohĩ harahu kalesha bikār

Having polished the mirror of my heart with the dust from my Guru’s lotus feet, I sing the pure fame of the best of Raghus, which bestows the four fruits of life. I know I have no intelligence, so I recall the Son of the Wind. Please give me strength, intelligence, and wisdom and remove my suffering and impurities.

siyā vara rāmchandra pada jaya sharanam

Hail to the refuge of the feet of Sita’s husband, Ramachandra.

jaya hanumāna jñāna guṇa sāgar

jaya kapīsa tihũ loka ujāgar

Glory to you Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue. Hail to the Lord of the Monkeys, the illuminator of the three worlds.

rāma dūta atulita bala dhāmā

añjani putra pavanasuta nāmā

Ram’s emissary, abode of matchless power, Anjani’s son, named Son of the Wind.

mahābīra bikrama bajaraṅgī

kumati nivāra sumati ke saṅgī

Great hero, mighty as a thunderbolt, remover of negative thoughts and companion to the good.

kañchana barana birāja subesā

kānana kuṇḍala kuñchita kesā

Golden hued and splendidly adorned with heavy earrings and curly locks.

hātha vajra au dhvajā birājai

kaṅdhe mūṅja jane-ū sājai

In your hands shine mace and a banner; a sacred thread of munja grass adorns your shoulder.

shaṅkara suvana kesarī nandana

teja pratāpa mahā jaga bandana

You are Siva’s incarnation and Kesari’s son—your glory is renowned throughout the world.

vidyāvāna guṇī ati chātura

rāma kāja karibe ko ātura

You are the supremely wise, virtuous, and clever. You are ever intent on Ram’s work.

prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiyā

rāma lakhana sītā mana basiyā

You delight in hearing of the Lord’s deeds. Ram, Lakshman, and Sita dwell in your heart.

sūkshma rūpa dhari siyahĩ dikhāvā

bikaṭa rūpa dhari laṇka jarāvā

Assuming a tiny form you appeared to Sita, and in awesome guise you burned Lanka.

bhīma rūpa dhari asura saṅhāre

rāmachandrajī ke kāja saṅvāre

Taking a dreadful form, you slaughtered the demons and completed Lord Ram’s mission.

lāya sajīvana lakhana jiyāye

shrī raghubīra harashi ura lāye

Bringing the life-giving sajivana herb, you revived Lakshman, and Shri Ram joyfully embraced you.

raghupati kīnhī bahuta baṛā-ī

tuma mama priya bharatahi sama bhā-ī

Greatly did the Lord of Raghus praise you saying, “You are as dear to me as my brother Bharat.”

sahasa badana tumharo jasa gāvaĩ

asa kahi shrīpati kaṇṭha lagāvaĩ

“Thousands of mouths sing your praise,” so saying, Sita’s Lord drew you to himself.

sanakādika brahmādi munīsā

nārada shārada sahita ahīsā

Sanak and the sages, gods, Brahma, great saints, Narada, Sharada, and king of the serpents,

yama kubera digapāla jahān te

kabi kobida kahi sakaĩ kahān te

Yama, Kubera, and the guardians of the quadrants, poets and scholars—none can express your glory.

tuma upakāra sugrīvahĩ kīnhā

rāma milāya rājapada dīnhā

You rendered great service to Sugriva. Introducing him to Lord Ram, you gave him kingship.

tumharo mantra vibhīshana mānā

laṇkeshvara bha-e saba jaga jānā

Vibhishana heeded your counsel and became the lord of Lanka as all the world knows.

yuga sahasra yojana para bhānū

līlyo tāhi madhura phala jānū

Even though the sun is millions of miles away, you swallowed it, thinking it to be a sweet fruit.

prabhu mudrikā meli mukha mahīn

jaladhi lāṇghi gaye acharaja nāhīn

Holding the Lord’s ring in your mouth, it in no surprise you leapt over the ocean.

durgama kāja jagata ke jete

sugama anugraha tumhare tete

Every arduous task in this world becomes easy by your grace.

rāma duāre tuma rakhavāre

hota na ājñā binu paisāre

You are the guardian at the door of Ram’s abode, no one enters without your leave.

saba sukha lahai tumhārī saranā

tuma rakshaka kāhū ko ḍara nā

Taking refuge in you, one finds complete contentment. Those you protect know no fear.

āpana teja samhārau āpai

tīnõ loka hāṅka tẽ kāṅpai

You alone can withstand your own splendor. The three worlds tremble at your roar.

bhūta pisācha nikaṭa nahĩ āvai

mahābīra jaba nāma sunāvai

Ghosts and goblins cannot come near, great hero, when your name is uttered.

nāsai roga hare saba pīrā

japata nirantara hanumata bīrā

All disease and pain is eradicated by the constant repetition of your name.

saṇkaṭa se hanumāna chhuṛāvai

mana krama bachana dhyāna jo lāvai

Hanuman releases from affliction those who remember him in thought, word and deed.

saba para rāma tapasvī rājā

tina ke kāja sakala tuma sājā

Ram the renunciate king reigns over all. You carry out all his work.

aura manoratha jo ko-ī lāvai

so-ī amita jīvana phala pāvai

One who brings any yearning to you obtains the four fruits of life.

chārõ yuga paratāpa tumhārā

hai parasiddha jagata ujiyārā

Your splendor fills the four ages; your glory lights up the world.

sādhu santa ke tuma rakhavāre

asura nikandana rāma dulāre

You are the protector of saints and sages, the destroyer of demons, and the darling of Ram.

ashṭa siddhi nau nidhi ke dātā

asa bara dīna jānakī mātā

You grant the eight powers and the nine treasures by the boon you received from Mother Janaki (Sita).

rāmā rasāyana tūmhare pāsā

sadā raho raghupati ke dāsā

You hold the elixir of Ram’s name and are forever his servant.

tumhare bhajana rāmajī ko pāvai

janma janma ke duhkha bisarāvai

Singing your praise, one finds Ram and the sorrows of lifetimes are left behind.

antakāla raghubara pura jā-ī

jahān janma hari-bhakta kahā-ī

At death one goes to Ram’s own abode, born as God’s devotee.

aura devatā chitta na dhara-ī

hanumata se-i sarva sukha kara-ī

There is no need to remember any other deity; worshiping Hanuman one gains all happiness.

sankaṭa kaṭai miṭai saba pīrā

jo sumirai Hanumata bala bīrā

All suffering and pain vanish when one remembers the brave Hanuman.

jai jai jai hanumāna gosā-ī

kṛpā karahu gurudeva kī nā-ī

Glory, glory, glory to you Lord Hanuman. Bestow your grace on me as my Guru!

jo shata bāra pāṭha kara ko-ī

chhūṭahi bandi mahā sukha ho-ī

Whoever recites this 100 times is freed from bondage and enjoys bliss.

jo yaha paṛhe hanumāna chālīsā

hoya siddhi sākhī gaurīsā

These who read this Hanuman Chalisa gains abilities and success, as Gauri’s Lord (Siva) bears witness.

tulasīdāsa sadā hari cherā

kījai nātha hṛdaya mahã ḍerā

Says Tulsidas, Hari’s constant servant, “Lord, please make your home in my heart.”

pavana tanaya saṅkaṭa harana maṅgala mūrati rūpa

rāma lakhana sītāsahita hṛdaya basahu sura bhūpa

Son of the Wind, king of gods, banisher of sorrow and embodiment of blessings, dwell in my heart together with Ram, Lakshman, and Sita.

siyā vara rāmachandra pada jaya sharanam

Hail to the refuge of the feet of Sita’s husband, Ramachandra.

maṅgala mūrati māruta nandana

sakala amaṅgala mūla nikandana

Son of the Wind, embodiment of blessings and joy, you destroy the root of all that is inauspicious.

bajarañg bān

nishchaya prema pratīti te

binaya kare sanamān

tehĩ ke kāraja sakala shubha

siddha karaīṅ hanumān

Those devotees who recite these verses with love and unwavering faith have all their beneficial desires fulfilled by Hanuman.

siyā vara rāmachandra pada jaya sharanam

Hail to the refuge of the feet of Sita’s husband, Ramachandra.

jaya hanumanta santa hitakārī

suni lījai prabhu vinaya hamārī

jana ke kāja bilamba na kījai

ātura dauri mahāsukha dījai

Glory to Hanuman, the benefactor of saints. Please listen to our prayer. Do not delay in doing the work of your devotees. Please rush to do it and give us immense peace.

jaise kūdi sindu mahi pārā

surasā badana paiṭhi vistārā

āge jāya laṅkinī rokā

mārehu lāta ga-ī suralokā

[Come running] just like when you leapt accross the ocean, entered and then emerged from the expanded mouth of Surasa [who tried to obstruct your path], and on landing in Lanka sent the demoness Lankini to the heavenly abode by kicking her to death [when she tried to prevent you from entering the city].

jāya vibhīshaṇa ko sukha dīnhā

sītā nirakhi parama pada līnhā

bāga ujāri sindhu mahāṅ borā

ati ātur yamakātura torā

In Lanka you gave pleasure to Vibhishan [by meeting him] and attained the supreme position [of being loved by Sri Ram] due to Sita’s merciful benediction. Then you laid waste the Ashoka grove and dumped the trees in the ocean, symbolically breaking the knife of Yama, the God of Death.

akshay kumār ko māra saṅhārā

lūma lapeṭa laṅka ko jārā

lāha samāna laṅka jari gaī

jaya jaya dhuni surapura maham bhaī

You killed Akshay Kumar (Ravana’s son) and burnt Lanka with your tail. Lanka burned like lac (molten wax) and the heavens were filled by the sound of “Hail to Hanuman’s glory”.

aba bilamba kehi kāraṇa svāmī

kṛpā karahu ura antarayāmī

jaya jaya lakhana prāṇa ke dātā

ātura hoi dukha karahu nipātā

Why are you delaying now my Lord; you know what resides in the minds of your devotees, so have mercy on me. Glory to you who restored the life of Lakshman. Quickly dispel my fears.

jai giridhara jai jai sukhasāgara

sura samūha samaratha bhaṭa nāgara

oṁ hanu hanu hanu hanumanta haṭhīle

bairihĩ māru vajra ke kīle

Hail to you, holder of the mountain! You are an ocean of happiness, wisest amongst gods and the most skillful. O you of indomitable spirit kill the enemies (lust, anger, greed…) as if they were nailed by the strike of a thunderbolt.

gadā vajra lai bairihĩ māro

mahārāja prabhu dāsa ubāro

oṁkāra huṁkāra mahāvīra dhāvau

vajra gadā hanu vilamba na lāvo

O Lord! Relieve your servant by hitting the enemies with your mace as if it were a thunderbolt. Saying the thundering sound of OM, challenge the enemies and crush them with your mace.

oṁ hrīṅ hrīṅ hrīṅ hanumanta kapīsā

oṁ hũ hũ hũ hanu ari ura shīshā

satya hohu hari shapatha pāyake

rāmadūta dharu māru dhāyake

O Hanuman, Lord of the Monkeys, I invoke you with the Tantric mantra Oṁ hrīṅ hrīṅ hrīṅ and Oṁ hũ hũ hũ. Strike the enemy in the chest and head. I swear by the name of Hari that all that I say is the truth. O messenger of Sri Ram, rush to attack the enemy at once.

jaya jaya jaya hanumanta agādhā

dukha pāvata jana kehi aparādhā

pūjā japa tapa nema achārā

nahĩ jānata kachhu dāsa tumhārā

Glory to you, o fathomless Hanuman! Due to which offence is your devotee suffering so much? This servant of yours knows nothing of worship, sacred mantras, penance, or the discipline of rituals and virtuous acts

bana upavana maga giri gṛha māṅhī

tumhare bala ham darapata nāhīn

pānya parau kara jori manāvaũ

yahi avasara aba kehi gohrāvaũ

Relying on your strength, I have no fear anywhere—whether in the forest, garden, mountains, on the road, or in the house. I fall at your feet and entreat you with folded hands [to help me]. For whom else shall I call at this hour?

jaya anjanī kumāra balavantā

shaṅkara suvana bīra hanumantā

badana karāla kāla kula ghālaka

rāma sahāya sadā pratipālaka

Hail Hanuman! All-powerful son of Anjani and brave son of Shiva. You have a fierce and terrifying body and are the slayer of even the God of Death’s minions. You are always by the side of Sri Ram and are the benefactor of all.

bhūta, preta, pisācha, niśāchara

agni baitāla kāla mārī mara

inhēṅ māru tohi shapatha rāma kī

rākhu nātha maryāda nāma kī

Slay all evil spirits: ghosts, spirits, hobgoblins, demons, fire, vampires, calamities, and epidemics. Kill all of them in the name of Lord Sri Ram thereby maintaining the sanctity and truth of the holy name.

janakasutā hari dāsa kahāvo

tākī shapatha bilamba na lāvo

jaya jaya jaya dhuni hota akāshā

sumirata hota dusaha dukha nāshā

You are the servant of Sri Ram and Mother Sita. I implore you in their names—make no delay. The sky is reverberating with the sound of your glories, the mere remembrance of which dispels all sorrows.

charaṇa sharaṇa kara jori manāvaũ

yahi avasara aba kehi goharāvaū

uṭhu uṭhu chalu tohi rāma dohāī

pāñya paraũ kara jori manāī

I have come to take refuge at your feet. I plead with you; who else shall I call for help in this time of urgent need? Get up, get up, come along! I urge you with folded hands to swing into action.

oṁ chãṁ chãṁ chãṁ chãṁ chapala chalantā

oṁ hanu hanu hanu hanu hanumantā

oṁ hã hã hāṅka deta kapi chañchal

om sam sam sahami parāne khaladal

I implore you O nimble-footed Hanuman with the call of Oṁ chãṁ chãṁ chãṁ chãṁ and Oṁ hanu hanu hanu hanu. Strike swiftly like lightning! O Hanuman, you are swift. Whenever the monkeys roar, the crowd of evil-doers flee in terror.

apane jana ko turata ubāro

sumirata hoy ānanda hamāro

yahi bajarañga bāṇa jehi māre

tāhi kaho phir kauna ubāre

Save this devotee of yours immediately. I get immense pleasure remembering you. Who can save one who is attacked with the arrow of Bajarang Baan (literally meaning an arrow as strong as a thunderbolt)?

pāṭha karai bajarañga bāṇa kī

hanumata rakshā karẽ prāṇa kī

yaha bajarañga baṇa jo jāpai

tehi te bhūta preta saba kaṁpai

Those who recite these verses of Bajarang Baan are protected for life by Hanuman. Even ghosts and evil spirits tremble out of fear of those who chant this Bajarang Baan.

dhūpa deya aru japai hameshā

tāke tana nahĩ rahai kaleshā

Those who wave incense sticks in front of you and chant your holy name are always free from bodily torments of all kinds.

prema pratītihi kapi bhajai

sadā dharai ura dhyān

tehi ke kāraja sakala shubha

siddha karaĩ hanumān

Those who chant Hanuman’s holy name with faith, devotion, and love and always remember him in their hearts are sure to have ali their desires fulfilled by Hanuman.

siyā vara rāmachandra pada jaya sharanam

Hail to the refuge of the feet of Sita’s husband, Ramachandra.

durga chalisa

namo namo namo namo namo namo
namo namo namo namo namo namo

Bowing, bowing, again and again and always…

namo namo durge sukha karanī
namo namo ambe duhkha haranī

O Mother Durga! I repeatedly bow before you. You provide happiness to all beings. O Mother Goddess! You remove sorrow from every being’s life.

niraṅkāra hai jyoti tumhārī
tihūn loka phailī ujiyārī

It is your light which manifests Supreme Being and lightens all the three worlds.

shashi lalāṭa mukha mahābisālā
netra lāla bhṛkuṭī vikarālā

Your moon-like forehead and mouth are broad. Your eyes are red and your eyebrows are terrible.

rūpa mātu ko adhika suhāvai
darasa karata jana ati sukha pāvai

O Mother! Your entire form is very beautiful. Beholding it, devotees derive supreme bliss.

tuma sansāra shakti laya kīnā
pālana hetu anna dhana dīnā

It is the essence of your energy with which the whole world pulsates. You provide the means of sustenance to the whole world.

annapūrṇāhuī jaga pālā
tuma hī ādi sundarī bālā

O Mother! You are Annapoorna and you rear this world up. You are also renowned as the primal, beautiful bala [girl].

pralayakāla saba nāsana hārī
tuma gaurī shiva shaṅkara pyārī

At the time of dissolution, you dismantle every part of creation. You are the beloved spouse of Lord Shankar.

shiva yogī tumhare guna gāvaĩ
brahmā-vishṇu tumhe nita dhyāvaĩ

Lord Shiva and other great yogis ever extol your virtues, and other gods including Brahma and Vishnu ever meditate on your form.

rūpa sarasvati ko tuma dhāryo
de subuddhi ṛshi munina ubāryo

O Mother! You also appear in the form of the Goddess Saraswati to impart knowledge to saints and sages in order to enlighten them.

dharyo rūpa narasiṅha ko ambā
pragaṭa bha-ī phāṛa ke khambā

You also appeared in the form of Narasimha, who manifested his form by breaking through a pillar.

rakshā kari prahallāda bachāyau
hiraṇākusha ko svarga paṭhāyau

[Thus by adopting the form of Narasimha] you protected Prahallad, and having slain Hiranyakashyapu you provided him a place in the heavens [because you caused his death].

lakshmī rūpa dharo jaga māhī
shrī nārāyaṇa aṅga samāhĩ

You have incarnated on the earth in the form of Lakshmi and you remain one with the form of Lord Vishnu.

kshīrasindhu mẽ karata vilāsā
dayā sindhu dījai mana āsā

You remain frolicking in the ocean of milk with Sri Narayan. O Ocean of Kindness, only you can inspire us with hope.

hiṅgalāja mẽ tumhĩ bhavānī
mahimā amita na jāta bakhānī

O Devi Bhavani! You dwell in Hingalaj. Your glory is infinite and cannot be described.

mātāṅgī dhūmāvati mātā
bhuvaneshvarī bagalāsukhadātā

O Mother! You are famous as Matangi and Dhoomavati! You are the Supreme Goddess of the world and the happiness-bestowing Bagla Mother is none other than you.

shrī bhairavi tārā jaga tārani
chhinna bhāla bhava duhkha nivārani

You are Goddess Bhairavi; Tara and Jagattarini are your different forms. You are Mother Chinnabhal and you alone are capable of destroying all afflictions of the world.

kehari vāhana soha bhavānī
laṅgura bīra chalata agavānī

O Goddess Bhavani! When you move astride your lion vehicle, the brave langur [Hanumanji] always welcomes you, working as your outrider.

kara mẽ khappara khaḍga virājai
jāko dekha kāla ḍara bhājai

You wield a skull in one hand and a dagger in the other, looking at which even Time itself is frightened.

sohaĩ kara mẽ astra trishūlā
jāte uṭhata shatru hiya shūlā

Many other weapons appear so ferocious in your hands that a mere look at them is enough to pulverize even the most deadly enemy.

nāga koṭi mẽ tumhĩn birājata
tihūn loka mẽ daṅkā bājata

O Mother Goddess! You also dwell at Nagarkot; your authority is accepted by all the three realms.

shumbha nishumbha dānava tuma māre
raktabīja saṅkhana saṅhāre

O Mother! You destroyed the demons called Shumbha-Nishumbha, Raktabija and Shankha.

mahishāsura nṛpa ati abhimānī
jehi agha bhāra mahī akulānī

A demon called Mahishasur had become very arrogant and the whole earth was distressed by the weight of his sins.

rūpa karāla kāli ko dhārā
sena sahita tuma tihi saṅhārā

O Mother Goddess! You assumed the form of terrible Kali to slay the demon lord Mahisha and his army.

parī bhīra santana para jaba jaba
bhaī sahāya mātu tuma taba taba

O Mother! Whenever noble persons and saints fell on evil days, it was you who redeemed them by providing succor.

amarapurī aru vāsava lokā
tava mahimā saba kahaĩ ashokā

Whether in the gods’ realm, Amaravati, or other realms, all dwellers remain grief less and happy only by your grace O Mother.

jvālā mẽ hai jyoti tumhārī
tumhẽ sadā pūjaĩ nara-nārī

It is the flame of your grace which enlightens the shrine at Jwalaji; all men and women ever adore you Mother!

prema bhakti se jo jasa gāvaĩ
duhkha dāridra nikaṭa nahĩ āvaĩ

Those who sing the glory of Mother with full devotion and allegiance remain beyond the effects of grief and poverty.

dhyāvẽ tumhẽ jo nara mana la-ī
janma-maraṇa te so chhuṭi ja-ī

Those who meditate on your holy form with full devotion and concentration attain peace and happiness not only in this life, but they go beyond the bondage of life and death.

jogī sura-muni kahata pukārī
yoga na ho-i bina shakti tumhārī

All yogis, gods, and seers aver in one voice that without your grace it is not possible to establish communion with the Lord Almighty.

shaṅkara āchāraja tapa kīno
kāma, krodha jīti saba līno

Shankaracharya did penance by virtue of which he won over the evil emotions like anger and lust.

nishidina dhyāna dharo shaṅkara ko
kahu kāla nahĩ sumirau tumako

Although he meditated on Lord Shiva day and night, never did he once remember you.

shakti rūpa ko marama na pāyau
shakti ga-ī taba mana pachitāyau

He failed to appreciate the import of Shakti’s manifestation, and only when he lost his strength did he realize his mistake and repent.

sharaṇāgata hu-ī kīrti bakhānī
jaya jaya jaya jagadamba bhavānī

Taking refuge at her feet, he sang her praises: Glory, glory, glory to Bhavani, the Divine Mother of the Universe!

bha-ī prasanna ādi jagadambā
da-ī shakti nahīn kīna bilambā

The primal Goddess Jagadamba became happy with him and appearing before him, quickly granted him all power once again.

moko mātu kashṭa ati ghero
mā bina kauna hare duhkha mero

O Mother, I am surrounded by difficulties. Who other than you can take away my sorrow?

āshā tṛshṇā nipaṭa satāvai
ripu mūrakha mohi ati ḍara pāvai

Expectations and desires are extremely tormenting. The ignorance caused by foolish limitations is extremely fearsome.

shatru nāsha kīje mahārānī
sumiraũ ikachitta tumhẽ bhavānī

O Great Queen, please destroy all enemies. May I remember you, Bhavani, Mother of Existence, with a resolute mind.

kṛpā karo he mātu dayālā
ṛddhi siddhi dai karahu nihālā

O kindhearted Mother! Please shed your grace upon me and make me happy by providing me all sorts of abilities and riches.

jaba lagi jiūn dayāphala pā-ūn
tumharau jasa mẽ sadā sunā-ūn

I seek your blessing for the reward of your grace, and may I ever sing your glories as long as I live in this world.

durgā chālīsā jo ko-ī gāvai
saba sukha bhoga parama pada pāvai

Those who read this Durga Chalisa devotedly or sing it with full concentration attain the highest state after having enjoyed all pleasures of life.

devīdāsa sharaṇa nija jānī
karahu kṛpā jagadamba bhavānī

Says Devidas, “Deeming me to have sought shelter under your grace O Mother of the World, O Bhavani, please shed your grace upon me and be propitiated by my prayer.”

shrī mā jai mā jai jai mā
shrī mā jai mā jai jai mā

All glory and praise to the Holy Mother of the Universe!

namo namo namo namo namo namo
namo namo namo namo namo namo

Bowing, bowing, again and again and always…

shrī guru stotra (excerpts)

gurubrahmā guruvishṇuh gurudevo maheshvarah guruh sākshāt paraṁbrahma tasmai shrī guruve namah

I bow to you, revered Guru. You are Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver, and Maheshwara, the destroyer; you are directly the limitless Brahman

dhyānamūlaṁ gurormūrti pūjā mūlaṁ gurorpadam mantra mūlaṁ gurorvākyaṁ mokshamūlaṁ gurokṛpā

Your form is the root of meditation. Your feet are the root of worship. Your word is the root of mantra. Your grace is the root of liberation.

namāmi shrīgurupādapallavam smarāmi shrīgurunāma nirmalam pashyāmi shrīguru rūpa sundaram shrṇomi shrīguru kīrti adbhutam

I salute the dust of your feet, remember your pure name, adore your beautiful form, and may I always hear your unparalleled praises.

jaya gurudev

jaya gurudev jaya jaya gurudev

Victory to the Guru

shri ram jai ram jaya jaya ram

Victory to Lord Ram

shri ma jai ma jai jai ma

Victory to the Divine Mother

Jaya Jagadisha Hare

om jaya jagadeesha hare, swaami jaya jagadeesha hare
bhakta janana ke sankata, deena janana ke sankata
kshaana mein dura kare
om jaya Jagadeesha hare

Hail to the Lord of the Universe, Oh Master, hail …
Who in an instant removes the troubles
of devotees and humble people.

jo dhyaawe phala paawai, dukha vinashey mana kaa
sukha sampati ghara aawai, kashta mitai tana kaa

Meditating on you brings these fruits: sorrows of the heart are destroyed,
Happiness and wealth come to the home, and physical sickness is removed.

maata pitaa tuma mere, sharana gahoon kisa kee
tuma bina aura na dooja, aasha karoon jisa kee

You are my Mother and Father, from who else can I seek refuge…
Without you, there is no one; I have no other hope.

tuma poorana paramaatmaa, tuma antarayaamee
paara brahma parameshwara, tuma suba ke swamee

You are Complete, the Supreme Self, who dwells within,
Beyond Brahma, you are the Supreme Lord, the Master of All.

tuma karunaa ke saagara tuma paalana kartaa
mein sewaka tuma swami, kripaa karo bharataa

You are an Ocean of Compassion, the Nourisher. I am the Servant, you are the Master, bestow your grace, Preserver!

tuma ho ek agochara, suba ke praana patee
kisa vidhi miloon dayaamaya, tumako mein kumatee

You are One, Unseen, Lord of all life.
Oh Merciful One, how can I find you, with a mind so defiled.

deena bandhu dukha hartaa, tuma rakshaka merey
apney haata utaao, dwaara paraa terey

Brother of the Helpless, Reliever of Sorrows, You are my Protector.
Raise your hand (in blessing) I am lying at your door.

vishaaya vikaara mitaao, paapa haro devaa
shraddhaa bhakti barhaao, santana kee sewaa

O Lord, remove my impurities, take away my sins,
Increase my reverence and devotion and service to the Saints.

twameva māta

twameva māta cha pita twameva
twameva bandhushcha sakha twameva
twameva vidya dravinam twameva
twameva sarvam mama deva deva

You are my mother and father You are my kinsman and friend You are my knowledge and wealth You are always my Lord of Lords

asato mā

ōm̐ asato mā sadgamaya tamaso mā jyotir gamaya mrityormā amritam gamaya ōm̐ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ

From ignorance, lead me to truth; From darkness, lead me to light; From death, lead me to immortality Om peace, peace, peace

pūrnamadah

ōm̐ pūrnamadah pūrnamidam pūrnāt pūrnamudachyate pūrnasya pūrnamādāya pūrnamevāvashishṣyate ōm̐ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ

Om, That is complete, This is complete, From the completeness comes the completeness. If completeness is taken away from completeness, Only completeness remains. Om peace, peace, peace

lōkāḥ samastāḥ sukhinōbhavantu

lōkāḥ samastāḥ sukhinōbhavantu ōm̐ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ

May all the beings in all the worlds become happy; Peace, peace and peace be to all, everywhere, in all circumstances

Srī Gurubhyo Namaha Hari ōm̐

srī gurubhyo namaha hari ōm̐

bowing to all the gurus, all manifestations of the guru

ki jai!

shrī shrī shrī ananta koṭi baba nīm karolī santa mahārāja kī jai!

Victory and Glory to endlessly radiant Baba Neem Karoli Maharaji!

jo bole so abhay shrī māmahārāj kī jai!

Victory to the one who takes refuge in the name of MaMaharaj!

kainchi vaishṇim jagatambā mayā kī jai!

Glory to Siddhi Mataji Kainchi Vaishnavi Devi, Mother of the World!

choti mayā kī jai!

Glory to Jivanti Mataji!

jaya jaya jaya gurudev!

Endless Glory to the Divine Guru!