Chant the Gayatri Mantra for Enlightenment

As the solar energy approaches its peak for the year, it's the perfect time to chant mantras that salute the radiance, warmth and brilliance of the Sun... and of our own highest Selves.

I've featured the Gayatri Mantra previously here, but it's time to share a few new links to keep you shining.

Listening to them will brighten your day, singing along will illuminate your intellect and uplift the world.  Try it and see for your Self!

The ideal times for chanting the Gayatri are dawn, noon and sunset.  For maximum benefit, chant 108 times, and when pressed for time, 3, 9 or 12 times with devotion.

I recommend the first link in the morning, when your mind is bright and uncluttered, the second in the mid-day to maintain energy and enthusiasm, and the Deva Premal version to soothe you to sleep.

Enjoy!

Sivananda Daily Chant, Jaya Ganesha

Anyone who has spent time in a Sivananda Ashram is familiar with this chant, sung twice daily, in the morning and evening satsangs. 

Here is an excellent version by Swami Hridayananda, Jaya Ganesha with lyrics.  I'm sure if you close your eyes it will bring you right back to the ashram, and here and now, bring the ashram to you!

Guru Purnima: Honoring the Great Masters



Pada Puja, Honoring the Feet of the Guru

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Each year on the full moon in July, yogis honor and celebrate the principle of Guru, and the countless teachers who guide us from darkness into light. 

It is called Guru Purnima, and this year, you're invited to participate!

What is Guru Purnima and How do We Celebrate it?

I will be hosting a celebration at my home from 1-4 pm on Saturday July 12 with songs, stories, pada puja and refreshments. 

If you're not already on the mailing list for Raja Yoga Summer Camp and you would like to join us, email me at:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Om Namo Narayanaya: Chant for World Peace



Image Source: Sivananda Ashram, Uttarkashi

Raja Yogis and Yoginis!  Remember a couple of months ago when we gathered together to write the mantra for peace, Om Namo Narayanaya in Sanskrit?

Our friend Jenny was embarking on a voyage to the Himalayas and kindly agreed to deliver and "deposit" our prayers to the Swami Vishnudevananda Peace Bank near the Sivananda Ashram near Uttarkashi. 

Well, check out this beautiful update from Jenny!  Blessings from the Himalayas!



"Hope everything is going peaceful and smooth for you all <3 I have been thinking about you and our night writing Om Namo Narayanaya - the peace mantra - to send along to the Himalayas.  Here's a short story about the travel of our little love letter:) ...  

So when I left Edmonton there was snow across Canada and the flights were all delayed.  I missed every flight except the one out of Edmonton and got rerouted twice on the way to India.  My bag, which had the peace mantras in it (because Tara was totally right - they'd keep the bag safe) also went on its own adventure, spreading peace and harmony wherever it went... then it came to meet me in Montreal so we could travel together to India:)  

Made it to Uttarkashi and the little village Netala... along the Ganges... The energy at the ashram and in the Himalayas is amazing.  And Mathaji, the spiritual mother at the Sivanada ashram there loved to receive all our writings for the peace bank.  She collects them from all over the world and organizes them to be offered at the entrance to the cave outside of Gangotri (the end of the road heading toward the mouth of the Ganges) where they fly to spread the peace all over:)  

Anyways, I feel so blessed to take the Peace Mantras part of the way:)  Hope to see you soon! 

Much love and many blessings to you and yours!  

xxox

Om Shanti

Jenny"

Thank you Jenny!  We can hardly wait to hear more about your adventures in India! 

Om Namo Narayanaya!

Tara Chants the Invocation to Patanjali - Free Audio!



Swami Swaroopananda


Blessed Selves,

I have something special to share with you! 

My dear friend Shyaama just emailed me an audio recording I forgot even existed. 

It's me chanting the Invocation to Patanjali with translation while we were studying the Yoga Sutras at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram with our beloved Teachers Swami Swaroopananda, Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally.

Thank you, Shyaama Devi!

I learned the melody from Swami Swaroopananda, and to this day, I always hear it in my heart in his beautiful voice. 

Please be aware that any mistakes are mine, and mine alone.

Limited time offer - free download:  

Tara Woltjen chanting the Invocation to Patanjali! 

Note* This file is available for one week only!  You must download it by April 23, 2012!

You are most welcome to listen to it, to save it, and even to share it with others! 

I have just two requests:

1. Please watch these short videos by my hero, Nina Paley first. 
2. Leave me a comment below to let me know you've downloaded it. 

With love and gratitude to you all, Tara

Copying is Not Theft - Nina Paley

Credit is Due (The Attribution Song) - Nina Paley

All Creative Work is Derivative - Nina Paley

Watch for Nina's masterpiece this weekend on Kali's Kitchen Sattvic Movie Saturday!

And here's the link to my rendition of the Invocation to Patanjali:  https://www.yousendit.com/download/M3Bua3ZITmFwcFdGa2RVag

Remember, you need to download it by April 23rd, 2012!  Then chant to your heart's content!

Patanjali Maharishi Ki - Jai!

Swami Swaroopananda Ki - Jai!

Om Tat Sat