Parmarth Niketan Prayer Book
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj (Muniji), has provided us with the English meaning of these ancient prayers. It contains not only an eloquent direct translation, but is also infused the translation with His own divine words of wisdom. Thus this prayer book contains the sacred sounds of the original sanskrit, the literal translation, plus compelling inspiring and uplifting elaborations by Pujya Swamiji.
Welcome Message Introduction 1. Brahma-nandam 2. Tu Dayalu 3. Hey Daya Ma 4. Mo Sama	5. Ten Golden Rules 6. Prayer to the Guru 7. Be Ever Happy Prayer 8. Ganga Aarti 9. Swagatam Gange 10. Giriraj Dharan

Parmarth Niketan Prayer Book

Swamiji's Message

Welcome to the Parmarth Niketan world of prayer. Prayer is one of the most beautiful fulfilling ways we can spend our time. For, it brings us into direct connection with the divine.

Prayer is calling back home.

Prayer is, in essence, coming home, for it brings us into connection with our deeper selves.
Prayer is a time when our mouth, our minds and our hearts are filled with the glory of God, when we simultaneously speak, think and feel our love for Him.

However, although there is a prayer time here from 5:00 am to 6:00 am and then again at sunset, prayer should really be all the time. Prayer should fill our thoughts 24 hours a day. I don' t mean we should spend the day in supplication to God for fulfillment of our desires. Rather, I mean that everything we do – work , play, sleep, eat – should be offered as prayer to Him. Every aspect of our days should be holy, should be sanctified by His holy name. Then our lives will be prayer in action, and that is the rue goal of existence.

May God bless you all.

In service of God and humanity

Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
President, Parmarth Niketan

Welcome Message

Welcome to the divine world of prayer. Here at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, each day is begun with universal prayers. We say "universal" because the emphasis is on pure, devotional worship rather than on one-particular name or form of the Supreme.

We gather together, as the sun begins its ascent over the sacred Himalayas, as the first light of dawn dances on the waters of Mother Ganga. Spirits soar and days are truly begun as we give thanks for this new day and for all we are blessed with.

The morning prayer is something that inevitably touches everyone who visits the ashram - whether they are Hindu or Christian, whether they are Indian or European. Yet, the words are in Sanskrit/Hindi and thus the meaning is lost to many. People unfamiliar with Sanskrit frequently ask for a translation of these uplifting, soul-stirring invocations to the divine.

Now, by the grace of Mother Ganga, H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj (Muniji), the President of Parmarth Niketan, has provided us with the English meaning of these ancient prayers. He has given not only an eloquent direct translation, but He has also infused the translation with His own divine words of wisdom. Thus, the jewel you hold in your hands contains within in it the sacred sounds of the original sanskrit, the literal translation, plus compelling, inspiring and uplifting elaborations by Pujya Swamiji.

Let the sacred vibrations of the Sanskrit flow like the waters of Mother Ganga through you, then let the words of explanation challenge your mind, touch your heart, and transform your being. Then you will know you have truly prayed.

Sadhvi Bhagwati
Rishikesh, India
January, 1999

Introduction

Prayer is calling back home.

Prayer is, in essence, coming home,for it brings us into connection with our deeper selves.

It is the way we speak to God; its beauty and poetry and devotion should match that in our hearts.

Prayer is the broom that sweeps out our hearts, so the home we offer to God is an immaculate and pure one.

Prayer is a time when our mouths, our minds and our hearts are filled with the glory of God, when we simultaneously speak, think and feel our love for Him.

Prayer is the blanket that wraps itself around our souls and keeps us warm and cozy.

Prayer is the water that quenches the thirst of a man lost in the desert.

It is the stars that glisten in the dark of night, giving light to all those who may need it.

It is the sun that shines in the middle of winter, coaxing the flowers to open their petals.

It is medicine to the sick, food to the hungry, and shelter to the homeless.

Let us now close our eyes and bathe our bodies, minds and souls in His name and His glory.

Let us talk to God through prayer.

When He responds, when he speaks back to us, it will come as meditation.

So, let us sit still and silent enough to receive His words.

Number 1

Brahma-nandam param-sukhadam,
kevalam jndna-murtim;
Dwandwatitam gagana-sadrisam,
tatvamasyadilakshyam
Ekam nityam vimala-machalam,
sarvadhi-sakshi-bhutam;
Bhava-titam triguna-rahitam,
sadgurum tam namami.

I salute to the guru who Is the embodiment of pure delight and complete knowledge; who is the giver of all happiness; who is beyond the dualities of this material world; who is as infinite as the sky; who is the sole aspiration and goal of life; who is unique, eternal, pure, unwavering; who sees with the eyes of wisdom; who is beyond emotions and beyond the three trigunas [binding aspects of our nature] - sattva (bliss), rajas (animal instinct) and tamas (lethargy)

Karpura-gauram karunaa-vataaram,
sansaara-saaram bhuja-gendra-haaram;
sadaa vasantam hridayaara-vinde,
bhavam bhavaani sahitam namaami.

I bow down at the feet of Lord Shiva, who is with his consort Parvati. Shiva's complexion glows; he is the very essence of graciousness; he wears garlands made of snakes; he dwells in the lotus of my heart.

Vasu-deva-sutam devam,
kansa-chaanura-marda-nam;
Devaki-paramaai-nandam
Krishnam vande jagad-gurum.

I bow down at the feet of Lord Krishna -the supreme guru of the world -who is the destroyer of demons (like Kansa and Chanur), who is the son of Vasudeva, who is the sheer delight of Devaki.

Neelaambuja shyaamala komalaangam,
Seetaa samaa-ropita-vama-bhaagam;
Paanau mahaa-saayaka chaaru-chaapam,
namaami Raamam Raghu-vansha-naatham.

I pay my deepest respects to Lord Shri Rama who holds a huge and glorious bow and arrow in his hands. He is a descendant of the great Raghu Dynasty. His complexion is like a blue lotus, his limbs are soft. His consort, Seeta, is always to his left.

Twame-wa mata cha pita twame-wa,
twame-wa bandhuscha sakha twame-wa;
Twame vva vidya dravmam twame wa,
twame-wa sarvam mama de-vadeva.

Oh God! You alone are my mother, my father, my friend, my brother. You alone are all knowledge and wealth. Indeed, you alone are everything to me.

Number 2

Tu dayaalu, deena haun,
tu daani, haun bhikhaari;
Haun prasiddha paa-taki,
tu paapa punja haari.

Oh God! I am miserable; I am weak. I am in so much pain! You are the Ocean of Compassion You are the generous bestower of all, the giver of life! I am a pauper, a supplicant at your feet! I am a disgraceful sinner; you are the destroyer of all sins! Oh God! Look at you and look at me. I am so miserable, so worthless, such a sinner. But still you love me, still you are compassionate towards me still you take me in your arms.

Naatha tu anaaithako,
anatha kauna moso;
Mo samaana aarata nahin,
Aarati hara toso

You are the protector to the unprotected;
You are the parent to all the orphans.
And God, no one is more defenseless, more vulnerable,
more of an orphan than I am. I have no one.
God, you are the one who removes all misery.
And there is no one more miserable,
more anguished than I am.

Brahma tu, haun jeewa,
tu thaakura, haun chero;
Taata-mata, guru-sakhaa,
tu saba vidhi hitu mero.

You are the supreme reality. I am only your creation.
You are the Lord. I am your servant.
You are my father; my mother; my guru, my friend.
You are everything to me - my benefactor in all respects,
the one who bestows everything upon me.

Tohi mohi naate aneka,
maniye jo bhave;
Jyon Tyon "Tulsi" kripaalu,
charana sharana pave.

Ther are so many relationships between you and me.
Take whichever pleases you. Take me however you deem fit.
For God, I am yours.
And any way you will take me,
any relationship with you is a blessing for me.
Do whatever you will with me. Just keep me with you,
give me your shelter and refuge.
Tulsidas says, "Please accept me in any relation,
in anyway you deem fit. For I have completely surrendered to you."

Tu dayaalu, deena haun,
tu daani haun bhikhaaree;
Haun prasiddha paa-taki,
tu papa punja haari.

Oh God ! I am miserable; I am weak. I am in so much pain !
You are the Ocean of Compassion You are the generous bestower of all, the giver of life!
I am a pauper, a supplicant at your feet!
I am a disgraceful sinner; you are the destroyer of all sins!
Oh God! Look at you and look at me. I am so miserable, so worthless, such a sinner.
But still you love me, still you are compassionate towards me,
still you take me in your arms.

Number 3

He daya-maya! Apa hi
Sansaara ke adhaara ho;'
Aapa hi kara-taara ho,
hama saba ke paalana-haara ho.

Oh Compassionate One.
You alone are the support of this world,
You are the only island of hope in this ocean of misery.
You are the force, the energy that propels everything.
You are creator and protector of us all.

Janma-daata apa hi,
mata-pitaa bhagawaana ho;
Sarva sukha-daatd sakhaa,
bhraataa ho tana dhana praana ho.

You alone are the bestower of birth.
You are the mother, the father to us all.
You are the giver of all happiness. All real joy comes from you
You are my true friend, my brother. You are my body;
You are my mind; you are my soul; you are my life.
You are, Oh Lord, my everything.
All that I have, all that I am belongs to you.

Aapake upakaara ka hama,
rina chukaa sakate nahin;
Binu kripaa ke shanti-sukha ka,
saara pa sakate nahin.

Oh Lord, we can never repay the debt of your blessings,
your compassion and boundless generosity.
You have given us everything, and there is nothing we can give back to you,
no way we can even begin to repay you.
No matter what else we may have in the world,
we can never have happiness or peace without your grace
We may earn money, we may have possessions,
but only you can bestow true joy and bliss.

Dee-jiye waha mati banen hama,
sad-guni sansaara men;
Mana ho "Manjula" dharma-maya,
aura tana tage upakaara men.

Please bestow upon us the wisdom, virtue and purity
that will enable us to walk the path of truth.
May my mind be pure and pious.
May my entire being be engaged in the service of others.

Number 4

Mo sama deena na deena-hita,
tuma samana Raghuvira;
Asa vichdri Raghu-wansa-mani,
harahu vishama bhava-bheera.

No one is as miserable as I am and,
Oh God, there is no shelter, no comfort like you.
You are the one who removes my pain.
You are the one who takes care of me
Oh Jewel of Raghu Dynasty,
please realize that you are my only hope.
Please remove the distress, chaos and pain from this world.

Baara baara vara maangahun,
harashi dehu sri-ranga,
Pada saroja anapayani,
bhakti sadaa sat-sanga

Again and again, Oh Lord, I am praying for your grace,
for your blessings. But what blessings do I want?
Oh Lord, the only thing I want is single-minded, unwavering, everlasting devotion.
All I want is infinite love for your holy lotus feet.
And God, also I want your Presence,
This is my only wish - boundless devotion for you
and the blessing of your company.

Artha na dharma na kaama,ruchi,
gati na cha-haun nirvaana;
Janama janama rati Rarna-pada,
yahavaradana na aana.

Oh Lord, I do not desire wealth,
Earthly pleasures, or even liberation.
The only thing I long for is your holy feet,
Please may I find the bliss of your holy,
lotus feet in birth after birth, in every birth I take
Please, God, this blessing I want. Nothing else.

Swami mohi na bisaariyo,
laakha loga mili jaahin;
Hama-se turna-ko bahuta hain
tuma-se hama-ko naahin.

Oh Lord, no matter how many people come to you
Please do not forget about me.
Millions will come to you; and I am only one in those millions-
But, God, even when you have so many, please remember me. Because, you may have millions like me (or better than me). But, I have no one other than you. So, please God, stay with me, regardless of who else may offer themselves to you.

Nahin vidyaa, nahin baahu-bala,
nahin khar-chana ko daama;
Mo se patita apanga ki,
tuma pati raakhahu Raama.

I have no wisdom, no knowledge, no strength in my arms,
nor any wealth to spend. I have nothing.
I am fallen, God, and I don't even have limbs with which to raise myself.
I am hopelessly crippled.
It is up to you to lift me, you are my only hope.
Please God, lift me and preserve my dignity.

Shravana suyasha suni aayahun,
prabhu bhanjana bhava-bheera,
Traahi-traahi aarati harana,
Shravana sukhada Raghu-vira.

I have heard of your fame as the destroyer
Of the distress of this world.
They say that when a person comes to you,
You just take him as he is.

You ask no questions, you pass no judgement. You say only, "Come as you are. I accept you and I love you.")
I heard all this, and, therefore, I come to your holy feet..
Oh, Reliever of Distress.
There is none so distressed as I am.
Oh Almighty Lord, giver of all happiness,
I surrender myself at your holy feet.
Please protect me, protect me.

Kaamihi naari piaari jimi,
lobhihi priya jimi dama;
Timi Raghu-naatha nirantara, priya laagahu mohi Rama.

Oh God, a lustful man thinks of nothing but women;
a greedy man's mind is filled with money.
And they would do anything to fulfill these desires.
God, the way they are attached to these Earthly pleasures,
let me become attached to you.

(Just as they would do anything - cross oceans, climb mountains -for these desires,
I want to do anything for you. Is this possible, God?
Is it possible to be so attached to you, to yearn for you so much,
and to want nothing but you?
It is possible, but only through your grace.
God, please, would you become even more dear to me?
Would you become even more the center of my life?
Will you be the theme of my life, the everything of my life.?)

Siyaa-vara Raama-chandra,
pada jaya sharanam,
Shankara Hari Om,
jayajaya Siyaa-rama.

Hail to you, Oh God, please grant me
the shelter of your holy feet.

Number 5

TEN GOLDEN RULES

These words are from the ancient holy scriptures, and will lead one to peace, harmony and happiness in life. One who follows these commandments, will surely attain liberation.

1) Sansar ko swapna-watjjaano.

Understand that the world is but a dream.
(When you are sleeping, your dream world feels so real; you do so much, feel so much, see so much. Yet the second you awake, that entire universe disappears. When you are awake, this world feels so real, you do so much, feet so much, see so much. And again, the second you drift into steep, this world disappears. When you are neither awake, nor asleep, both worlds vanish. It is then that you see the reality of God. For He alone is all that is real)

2) Ati himmat rakho

Be courageous! Be adventurous!
(Don't lose patience. No matter how miserable you feel, still you can survive, because He is there.)

3) Akhanda prafullita raho, duhk-ha men bhi.

Be ever joyous, even in times of misfortune and misery.

4) Para-maatma kaa smaran karo, jitanaa bana sake.

Always remember God.
Sing his glory as much as possible.
(Always have Him on your mind, and feel His pervasive presence with you all the time. Start the day with Him; fill the day with Him; end the day with Him)

5) Kisi ko dukha mata do, ba-nay to suk-ha do.

Do not bring pain or suffering to anyone. Bring happiness to as many as you can.

6) Sab-hi par ati prem rakho.

Be very loving to all.

7) Nutan baala-wat swabhaava rakho.

Be as pure and innocent and holy as a newborn child.

8) Maryaadaa-nusar chalo.

Act with integrity. Exercise restraint. (Follow the moral code of conduct. Just as many places have signs that say, "Follow the rules and enjoy your stay" so it is in the world.)

9) Akhanda purushaartha karo Gangaa-pravaaha-wat,
aalasi mat bano.

Never stop working. Be as ceaseless as the current of divine Ganga. Never resort to idleness.

10) Jisa-main tumako neechaa dekhanaa pade, aisaa kaam mat karo.

Do not indulge in any deed of which you will be ashamed, or which will make others ashamed of you.

Boliye - Sri Gurudeva Bhagavana ki jai.

And chant ... Glory to the Guru

Number 6

PRAYER TO THE GURU

What is a "guru"?

While in the West, the term has taken on myhad, frequently derogatory connotations, the true meaning is pure and simple. In sanskrit, "gu” means darkness, and "ru” means one who removes. So, a "guru” is one who removes your darkness.

It is one whose mere presence emanates so much light, so much love, so much divinity, that every darkness within you is alchemically changed into light. And there is no darkness too dark for a guru. Their light can shine through and transform even the darkest darkness. Even the darkness of midnight would last but a second if the sun decided to rise 6 hours early. This is the power a guru has.

When you fall, the guru picks you up before your knees even touch the ground. When you stumble, your guru catches you before you are even aware of having lost your footing. When you begin to go astray, your guru guides you back, before you have taken even one step in the wrong direction. When your vision becomes obscured, your guru gently brushes away the clouds so you can see clearly.

If left to ourselves, our lives would be full of failing; we would stumble with every step; ewe would be forever lost from the path we were on; our sight would never be clear. But, by the sheer grace of God, our gurus are so with us, so ever present and ever-caring, that we will never fall, stumble, go astray, or lose our vision.

Unlike a "preacher" or "minister" or "rabbi', a guru does not necessarily have to be a religious figure, nor does it have to be a person of a specific religion, gender, age or ethnicity. It is simply someone who holds the light for you if your path becomes shrouded in darkness; it is someone who will carry you if you get tired; it is someone who - after you have been in his/her presence - you are not the same. You are lighter, freer, more filled with joy. It is someone in whose light you want to bask forever.

So, now, let us close our eyes, and give thanks to our guru for bringing light into our
otherwise dark lives.

He me-re Guru-deva karuna-sindhu karuna ki-jiye,
Hun adhama dd-heena asharana, aba sharana may li-jiye

Oh my revered Gurudev, ocean of compassion,
please bestow compassion on me.
I am worthless, helpless, beyond control.
And I have no one to turn to, no shelter.
I beg of you to take me in your shelter. Protect me in your refuge.

Khaa rahaa gote hun main,
bhava-sindhu ke majhaad-haara men
Aasara hai dusara koi na, aba sansaara men

I am drowning in the middle of the ocean of materialism
I am being swallowed and suffocated and overpowered by the whirlpool.
There is no one to save me but you.

Mujha-men hai japa-tapa na sddhana,
aura nahin kucha gyaana hai,
Nirlaj-jathaa hai eka baaki, aura basa abhi-mana hai.

I have no devotion, no knowledge, nor the willpower to undertake austerities and penance.
(I am useless. How can I expect you to forgive me, to bless me, to remember me, when I
don't do any penance orfeel any devotion? I am nothing, God, and yet I am so proud.
I do not know what it is I am so proud of.)
All I have is shamelessness, futile pride, and a deluded ego.

Paapa boj-he-se ladi
naiyaa bhanwara men aa rahi
Naatha daudo, aba ba-chaao,
jalda doobi jaa rahi

My life boat is sinking in the ocean of sins. I am committed so many sins in this life and past ones, that they have created an ocean. And now, my life boat is sinking in this ocean of my sins.
It is rushing quickly to the whirlpool. I will surely drown, Oh Lord. Please rush and save me.

Apa bh-i yadi choda dengay,
phira kahaan jaa-ungaa main,
Janma dukha se naava kaise,
paara kara pd-ungaa main

I have nowhere else to turn, God. If you, too, forsake me, where will I go? How can I take this lifeboat across alone I can not cross this ocean of pain by myself, in only my life boat.

Saba jagaha "Manjula" bha-taka kar,
lee sharana aba aapa-kee,
Paa-ra karanaa, yaa na karanaa,
dono mar ji ap-akee

I've looked everywhere, God. And nowhere have I found shelter. Now, at the end,
I have come to you. You are my only shelter. I am at your mercy,
and it up to you whether to carry me across or let me drown.

He me-re Guru-deva karuna-sindhu karuna ki-jiye,
Hun adhama dd-heena asharana, aba sharana may li-jiye

Oh my revered Gurudev, ocean of compassion,
I beg your mercy..
I am worthless, helpless, beyond control.
And I have no one to turn to, no shelter.
I beg of you to take me in your shelter.
Protect me in your refuge.

Boliye- Sri Gurude va Bhaga vana ki jai!

And Chant "Glory to the Guru!"

Number 7

The “Be Ever-Happy” Prayer

The purpose of this prayer is to show people that true joy, true peace, true fulfillment can only come from chanting God's name. Even in misery, even in loneliness, His holy name will fill our minds and souls with bliss.

Too frequently in this world, we think that by acquiring more and more "sets" we will find happiness. So we buy TV sets, sofa sets, dining room sets, etc. But, all we have really become is "upset." Instead, let us discard the notion that joy comes from material wealth, and turn our minds and hearts to Him and His glorious name.

The "Be Ever-Happy" Prayer

So, we sing:
Sita-rama, Sita-rama,
Sita-rama ka-hi-yay;
Jah-i vidhi rak-he Raama,
taahi vidhi rahiye.

Chant God's holy name (Sita-Rama), the glory of the Lord. And be happy, ever happy, in whatever conditions he may keep you.

Mukha men ho Rama-nama;
Rama-seva haatha men;
Tu akelaa naahin pyare,
Rama tere saat-ha men.

Let the name of the Lord be on your lips and the service of the Lord be on your hands. (Let-vour lips be always engaged in chanting His name; let your hands be always engaged in doing His work - working for the poor for all of humanity. To attain peace and liberation, mere chanting will not work. Neither will mere working. Only if you weave your chanting with your working, such that they become ever present and inextricably linked. Only then will you find true happiness.)
You are never alone, my dear, God is always with you.

(Do not feel lonely, do not feet scared. Know that the Lord is always accompanying you, always
walking by your side.)*

Vidhi kaa vidhaa-na jana
haani-laabha sahi-ye;
Jaahi vidhi raakhe Rama;
taahi vidhi rahiye.

Accept whatever He gives you,
whether it is loss or gain.
All is ordained by the Creator.
Just endure, have patience.
Do not worry about fleeting losses or gains.
And be happy, ever happy, in whatever conditions he keeps you.

Kiyaa abhi-mana to phira,
mana nahin paayegaa;
Hogaa pyaare wahi jo,
Sriraama ji ko bhaayega.

Do not be proud; do not be arrogant.
Do not think that you are in power.
For if you are, you will lose respect.
Everything will happen the way Sri Rama wants it to.
His will alone will come to pass. He alone, is in control.

Phala aasha tyaaga,
subha kaama karate ra-hiye;
Jaahi vidhi raakhay Raama,
taahi vidhi ra-hiye.

Therefore, do not become attached to the fruit of your labor. Just do good work; do not be attached to the results nor expect anything in return. And be happy, ever happy, in whatever conditions He may keep you.

Zin-dagi kee dora saunpa,
haatha Deenaanaatha-ke;
Mahalon men rakhe chahe
jhonpadeei men vasa de.

Surrender your life into the hands of God. Give Him the reins of your chariot. Then, however He drives it, whereever He leads you, remember to have faith. Whether He puts you in a palace or a shack, just stay there and be thankful to Him.

Dhanya-vaada nir-vivaada,
Rama-Rama ka-hiye;
Jaahi vidhi rakhe Raama, taahi vidhi ra-hiye.

Be always grateful to the Lord, without any argument, and without any doubt.
Do not waste your time fighting, or bargaining with Him. Always chant His name and be grateful to him for what he has given you.
And be happy, ever happy, in whatever conditions He keeps you.

Asha eka Ramaji se,
dujee aasha choda de;
Naataa eka Raamaji se, dajaa naataa toda de.

Place your hope only in God; forsake all other sources of hope. Be attached to only God;
forsake all other attachments.
(Serve your family, serve your friends, serve the world. But only attached to Him.)

Saadhu-sanga, Raama-ranga,
anga-anga ran-giye;
Jahi vidhi rdkhe Raama,
taahi vidhi ra-hiye.

In the company of saints, let every part of you become colored with the Lord, Let His light infuse every cell of your being - become holy, become pure, become divine. And be happy, ever happy, in whatever conditions He keeps you.

Kama-rasa tyaaga pyaare, Raama-rasa pagiye.
Jaahi vidhi raakhe Raama,
taahi vidhi ra-hiye.

Leave behind all your longings, your desires, your lust. Have love only for the essence of God.
And be happy, ever happy, in whatever conditions He keeps you.

Sita-rama, Sita-rama, Sita-rama ka-hiye;
Jaahi vidhi raakhe Rama, taahi vidhi ra-hiye.

Chant God's holy name, the glory of the Lord. And be happy, ever happy,
in whatever conditions He keeps you.

I heard a story once of a man who was a great devotee of God. Always throughout his life, God was his companion. He loved God more than anything else in all the world. When the man was very old, he lay in his bed one afternoon and had a dream. In this dream, he could see his entire life stretched out before him, as though it was the coastline along the ocean. And he could look back and see his footprints - deep impressions in the wet sand - , marking the path he had walked in this life. As he looked back further and further, he could see that, in fact, there was not one, but 2 sets of footprints, side by side, along the edge of the ocean. He knew the other footprints were those of God, for he had felt God's presence beside him throughout his life

But, then he saw something that woke him immediately from his dream; his heart beat fast and he could not hold back the tears. "God!" he cried out. "I just had a dream, and in this dream I could see the whole path of my life; I could see the footprints I left along the way. And beside my footprints, there were yours, for You walked with me, and..." Now the man was full of tears and could barely speak. "But, God, sometimes there were only one set of footprints, and when I looked, I could see that those were the times I was really fallen, really broken, when I needed you most. How, God, how could you leave me when I needed you most? I thought you promised you'd be with me forever. Why did your footprints disappear at the times I needed you most?'

Softly, gently, God lay a hand on the man's head, wiped away the tears. "My child, I promised to always be with you, and I have never left you for a second, not even while you slept. Those times when you see only one set of footprints, those darkest moments of your life, it was those times that I carried you in my arms."

There are times we feel abandoned by God. Times we doubt His presence in our lives. It is easy to have faith when all is going well, easy to believe in a plan when that plan brings us joy and fulfillment. It is much more difficult to believe in the inherent goodness of the Planner when the plan causes agony. Do we all not, on some level, feel that when our lives are tough, that we have been left by God? But, oddly enough, it is truly those times that is our faith that will carry us through. It is truly those times in which we are being carried by God. Perhaps, as we get so much closer to him, as we move from walking beside Him to being in His arms, we actually feel His presence less, so we doubt it. Perhaps as the boundaries and borders between Him and us dissolve, and we simply become His children, perhaps that is when we truly lose ourselves in Him. As the otherness is gone, we feel less aware of the presence.

SANKIRTANA

PRAYER FOR WORLD PEACE

Om Sarve bhavantu sukhinah,
sarve santu nir-dmaydh;

Sarve bhadrani pash-yantu,
ma kash-chid dukha-bhag-bhavet.

May all be happy.
May all be healthy.
May all see the divinity in everything.
May there be no unhappiness or sorrow.

Om Shantih     Shantih     Shantih
Om Peace      Peace       Peace

GANGA AARTI

Each evening as the sun's last rays reflect off the boundless waters of Mother Ganga, we gather for Ganga Aarti. This divine light ceremony is filled with song, prayer, ritual and a palpable sense of the divine. The “aarti" - an ornate oil lamp, lined with dozens of flames burning in pure ghee - is offered to God. We give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us that day, as well as symbolically offering light back to the One who brings light to our lives. Ganga aarti is a time in which we break free from the normal stresses and strains of every-day life, and gather together in joy, reverence and peace. As the bright yellow sun dips into the water and the reflection of its rays bring tears to our eyes, we are filled anew with a deep sense of bliss, reverence and spiritual connection.

Mother Ganga
Ganga is not only a river. She is truly a Mother. She rushes through the Himalayas as the giver of life, carrying purity and bliss in Her waters. Ganga is not only water. She is nectar -- the nectar of life, the nectar of liberation.

She is a source of inspiration to all who lay eyes on her ceaseless, boundless, rushing current.
She irrigates not only our farms, but our hearts, minds and souls. She is the Mother Goddess - giving freely to all with no discrimination or hesitation.

Her waters purify all who bathe in them, all who drink from them. In fact, She is the remover of contamination. They have done scientific studies and have found that no bacteria or virus can grow in Her waters. Modem scientists have taken samples of Her water and have been unable to culture any bacteria or virus.

Her divinity is stronger than disease, stronger than sin, stronger than impurity.
Let us offer our prayers to the holy Mother, by whose divine grace we live lives of joy.

Gangaa Aarti

Om jaya Gange maataa
Maiyaa jaya Gange maataa
Jo nara tumako dhyaataa, Jo nara maiyy ji ki dhyaataa
Mana vaanchhita phala paataa
Om jaya gange maataa

Hail to you, O Mother Ganga,
The river goddess, your worshipper get all his desires fulfilled.

Chandra si jyota tumhaari,
Jala nirmala aataa
Maiyaa jala nirmal aataa
Sharana pade jo teri, sharan pade jo teri
So nara tara jaata,
Om jaya Gange Maataa

You are glorious like the moon with clear water. Whoever surrenders himself
to you transcends all difficulties.

Puta sagara ke tare,
Saba jaga ko gyaataa
Kirpaa drishti tumhaari, ddaya drishti tumhaari
Tribhuvana sukhadaataa
Om jaya Gange Maata

The whole world know that you redeemed the sons of King Sagar
Your kind eyes are the giver of happiness to the three worlds.

Eka hi baara jo teri
Sharanagati aataa
Maiyaa sharangati aataa
Yama ki traa mitaakar, yama ke karhta mitaakara
Parama gatee paataa
Om jaya Gange Maataa

One who comes to your shelter is saved the agony of death and is liberated from the wheel of death and birth

Managa kaarini maiyaa
Tu hai sukha data
Maiyaa tu hai sukha daataa
Teri goda men akar, teri sharan men aakara
Mana shaanti paataa
Om jaya Gange Maataa

You are the holy Mother, giver of all happiness.
In your lap, the mind attains peace.

Brahmaroopini maiyaa
Jo tumako dhyaata, Maiyaa jo tumako dhyaataa
Teir dayase so jana, teri kripaa se so jana,
Sadgati hai paataa
Om jaya Gange Maataa

You are verily the Brahman
O mother, your devotees, by the virtue of your graciousness find the right path in life and life beyond.

Arati Maata tumhaari
Jo jana nita gaataa,
Maiyaa jo jana nita gaataa
Das vahi shaj men, bhakta vahi hai sahaja men,
Mukti ko paataa\Om jaya Gange Maataa

One who chant your name regularly is relieved of misery and get liberated.

SWAGATUM GANGE

After Ganga Aarti each evening, we sit in divine meditation, on the banks of Mother Ganga while Pujya Swami Chidanand Sarawatiji Maharaj (muniji) leads us in devotional kirtan

# 1

Swaataum Gange
Sharanaagatum Gange
Swaagatum sharanaagatum
Shubha swaagatum Gange

We welcome you Mother Ganga
We take refuge at your holy waters
We welcome you; we seek the shelter of your divine grace;
We offer you a most ardent welcome.

GIRIRAJ DHARAN

# 2

Giriraaj Dharan
Prabhu Teri Sharana;
Prabhu teree sharana;
Shreeji teree sharana,

To the lifter of Giriraj, I seek the shelter of your holy feet. By lifting the mountain of Govardhan on you little finger, you removed the sorrows and pain of the people of Vruj. You brought them protection and shelter. In the same way, I come to you and humbly offer myself at your holy feet. Please lift my anguish and despair; remove my troubles; protect me and give me refuge.

Oh Lord, I seek the shelter of your holy feet.

*** In one of the most famous episodes of Hindu tradition, the people of Vruj were in danger of a terrible storm brought upon them by Indra. Their property and their lives were threatened by the ferocity of the rain, lightening, hail etc. It was then that the amlmighty Lord lifted the very mountain of Govardhan where they lived and held it up - with His little finger - over their heads to protect them from the down pour.