Song of The Soul

A discreetly selected treasure of Sanskrit slokas and hymns, rendered with spiritually inspiring sublime melody. The bhaava instantly induces inward absorption in the listener, touching the very depth of the Soul.

Sound (Sabda), its disciplined and refined utterance, has been paramount in the religio-spiritual life and pursuit of this land. Right from Vedic times, the chanting of hymns and verses has held a great deal of meaning and purpose. In relaxing and purifying the mind, in cultivating attention, and in making the heart broad and light, chanting has been held to be immensely effective.

Narayanashrama Tapovanam, an abode of learning and a centre for dissemination of Brahma Vidya, has always laid special emphasis on sublime recitation as an important form of spiritual saadhana. In fact, in all my talks and discourses, I have always made chanting an integral part. Many of the listeners and the readers also have thus developed a special attunement for sub- lime recitations.

With the arrival of Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha and Ma Gurupriya, this aspect gained a greater momentum and appeal. In almost all Jnaana Yajnas and Satsangs, I used to ask them to chant some Upanishadic mantras, especially the Santi Pathos, along with some of the exquisite devotional compositions. Listening to these, many expressed their desire for a cassette of these hymns. Finally, at the initiative of Smt Shanti Hronond, a renowned singer and a close disciple of mine, Ma Gurupriya and Swami Nirviseshananda went to a studio in Delhi to record the Song of the Soul, copies of which are alreadywith many devotees and seekers in India and abroad.

The emphasis in the whole recitation of the Song of the Soul is on inducing and generating a contemplative and meditative mood. Naturally, listening to the cassette leads the seekers to get into meditation. After the cassette was released about two years back, the need for its written text with meaning became pronounced. Thus is born this publication, which, it is hoped, will help earnest seekers to learn and recite the slokas themselves to their own hearts' content. Hard work of almost everybody in the Ashram has gone into the production, especially for transliteration and almost word-to-word English translation.

Remember, a few words, or better a verse or two, from the great Sanskrit heritage, is sufficient to transform and en- lighten anyone. So deep and wholesome is the influence this cultured language holds for humanity. May you all be enriched and inspired by the spirit and contents of this of the soul?