Invoking Ancient Wisdom: The Integral Yoga Morning and Evening Meditation Slokas

Invoking Ancient Wisdom:

The Integral Yoga Morning and Evening Meditation Slokas

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Invoking Ancient Wisdom: The Integral Yoga Morning and Evening Meditation Slokas

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, amidst the cacophony of deadlines, responsibilities, and distractions, finding moments of tranquility and inner peace has become an essential pursuit for many. Meditation, the ancient practice of stilling the mind and abiding in our True Nature, has is as a profound pathway of awakening in our Integral Yoga Tradition.

At the heart of meditation lies a journey inward, a journey toward recognition of the Self. In our Tradition, we follow the guidance, lineage, and spiritual heritage imparted to us by Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidananda. The Sanskrit slokas that we utilize in the Integral Yoga morning and evening meditations, are the same slokas chanted in the Ashram of our Paramgurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda, as they have been for thousands of years.

Among the ancient treasures of wisdom these Sanskrit slokas draw from are the Vedas, Upanishads, Shiva Shadakshara Stotram, Sri Guru Gita, and other sacred texts. The Jyoti Arati Chant was written by Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar Chidambaram Ramalingam (also known as Vallalar, Ramalinga Swamigal, and Saint Ramalingam), a notable Tamil poet of the 19th century, often quoted by Sri Gurudev.

Sanskrit, revered as the language of the gods, is not merely a means of communication but a conduit for tapping into higher realms of Consciousness. Each syllable, each sound in Sanskrit is believed to carry potent vibrations that resonate with the cosmic order. These ancient slokas were meticulously crafted by sages and seers through deep states of meditation and they encapsulate profound truths about Truth, Consciousness, and the interconnectedness of everyone and everything.

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Prior to embarking on silent meditation, practitioners often recite these Sanskrit slokas as a means of invoking divine energies and attuning themselves to the subtle frequencies of Universal Vibration. The rhythmic chanting of these verses not only calms the mind but also creates a sacred space within which the practitioner can delve deeper into the realms of inner exploration.

By immersing oneself in the vibrations of these sacred verses, one can align with the eternal truths they embody, paving the way for a more profound and transformative meditation experience.

Each time we recite these ancient chants, we have the renewed opportunity to embark on deepening of the journey of Self-discovery and spiritual evolution, guided by the wisdom of the ages.

In this booklet, you will find the Sanskrit slokas utilized in morning and evening meditation at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and other Integral Yoga centers around the world. The accompanying audio playlists on soundcloud.com/yogawisdom will enable you to learn the pronunciation of the slokas as taught word-by-word by Sri Swami Satchidananda.

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Guide to Pronunciation

*Learn the pronounciation taught by Sri Gurudev via the audio playlists on soundcloud.com/yogawisdom Vowels: a ai iu ur. r.l. e ai o au . m h.

as in up, soda as in father as in fill, pin as in feed as in full, bush as in fool, rule as in Christmas (but not pronouncing the “i”) as r. , (but held twice as long) as in slur (but not pronouncing the “l”) as in they, pray (always long) as in aisle as in go as in how as in hum is a final sound pronounced with a stronger puff of air and the suggestion of the vowel preceding it. For example, ah. sounds like aha; ih. like ihi.

Consonants:

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k kh g gh . n c ch j jh ñ

as in seek as in back-hand as in good as in dig-hard as in sing, monkey as in pitch as in Church-hill as in joy as in hedge-hog as in canyon

t. t.h d. d. h n. t th d dh n p ph b bh m y r l v s Ω

ß h

as in tub as in hit-hard as in deer as in red-hot as in not as in pat (with the tongue touching the back of the teeth) as in hit-hard (with the tongue touching the back of the teeth) as in dense (with the tongue touching the back of the teeth) as in red-hot (with the tongue touching the back of the teeth) as in nut as in pin as in up-hill as in bird as in abhor as in mud as in yes as in ladder (when said quickly) as in light as in voice as in sun as in shun (with the top of the tongue against the palate) as in sure (with the tongue pulled back and the tip touching the ridge of the back of teeth) as in honey

The syllable jña commonly occurs in Sanskrit. It sounds more or less like gnya. The vowels and consonants are pronounced the same whenever they appear in a word. Each syllable of a word is stressed equally, with the long vowels held twice as long as the short. Each short and long vowel is a different letter in Sanskrit, so it is important to pronounce them correctly. Mispronunciation changes the Sanskrit spelling, making another word with another meaning. For example, råjå (long “a”) means king, while raja (short “a”) means dust.

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Morning Meditation ¸lokas 1. Om Om Om

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v 2. Omkåram Bindu Samyuktam Om united with the Source, Nityam Dhyåyanti Yoginaha On which the yogis ever dwell, Kåmadam Mokshadam Chaiva Grants desires and liberation, Omkåråya Namo Namaha Salutations to the Omkåram. v 3. Gurur Brahmå Gurur Vish∫u The Guru creates; the Guru preserves; Gurur Devo MaheΩvaraha The Guru dissolves the Universe.

Guru˙ Såkshåt Param Brahma The Guru, in fact, is the Absolute.

Tasmai ¸rî Gurave Namaha Salutations to the Sadguru. v 4. Brahmånandam Parama Sukhadam The greatest bliss, the highest joy, Kevalam Jñåna Mürtim Embodiment of Wisdom Absolute, Dvandvåt­îtam Gagana Sad®üΩam Non-dual, boundless like the sky, Tattvamasyådi Lakshyam You are the goal of “Thou art That.”

Ekam Nityam Vimalam Achalam One, eternal, pure, and still, Sarvadh­î Såkshi Bhütam Witness of the whole universe, Bhåvåt­îtam Trigu∫a Rahitam Beyond mind’s grasp, of gu∫as free,

Sadgurum Tam Namåmi To you, O Guru, may my worship be. v 5. Om Nama˙ ¸ivåya Gurave The Guru is auspiciousness, Satchidånanda Mürtaye Embodiment of Truth–Knowledge–Bliss.

Nishprapañchåya ¸åntåya Salutations to the One who is beyond the worlds, Nirålambåya Tejase Peaceful, independent and radiant. v 6. Dhyåna Mülam Guror Mürti The root of meditation is the Guru’s form; Püjå Mülam Guror Pådam The root of worship, the Guru’s feet; Mantra Mülam Guror Våkyam The root of mantra, the Guru’s word; Moksha Mülam Gurur K®upå The root of freedom, the Guru’s grace. v 7. Repeat the Guru mantra at least 3 times: Om Gum Gurave Nama˙ v 8. Twameva Måtå Cha Pitå Twameva Thou art my mother, my father Thou art; Twameva BandhuΩ Cha Sakhå Twameva Thou art my family, my friend Thou art; Twameva Vidyå Dravi∫am Twameva Thou art my knowledge, my wealth Thou art; Twameva Sarvam Mama Devadeva Thou art my all, O the Light of all lights Thou art. v

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~ Interval for Silent Meditation ~ v

Closing Chants 9. Om Tryambakam Yajåmahe We worship You, All-Seeing One. Sugandhim Push†i Vardhanam Fragrant, You nourish bounteously.

Urvårukamiva Bandhanån From fear of death may You cut us free, M®ityor Muksh­îya Måm®itåt To realize immortality.

Om ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ OM ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ v 10. Om Sarveshåm Svastir Bhavatu Auspiciousness be unto all, Sarveshåm ¸åntir Bhavatu Perfect peace be unto all, Sarveshåm Pür∫am Bhavatu Fullness be unto all, Sarveshåm Maõgalam Bhavatu Prosperity be unto all. v 11. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha Happiness be unto all, Sarve Santu Niråmayå˙ Perfect health be unto all, Sarve Bhadrå∫i PaΩyantu May all see good in everyone, Må KaΩchid Duhkha Bhåg Bhavet May all be free from suffering. v

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12. Asato Må Sad Gamaya Lead us from unreal to Real, Tamaso Må Jyotir Gamaya Lead us from darkness to the Light, M®ityor Måm®itam Gamaya Lead us from the fear of death, To knowledge of immortality.

Om ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ Om ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ v 13. Lokåh Samastå˙ Sukhino Bhavantu May the entire Universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light. v 14. Jai ¸r­î Sadguru Mahåråj Ki! May the Light of Truth overcome all darkness!

Jai!

Victory to that Light! v

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Evening Meditation ¸lokas

1. Om Om Om

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2. Om Nama˙ ¸ivåya Gurave The Guru is auspiciousness, Satchidånanda Mürtaye Embodiment of Truth–Knowledge–Bliss.

Nishprapañchåya ¸åntåya Salutations to the One who is beyond the worlds, Nirålambåya Tejase Peaceful, independent and radiant. v 3. Om Tryambakam Yajåmahe We worship You, All-Seeing One. Sugandhim Push†i Vardhanam Fragrant, You nourish bounteously.

Urvårukamiva Bandhanån From fear of death may You cut us free, M®ityor Muksh­îya Måm®itåt To realize immortality.

Om ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ Om ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ v

~ Interval for Silent Meditation ~ v

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Closing Chants 4. Asato Må Sad Gamaya Lead us from unreal to Real, Tamaso Må Jyotir Gamaya Lead us from darkness to the Light, M®ityor Måm®itam Gamaya Lead us from the fear of death, To knowledge of immortality.

Om ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ Om ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ v 5. Om Saha Nåvavatu May God protect us, Saha Nau Bhunaktu Grant us wisdom’s fruit; Saha Vîryam Karavåvahai May we gain energy to know the Truth; Tejasvi Nåvadhîtam Astu May our intellects grow clear and bright; Må Vidvishåvahai May we cherish no ill feeling toward anyone.

OM ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ OM ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ ¸ånti˙ v 6. Kara Chara∫a Kritam Våk

Please forgive me all my mistakes, Lord, Kåya Jam Karma Jam Vå

Made by my hands, feet, body, or karma, ¸rava∫a Nayana Jam Vå

By my speech, ears, eyes, or by my mind, Månasam Våparådham

By intent, or through neglect, Lord.

Vihitam Avihitam Vå

May all glory be unto Thee, Lord,

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Sarvam Etat Kshamasva

Sacred Ocean of mercy.

Jaya Jaya Karu∫åbdhe

Victory to the One who is the Ocean of Compassion, ¸rî Mahådeva ¸ambho

the Supreme God of Auspiciousness.

Jaya Jaya Mahådeva ¸ambho

Victory to that Supreme God of Auspiciousness ¸rî Mahådeva ¸ambho v 7. Lokåh Samastå˙ Sukhino Bhavantu May the entire Universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light. v 8. Jai ¸r­î Sadguru Mahåråj Ki! May the Light of Truth overcome all darkness!

Jai !

Victory to that Light! v

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Å rati 9. Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti Svayam

Light O Light of Self-Effulgence, Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti Param

Light O Light of Absoluteness, Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti Arul

Light O Light of Gracefulness, Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti ¸ivam

Light O Light of Auspiciousness.

Våma Jyoti Soma Jyoti

Light of ¸iva, Light of Moon, Våna Jyoti Jñåna Jyoti

Light Divine, Light of Wisdom, Måha Jyoti Yoga Jyoti

Light of Heaven, Light of Yoga, Våta Jyoti Nåda Jyoti

Light of Wind, Light of Sound.

Ema Jyoti Vyoma Jyoti

Light Delight, Light of Water, Eru Jyoti Vîru Jyoti

Rising Light, Vital Light, Eka Jyoti Eka Jyoti

The Only Light, The Only Light, Eka Jyoti Jyotiye

Give us Light, O Light of Lights. v

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Sri Swami Satchidananda Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidananda was born on December 22nd in 1914 during the month known as Margali, the Dawn of the Devas. The family home had always been a meeting place for poets, musicians, philosophers and sages. From the time he was a little boy, Sri Gurudev was deeply spiritual.

Even as a young child, he spoke truths and displayed insights far beyond his years. His devotion to God was strong, and he looked at people of all castes and faiths with an equal eye, always recognizing the same Light within every being. That recognition of the universal Light equally present in all people remained as he grew to adulthood.

Never really drawn to worldly life, after a brief marriage, he turned his attention to spiritual practice and studying with many great spiritual masters, including Sri Ramana Maharshi and Swami Ramdas. Finally, in 1949, he met his Guru—H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh. He received Sannyas Diksha from his spiritual master and was given the name Swami Satchidananda.

After teaching Yoga throughout Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, in 1966, Sri Gurudev made his first global tour, sponsored by an American devotee. The intended two-day visit to New York extended to five months as he was surrounded by hundreds of students, eager for his teachings and guidance. In 1969, he opened the Woodstock Festival. The peaceful atmosphere that prevailed throughout the event has often been attributed to his message and blessings.

The distinctive Integral Yoga teachings Swami Satchidananda brought to the West blend the classical branches of Yoga, the

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nonduality of Advaita Vedanta, and the spiritual and devotional tenets of Tamil Saivism. His motto was: “Truth is One, paths are many.” He taught respect and appreciation for diversity, while recognizing the essential Oneness that underlies everything.

In 1979, Sri Gurudev was inspired to establish Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville® in Virginia, USA. Based on his teachings, it is a place where people of different faiths and backgrounds can come to realize their essential oneness. Yogaville is the home of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). This unique interfaith shrine honors the Spirit that unites all the world religions, while celebrating their diversity. People from all over the world come there to meditate and pray.

For more than fifty years, Sri Gurudev sponsored interfaith worship services and conferences, advocating respect for all the world faiths. He served on the advisory boards of many world peace and interfaith organizations and received many honors for his public service. Among them were The Juliet Hollister Award presented at the United Nations in 1996, the U Thant Peace Award in 2002, and, posthumously, the James Parks Morton Award in 2014 for interfaith service.

Sri Gurudev is the author of many books, including The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, To Know Your Self, The Living Gita, and The Golden Present. He is the subject of the biographies, Apostle of Peace, Portrait of a Modern Sage, Boundless Giving, as well as the documentary: Living Yoga: The Life and Teachings of Swami Satchidananda.

In August 2002, Sri Gurudev entered Mahåsåmadhi (a God-realized soul’s conscious final exit from the body). His Mahåsamådhi Shrine, known as Chidambaram, is located at Yogaville.

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