The Mirror Of The Heart

Let go of your worriesand be completely clear-hearted,like the face of a mirrorthat contains no images.If you want a clear mirror,behold yourselfand see the shameless truth,which the mirror reflects.If metal can be polishedto a mirror-like finish,what polishing might the mirrorof the heart require?Between the mirror and the heartis this single difference:the heart conceals secrets,while the mirror does not. –Jalāl al-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī Continue reading The Mirror Of The Heart

What else do you want?

In the following Vachana, Akka Mahadevi says: “HasivAdare UroLage bhikshaannamgalumtuTrusheyaadare kere baavi hallamgalumtuShayanakke haaludegulavumtuCennamallikArjunayya Atmasamgaatakke niinenagumtu.” Stating that happiness is not conditional, but lies in being content with little. Translation: If hungry, there is food in the town to ask for.If thirsty, there are lakes, wells and streams to quench it from.For sleeping, there are discarded buildings.Oh, Lord! (ChennamallikArjuna) as for the soul, You are … Continue reading What else do you want?

A Prayer For Harmony

O Thou, who art the Perfection of Love, Harmony, and Beauty,The Sovereign of heaven and earth,open our hearts, that we may hear Thy Voice,which constantly cometh from within.Disclose to us Thy Divine Light,which is hidden in our souls,that we may know and understand life better.The Most Merciful and Compassionate God,give us Thy great Goodness,Teach us Thy loving Forgiveness,Raise us above the distinctions and differences which … Continue reading A Prayer For Harmony

A Chant for Difficult Times

It is said that the chant “Mookam karoti vaachaalamPangum langhayatey girimYatkripaa tamaham vandeyParamaananda Maadhavam” Can make the cripple climb mountains and the mute speak eloquently. The mantra asks for grace in order to ease someone out of difficult situations. It means: “I salute that Madhava,The source of Supreme Bliss,Whose grace makes the dumb man eloquentAnd the cripple cross mountains.” Continue reading A Chant for Difficult Times

Gayatri Mantra

God, my Lord! You are my Saviour,the Destroyer of all distress,the Mitigator of all pain and suffering,and the Bestower of bliss, peace and tranquility.I surrender myself to You, Oh Lord,Who are my Father and my Mother.Shower Your grace on me, Your child.Oh, Redeemer from all sins,the Remover of all darkness,Oh, Adorable One!I meditate upon Your sublime graceso that I may become virtuous.Abiding in my intellect, … Continue reading Gayatri Mantra