Today’s Meditation:
Sri Nanda-Nandanastakam (Joy)
1. Sucharu vaktra mandalam sukarna ratna kundalam sucharchitanga chandanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, whose face is extremely delightful, in whose beautiful ears hang jeweled earrings and whose entire body is anointed with fragrant sandalwood.
2. Sudirgha netra pankajam sikhi sikhanda murdhajam ananga koti mohanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, whose eyes are more beautiful than the fully bloomed lotus, whose head is beautifully adorned with an arrangement of peacock feathers and who enchants millions of Cupids.
3. Sunasikagra mauktikam svacchanda danta panktikam navambudanga chikkanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, from whose beautiful nose hangs an elephant-pearl, whose teeth are immensely effulgent, whose bodily complexion is more beautiful and lustrous than a fresh rain cloud.
4. Karena venu ranjitam gati karindra ganjitam dukula pita shobhanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, whose lotus hands hold the flute, whose lingering gait defeats even that of an impassioned elephant and whose dark limbs are beautified by a yellow shawl.
5. Tribhanga deha sundaram nakha dyuti sudhakaram amulya ratna bhusanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, whose threefold-bending posture is exquisitely elegant, the effulgence of whose toe-nails puts to shame even the moon, and who wears invaluable jewels and ornaments.
6. Sugandha anga saurabham uroviraji kaustubham sphuracchri vatsalanchanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, whose body exudes an especially beautiful fragrance, and whose broad chest is adorned with the kaustubha jewel and the mark of srivatsa.
7. Vrindavana sunagaram vilasanuga vasasam surendra garva mochanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, the expert lover of Vrindavana who performs immaculate pastimes and who is attired in clothes which are suitable for those pastimes and who pulverized the pride of Indra.
8. Vrajangana sunayakam sada sukha pradayakam jagan manah pralobhanam namami nanda-nandanam
I offer pranaams (salutations) to Nandanandana, who as the lover of the Vraja gopis perpetually delights them and who enchants the minds of all living entities.
9. Sri nanda-nandanastakam pathed ya shraddhayanvitah tared bhavabdhim dustaram labhet tadanghri-yugmakam
Whoever regularly recites this (Sri Nanda-nandanastakam) will easily cross the seemingly insurmountable ocean of material existence and attain eternal residence at the lotus feet of Krishna.
(“The Spirit of Mantra: 21-Day Mantra Meditation Journey Vol. II – Day 12: Joy” from the album “The Spirit of Mantra: 21-Day Mantra Meditation Journey with Deva Premal & Miten Vol. II ”)
We are honoured to receive you.
Meditation may look serious, but as your practice deepens you will discover a joyful activity. Meditation is an adventure into Nothingness. An experience of ‘relaxed awareness’.
We are here to replenish the spirit and rejuvenate the cells, so take the time to slow down. Find a comfortable space to sit, where you can be relaxed and at the same time, alert.
Sit with an upright spine if possible, and relax your shoulders. Remember, meditation is not a serious activity. It is a gift from ourselves to ourselves.
Make sure you will be undisturbed for the duration of the session.
If you choose to lie down remember this activity is not about falling into sleep, so bring your attention to the incoming and outgoing of your breath, and stay alert.
As the mind wanders, take care not to blame yourself.
Just simply come back to the mantra and the rhythm of your breath.
We suggest you meditate with closed eyes so you will be undistracted by any external sensation.
Our suggestion is to create a daily ritual that will support your meditation.
This could include:
- Lighting a candle.
- Lighting incense or using an aroma lamp.
- Ringing a temple bell (or chimes) at the beginning – and at the end – of every session.
We are practicing relaxed awareness. So do what you can to stay alert, and as your system gradually slows down you will become aware of the sounds around you. Listening to every sound, as God’s orchestra, your attention will eliminate the chatter of the busy mind.
Chant the mantra OM 3 times with the mudra ‘Namaste’.
This will tune you consciously into the energy of the sangha – your brothers and sisters and fellow travellers, who are also joining the meditation.
The duration of the meditation will be about 10-15 minutes. If possible, meditate at the same time, in the same location. This will create a nurturing habit that will support your practice.
Most meditations will include chanting and we encourage you to chant with us – the words and translations given each day will deepen your experience.
If you find that some of the mantras are too difficult, don’t worry. Just close your eyes and let the mantra penetrate your being. Let its transformative power wash over you.
Often we feel the effect of meditation when chant is completed. So don’t miss this powerful moment. Sit quietly for a few more minutes with your eyes closed, and give thanks by bowing in Namaste.
Complete your meditation with the Sanskrit prayer for Universal Peace:
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
And – remember – the quality of your meditation will radiate peaceful frequencies into the cosmic field – you are contributing to the welfare of your global human family.
Have a joyous meditation!