Song Lyric Sunday theme today is to choose a song that gives us guilty pleasures. I do listen to some songs that I may not feel guilty for enjoying but I am selective with whom I want to share these songs and mantras. Some songs are just too close to the heart and the soul. It is a bit like sharing a precious prayer or poem you have written. Having someone dismiss it or mock it would be disrespectful but also hurtful. Perhaps that is why we must be vigilant with whom we share meaningful and private things.
There are two persons at work where I may share some songs; after talking with the, for instance, they may share how stressed they are and under a lot of pressure at work. Recently I sent this link which is a mantra I discovered by chance. Then again, perhaps it was not chance and it was meant to be. I have purchased three versions since then which I downloaded to my IPhone so I can sing along as I walk to or from work. I added the words in my phone in my “notes” so I could read along until I could pronounce the words as best I could.
Whether you understand the words or not, just let the voice and music of Devi Premal transport you. This is the one I listen to when I am writing or even relaxing at home…the video is quite amazing.
Most times I weep of joy when I chant this mantra…words sometimes fail me as they are caught in my throat that is filled with so much emotion. I wish I would have known this mantra to sing to my mother when she was dying. Devi Premal chanted this to her father on his deathbed.
Gayatri Mantra (Regular Version): Track 3 From the Album “Divine Chants for Peace, Joy and Healing.” Download a higher quality mp3 from Itunes or Amazon using the links below:
Gayatri Mantra lyrics (transliteration): Om Bhur Bhuva Suvaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.
English Meaning: The Eternal being Pervading the three planes of existence physical, astral and celestial [representing the three states of waking, dream and deep sleep] as the light that is worthy of worship we meditate on thy spotless and divine presence purify our intellect with the light of awareness.
Note: Gayatri mantra is one of the best mantra for chitta shuddhi or purification of mind and to turn the mind into a sattvic or harmonious mind that automatically feels drawn to rest in the awareness of the blissful Self within. However it is one of the mantra that requires inititation for chanting (initiation is not require for listening but only if you are going to chant it on your own). If it is not possible to come in contact with a qualified guru who can initiate you, you may visualize the image of an Enlighened sage like Ramana Maharshi or Ramakrishna and visualize that they are whispering the mantra into your ear and initiating you. Alternatively you can simply listen to the mantra
The colour purple caught her eye…so much lavender spread out just as she turned off Laurier onto rue Casgrain. The sun was at high noon and perfect to see the splendour of the rich colours before her. Then she saw why they were so beautiful.
busy bees creating nature’s beauty tirelessly
busy bees
floral revival
labour of love
creating nature’s beauty
under His watchful eye
faithfully
In spring I was delighted to see so many lilac trees lined along the streets in front of commercial areas. I wonder if that is an arrangement with businesses. Whatever the deal, it is simply breathtaking when they are blossoming at the same time.
Our city has ash trees lined on the side of streets and all along the boulevard in front of my home. These are the trees that shade the backyard of my son’s home as well, and I, along with his German Shepherd and Golden, like to cool off in their shade.
This year will not be one of those times, however. The ash trees in southern parts of Québec, Montreal and Ottawa are being attacked by Emerald Ash Borers from Asia. They were first spotted in Detroit in 2002 and quickly crossed the border to Windsor, Ontario. Scientists say they have been around probably since 1990.
What is unfortunate about this situation is the fact that too many cities plant the same type of tree …rows and rows rather than interspersing among a variety. Now with these trees all dying, we will be left with emptiness.
My son and I walked in a nearby park last Sunday and he showed me the holes in the bark of one ash tree. That`s where the larvae breed under the bark and suck all the life out of these beautiful ash trees.
rows of ash trees
leaves spreading sparingly
one last summer
one last summer
cycle ends before its time
mournng ash
Her head is a bit foggy theses days with the heatwave this week. No matter how many hours of sleep, it still never seems to be enough. She thinks about her neighbours upstairs and wonders if they are finally resting after a month of fasting…Ramada is over, they too need to catch up on sleep.
(troiku)
heatwave humid dense air heavy breathing
heatwave
children squealing
splashing water
humid heavy air
piercing through
cicadas songs
heavy breathing
coolness of the night breeze
lovers play
If you are interested in learning more on how to write a “troiku” check out Chèvrefeuille’s blog at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, who created this new form of haiku.
Tossing and turning she rises despite a few hours of sleep. The quietness of the morning is a stranger to her wakefulness. Every moment is in slow motion. Suddenly the words pour on her screen. Now she understands why sleep could not return.
(troiku)
perfect day sunshine and butterflies tranquil ease
perfect day
mind filled with verse
writing pleasure
sunshine and butterflies
another day of rest
sits and watches