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How do we define wellbeing ?
Is it a body that is fit and free of disease?
Is it a mind that is focused and free of agitation?
Is it a spirit that is characterized by conviction and confidence?
OR is it a combination of all these and more?
No matter how each of us defines wellbeing, what lies at the core of this concept is a healthy mind in a healthy body,
empowered by an indomitable spirit.
This may sound an ambitious proposition. Nevertheless, it must be possible for all our ancient texts speak about this
harmonious integration of mind, body and spirit.
How does one work towards what seems a challenging goal, given the pressures of life today?
Great masters have shown us the path – a path that is paved with the stepping stones of devotion, sincerity, commitment,
detachment and surrender. Presented in this audio CD are some beautiful and inspirational slokas or poems composed by five
of India's legendary masters – Adi Sankara, Bhartrhari, Vedanta Desika, Vallabhacharya and T Krishnamacharya.
Resonating with lyrical beauty and profound meaning, just listening to these chants can help us to empower ourselves from
the core of divinity within.
Track listing:
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Gurvastakam
This composition of Adi Sankara, the great yogi and philosopher, is a warm tribute to the teacher. According to this chant,
whatever success we may have, whatever wisdom we may claim to possess, whatever discipline we may follow, it is worth
nothing if we fail to acknowledge and honor our teacher. On the other hand, if a student is totally devoted to his or her
teacher, then no force including God can harm the student in any way.
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Madhurastakam
In this sloka, the composer, Vallabhacharya, describes in minute detail every aspect of Krsna, from his cherubic beauty and
the melodious music of his flute to his charming speech and graceful dance. This poem is composed in such a way that just
listening to it calms and soothes the mind.
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ahimsa prathamam puspam
Based on the work, "Prapanna Parijatam" by Vatsya Varadacharya, this adaptation highlights the importance of compassion,
non-violence, forgiveness, discipline, truthfulness and other such qualities. Cultivating these qualities in ourselves is
the best kind of flower that we can offer to Surya or the sun, who is revered as a powerful divine force.
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gayatrim anusamsmarami
This is a composition of T Krishnamacharya in which he praises Gayatri, the feminine personification of the sun, and
repeatedly offers his heartfelt salutations to her.
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mukta vidhruma
This is a traditional dhyana sloka (invocatory prayer) on Gayatri. Her five benign faces reflecting different hues, each with
three eyes, her head adorned with a crown bearing the crescent moon, with ten hands, two of which are in the pose of bestowing
protection and the other eight, bearing weapons, Gayatri is presented in this chant as a powerful force who represents the
very essence of the mantra "Om".
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vairagya slokam
This is a beautiful sloka composed by Bhartrhari, which emphasizes that the only way to overcome the different kinds of fear
that torment us is to cultivate vairagya. Vairagya is the ability to stay detached from anything that takes us away from our
ultimate goal of seeking the highest truth.
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Abhitistava
This is a composition of Vedanta Desika and is a fervent appeal to the Lord asking Him to protect His devotees from their
enemies. Just listening to this powerful sloka can help us overcome fear and gain courage.
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sudarsana astakam
Composed by Vedanta Desika, this hymn is in praise of Sudarsana (the discus of Lord Visnu). The Sudarsana is revered as one
of the most powerful weapons and is believed to protect all those who surrender to the Lord.
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garuda dandakam
This hymn by Vedanta Desika highlights the might of Garuda, the divine eagle used by Lord Visnu as his vehicle.
It is often chanted to invoke Garuda's protection for safe travel, when setting out on any journey.
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vairagya pancakam
In just five short verses, Vedanta Desika expresses his indifference for worldly possessions and the act of seeking favors
from mere mortals. He says that true wealth lies in receiving the grace of the Lord.
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nyasa dasakam
This hymn, composed by Vedanta Desika, glorifies the importance of wholehearted and unconditional surrender to the Highest.
Also described in this poem are the qualities of a person who surrenders thus and the spirit with which his/her every action
needs to be offered.
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nirvana satkam
This is a composition of Adi Sankara. Here, the composer seeks realization of ultimate peace, identifying himself completely
with the Supreme.
TKV Desikachar
TKV Desikachar is the son and long-time student of the legendary yogi, T Krishnamacharya.T Krishnamacharya not only brought to
light the teachings of yoga in the early twentieth century, he also opened the doors of the Vedic tradition to all who were
genuinely interested in preserving this ancient legacy. His son, TKV Desikachar founded the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM)
in 1976. An expert in yoga and all branches of Indian philosophy, TKV Desikachar has published several books and presented a
number of Vedic chant CDs with the aim of spreading the message and teachings of his teacher, T Krishnamacharya.
Mekhala Desikachar
Daughter and student of TKV Desikachar, and granddaughter of T Krishnamacharya, Mekhala Desikachar has been teaching yoga and
Vedic chanting for over two decades both at the KYM and abroad. Although a qualified Engineer, her passions are yoga, Vedic
chanting and singing. She is also proficient at playing the Veena. Mekhala has also recorded a number of audio Cds of Vedic
chants and the Yoga Sutra.
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