30 Days of Mantra Moments!

In the month leading up to one of my favourite events of the year -Bhakti Heart Fire – Kirtan Academy – I posted a video of one of the mantras, chants, devotional songs contained in our Heart Fire Manual!
If you would like to join us for this transformative 5 1/2 day immersion into everything Bhakti and Kirtan, please go to: http://devatree.com/calendar/event/317/

Bhajamana Ma Ma Ma
Ananda Mayi Ma Ma,Ananda Rupa Ma Ma

Oh Mind, chant devotion to the Mother.
Divine Mother full of bliss.
Divine Mother, whose form is bliss.

Sri Ma
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samstitha Namastasyei Namastasyei Namastasyei Namoh Namah

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shanti Rupena Samstitha Namastasyei Namastasyei Namastasyei Namoh Namah Namastasyei Namastasyei Namoh Namah

Om Mata Saraswatiyei Om Mata Jagatambe

Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma Sri Ma Jai Ma Jai Jai Ma

“To that Goddess who is established in all beings in the form of the mother, in the form of power (Shakti), in the form of peace (Shanti), salutations to Her again and again”
(From the Devi Mahatmyam)

A song of reverence to the Great Mother, naming Saraswati (Goddess of arts, music, knowledge and wisdom) and Jagatambe (Mother of the Universe, another name for Durga)

“Om Dum Durgayei Namaha”
“Om and Salutations to that feminine energy which protects from all manner of negative influences.”

Durga Mantra explanation on syllables:
* Om – The sound of the universe; The essence of everything; The root of Hinduism itself; Usually begins and ends all Hindu prayers.
* Dum – The seed mantra (sound) of Mata Ji Durga.
* Durgayei – The complete, formal Sanskrit pronunciation of Maa Durga’s name.
* Namaha – In Your essence, we bow to You; In Your presence, only You are recognized.
Chanting Om Dum Durgayei Namaha benefits:
The Goddess is said to have the combined powers of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali. This mantra is often used for protection against internal or external negative forces. Also, chanting Durga mantra removes the effect of all types of black magic, unfavorable effect of negative planets, bad luck or health problems.

Kali Durge Namo Namah
Jai Jai Jai Mata Kali
Jai Jai Jai Mata Durgayae
Om Dum Durgayae Namaha
Om Dum Durgayae Namaha

A chant to Kali and Duga, both representations of the Divine Mother.
“To She who liberates the mind from all illusion”
“Victory to Mother Kali! Victory to Mother Durga!”
Om Dum Durgayae Namaha (Mantra of Protection) Another one of the transliterations is: “Salutations to She who is beautiful to the seekers of Truth and terrible in appearance to those who would injure devotees of Truth”

GAYATRI MANTRA

Om Bhur Bhuvaha Svaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dimahi Diyo Yonah Prachodayat

The Mother of the Vedas

“Salutations to that sacred sound present in the earth, the heavens, and that which is beyond. May the glorious splendor of that Divine life illuminate our meditation”

In his book Sadhana, Sri Swami Shivananda wrote:

“Of all the mantras, the supreme and the most potent power of powers is the great, glorious Gayatri Mantra. It is the support of every seeker after Truth who believes in its efficacy, power and glory, be he of any caste, creed, clime or sect. It is only one’s faith and purity of heart that really count. Indeed, Gayatri is an impregnable spiritual armor, a veritable fortress, that guards and protects its votary, that transforms him into the divine, and blesses him with the brilliant light of the highest spiritual illumination.
… It is universally applicable, for it is nothing but an earnest prayer for Light, addressed to the Supreme Almighty Spirit.
… This single mantra, repeated sincerely and with clear conscience, brings the supreme good.”

ANANDAMAYI (mantra by Sri Aurobindo, adapted by B. McMorrow)

Om Anandamayi Chaitanyamayi Satyamayi Parameshwari

“OM, O supreme Goddess who art all bliss, consciousness and truth of being” Ananda: Bliss. Chaitanya: Consciousness. Satya: Truth

LOKA SAMASTA SUKINO BHAWANTU

“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

From Sharon Gannon:

Lokah: location, realm, all universes existing now

Samasta: all beings sharing that same location
Sukhino: centered in happiness and joy, free from suffering

Bhav: the divine mood or state of unified existence

antu: may it be so, it must be so (antu used as an ending here transforms this mantra into a powerful pledge)

OM GAM GANAPATAYE NAMAHA
“I offer my love and devotion to Sri Ganesha; please grant me success in my noble endeavor”

Asato Ma Sat Gamaya
Tomaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityurmamritam Gamaya
“Lead me from ignorance to understanding as from obscurity to light. Lead me from the non-being to true being, from darkness to light, from death to immortality. Om Peace, Peace, Peace”

Om Krim Kali Kayei Namaha
“Om and Salutations to the Primordial feminine energy”

Om Eim Saraswatiyei Namaha
Om and Salutations to the feminine Saraswati Principle. (Mantra for success in Education, Music and Artistic endeavors)

Maha Mrityunjaya
OM. Tryambakam yajamahe
Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam
Urvarukamiva bandhanan
Mrityor mukshiya mamritat
“The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra restores health and happiness and brings calmness in the face of death. When courage or determination are blocked, it rises up to overcome obstacles. It awakens a healing force that reaches deep into the body and mind.
Just as a plant patiently gathers nutrients from the soil, so healing and nourishing forces enter the human body through foods, medicines, supportive emotions, and encouraging thoughts. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra attracts these forces and creates an inner environment to enhance their effectiveness. Thus the mantra can be used whenever any restorative process is undertaken.” From Yoga International

OM TARE TUTARE TURE SWAHA

An invocation to Tara, the female counterpart of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The Tara is pictured many – armed, symbolizing the powers and attributes she has cultivated to save all sentient beings.

OM SHRIM MAHA LAKSHMIYEI SWAHA
JAI JAI MA JAI MA JAI MA JAI MA JAI MA

“OM AND SALUTATIONS TO SHE WHO MANIFESTS EVERY KIND OF ABUNDANCE – PRAISES TO THE DIVINE FEMININE. VICTORY TO THE DIVINE FEMININE!”

SRI RAM JAI RAM JAI JAI RAMA
SITA RAM SITA RAM JAI JAI SITA RAM
RAMA RAMA SITA RAMA RAMA RAMA SITA RAMA

“Glory to Sita and Ram” A song to Lord Rama and his beloved Sita
Jai or Jay = Glory to, Victory to
Sri = a term of reverence at the beginning of a name
“May the Divine as Light and virtue that dwells in my heart be victorious over all (internal and external) obstacles and difficulty”

OM Shri Hanumate Namaha:

I bow to Hanuman for protection from dark forces & for healing energy. Hanuman is the symbol of devotion & selfless action.
“I bow to the son of the wind-god, the beloved devotee of Sri Rama, the chief of the monkeys, the repository of all virtues, the foremost among the wise, a fire to consume the forest of the demon race, possessing a body shining as a mountain of gold and a home of immeasurable strength.” ~ Ramayana (Tulsi Das)

AHAM PREMA
“I am Divine Love”

Durga Mantra:
OM Eim Hrim Klim Chamundayei Vicche Namaha

“OM and Salutations to She who is Radiant with power and wisdom”

MAHA MANTRA
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

The GREAT manta
“A spiritual call to the Divine”
“‘Hare’ is the power or energy of Krishna (Radha/Shakti)”

GANESHAYA NAMOH NAMAH
JAYA JAYA VINAYAKA
SRI SRI JAI SRI
JAI SRI GANAPATI

OM GUNG GANAPATAYEI NAMAHA

“Salutations to the remover of obstacles. This sound formula assists us in the removal of obstacles. In order for that to happen there is no need to know the exact nature of the hindrances. Just the awareness and recognition that there are obstacles and then chanting this mantra with the intention for resolve is enough. This mantra unifies us within.
When there is oneness there are no obstacles. This mantra is also used for the beginning of any endeavor. Whenever we start anything and we can bless the project with the energy of Ganesh through this mantra”

Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru devo Maheshwara, Guru sakshat, param Brahma, tasmai shri guravay namah
“Our creation is that guru (Brahma-the force of creation); the duration of our lives is that guru (Vishnu-the force of preservation); our trials, tribulations, illnesses, calamities and the death of the body is that guru (devo Maheshwara-the force of destruction or transformation). There is a guru nearby (Guru Sakshat) and a guru that is beyond the beyond (param Brahma). I make my offering (tasmai) to the beautiful (shri) remover of my darkness, my ignorance; (Guru) it is to you I bow and lay down my life (namah).” Thank you Jivamukti Yoga for this explanation.

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
“Salutations to the Indweller who is omnipresent, omnipotent, immortal and divine.
This mantra is called the Great Liberation Twelve-Syllable Mantra.
It frees our minds and spirits from negative patterns in this life.
Vasudeva is the individual aspect of God that dwells inside of us.”

OM MANI PADME HUM (Buddhist Mantra)

“The jewel is in the lotus” or “Praise to the jewel in the lotus”

“The six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha.”

OM SHANTI
Om Peace


SHANTI MANTRA

OM Sahana Vavatu
Sahanau Bhunaktu
Saha Viryam Karavavahai
Tejasvi Navaditamastu
Ma Vidvishavahai
OM Shanti Shanti Shantihi

OM, may we all be protected. May we all be nourished. May we work together with great energy. May our studies be enlightening. Let us not give rise to enmity. OM, peace (within), peace (with each other), peace (universal).

Aum gum shreem maha lakshmi yei namaha
“Aum means pure force. Gum means removal of obstacles. Shreem is the sound of abundance. Maha symbolizes the increase of energy. Lakshmi yei represents purpose. And Namaha represents completion.”

Om Namah Shivaya Om Namah Shivaya Om Namah Shivaya Shivaya Namah Om
“I bow to Shiva.” Shiva is the supreme reality, the inner Self. It is the name given to consciousness that dwells in all. Shiva is the name of your true identity- your self.”


OM SHRI GANESHAYA NAMAHA
A chant to Ganesh, the remover of obstacles!

Om Namah Shivaya Gurave

Saccidananda Murtaye

Nisprapancaya Shantaya

Niralambaya Tejase

“I offer myself to the Light, who is the True Teacher

within and without (the teacher of all teachers),

Who assumes the forms of

Reality, Consciousness and Bliss,

Who is never absent and is full of peace,

Independent in its existence,

It is the vital essence of illumination.”

prAna Clothing – Sweet Designs for our Summer Tour!

As I traipsed around Canada, U.S. and Italy this summer, the wonderful company  prAna  kept me very well outfitted. Many thanks to this Conscious and Uber Cool company for their support!!

Today, August 12 is the last day of their “Garage Sale” so check it out. If you’ve missed it, don’t worry, their new fall collection is sure to be Amazing!!

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Feeling a little sassy in that Quinn Dress with Narada Wise and Michael Plasha in Erie, PA

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Simone Maxi Dress – perfect for a glorious HOT day of Kirtan at Bhakti Fest in Madison, WI!

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Loving my Mikayla top in Madison, WI and Alessandria, Italy

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Blissing out in my fav Chai T at Bliss Beat Festival, Alessandria, Italy

BLISS AT BLISS BEAT FESTIVAL IN ITALY!

A truly a beautiful experience this past weekend at Bliss Beat Festival in Alessandria, Italy!

(for more photos click HERE!)

Here is a photo of  my magnificent band: Vijay, Rasika, Saraswati and Nitai from The Kirtaniyas, Philippo Franchini, Ben Kreisel and Spring Groove!

What a joy to join Jai Uttal for both of his amazing sets. Here is a picture from Saturday afternoon:

During my set on Friday night I was joined by the fabulous Spring Grove, Philippo Franchini, The Kirtaniyas and Ben Kreisel…then…The wonderful Dave Stringer joined us for some VERY energetic renditions of Sri Ram and the Maha Mantra

Upcoming Kirtans, Retreats, Festivals across North America and Europe

BUFFALO, NY – Shakti Yoga Fri, April 22 Kirtan with Brenda and special guests: Morgan Doctor and Shannon Kingsbury

GUELPH, ON – Living Yoga Sat, April 30 Kirtan with Brenda (w/ Shannon Kingsbury, Jesse Turton and Shara Claire)

LONDON, ON  ~ Yoga Shack, Thursday, MAY 5 (Dave Stringer Kirtan featuring Brenda McMorrow)

TORONTO, ON – Yoga Sanctuary (College), Friday, MAY 6  (Dave Stringer Kirtan featuring Brenda McMorrow and Swaha)

OTTAWA, ON – Pranashanti Yoga, Saturday, MAY 7 (Dave Stringer Kirtan featuring Brenda McMorrow)

MONTREAL, QC  – MAY 8 ~ Naada Yoga, Sunday, MAY 8 (Dave Stringer Kirtan featuring Brenda McMorrow)

GUELPH, ON – Harcourt United Church Tues, May 10 Brenda will be accompanying Grammy Award winning cellist and vocalist David Darling (w/ Debbie Danbrook on Shakuhachi flute) Presented by Sacred Wisdom Centre

WOLFE ISLAND, ON – Shanti Retreat May 20-23 (Victoria Day Long Weekend)
“A Weekend of Bhakti – Chant and Yoga Retreat” with Brenda and Yoga Instructors/Hosts Wendy and Darin Madore.

BOULDER, COLORADO – Hanuman Festival – Yoga and Music Expo June 16-19 featuring MC Yogi, Donna DeLory, Suzanne Sterling, Desert Dwellers and more… White Swan Records 20th anniversary celebration!

LONDON, ONTARIO – Summer Solstice Celebration  Benefit for Easter Seals – June 21  Elsie Perrin Williams Estate

ALGONQUIN PARK, ON – Northern Edge Algonquin June 30- July 3 Bhakti Yoga Retreat w/ Brenda &  Yogini Wendy Martin

BRESCIA, ITALY – Studio Yoga Associato Hari Om Tues, July 19 Kirtan w/ Brenda, Philippo Franchini and more…

ALESSANDRIA, ITALY – Bliss Beat Yoga and Music Festival July 21-24 4 day Kirtan Festival featuring Jai Uttal, Donna DeLory, Wah, David Newman and Mira, Girish, MC Yogi, Jaya Lakshmi and Dave Stringer

BAD STAFFELSTEIN, GERMANY – Bhakti Yoga Summer Festival August 26-28 Featuring Prem Joshua, Satyaa & Pari, Sathya & Liliana and David Newman

JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA – Bhakti Fest September 8-11 featuring Krishna Das, Deva Premal, Bhagavan Das, Gaura Vani, Michael Cohen, Wah! and many, more…

SEDONA, ARIZONA – Presented by Bhakti Tribe – Fri September 16 Kirtan with Brenda and special guests…

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Details TBA, Wed., September 21…

VICTORIA, B.C. – Church of Truth Fri, September 23 Full Circle Studio Arts presents Brenda in concert

TORONTO, ON – Yoga Sanctuary – College St., November 18…details TBA

Dave Stringer Tours Central Canada – Featuring Brenda McMorrow

Join Dave (w/ special guest Brenda McMorrow) at one of the following events across Central Canada. Joining Dave and Brenda will be Morgan Doctor on percussion and Chris Gartner on bass. Swaha will join the festivities for the Toronto date!

MAY 5 ~ LONDON, ON (Kirtan)
www.yogashack.com

MAY 6 ~ TORONTO, ON (Teacher Training)
www.theyogasanctuary.net

MAY 6 ~ TORONTO, ON (Kirtan)
www.theyogasanctuary.net

MAY 7 ~ OTTAWA, ON (Kirtan)
www.pranashanti.com

MAY 8 ~ OTTAWA, ON (Inner Musician Workshop)
www.pranashanti.com

MAY 8 ~ MONTREAL, QC (Kirtan)
www.naada.ca

Love Abounds Album Liner Notes, Lyrics and Translations

Love Abounds – Released by White Swan Records, September, 2010

Click on image to see it individually, then to see it in larger format, click again.

Wah! at the Toronto Yoga Conference 2010

Wah! With Mike Haziza on Beatbox, Brenda McMorrow on vocals, Sequoia Neptune on Harmonium and vocals, photo by Maie

It was a joy to be asked to sing with Wah! at her kirtan at the Toronto Yoga Conference in Toronto in March. It was a tremendous kirtan and I enjoyed every divine moment!

We had a beautiful gathering at the Yoga Sanctuary in Toronto last Saturday night. Thanks to the phenomenal Morgan Doctor and Shannon Kingsbury for lending both their devotion and their talent to the bhav that night. Rishi Kumar took some lovely pics and here are a few of them:

Yoga Sanctuary Toronto

Yoga Sanctuary Feb. '10. Morgan Doctor, Brenda McMorrow, Shannon Kingsbury.

Photos by Rishi Kumar

Upcoming Kirtans in London,Toronto, Kingston (Feb. 20, Feb 27, March 5)

After some wonderful gatherings in Perth, Ottawa, Killaloe, Waterloo and Guelph, the White Swan Records CD re-release of Ameya celebrations continue!

Ameya - 2010 White Swan Records

London ON: Saturday, Feb. 20 7.30 pm – Kirtan – The Lotus Centre 140 Ann St, 519.642.2378 – lotuscentre.ca $15 advance/ $18 day of

Toronto ON: Saturday, Feb 27, 8pm – The Yoga Sanctuary 2 College St. Suite 306 416.928.3236 theyogasanctuary.net $15 advance/$20 day of

Kingston ON: Friday, March 5, 7.30pm – Feel Hot Yoga 80 Princess St. 613.547.YOGA (9642) feelyogakingston.com $15 advance/$20 day of

Stay tuned for details on April tour dates in California (these just in: Yoga Soup, Santa Barbara, April 10; Open Secret, San Rafael, April 15; East West Books, Mountainview, April 16; Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica, April 18 and !)

Brenda McMorrow Kirtan - Photo by Rishi Kumar

Feel Yoga - Kingston - Photo and design by Thomas Valentine