This is an experiential program in chanting the names of the Divine from the Indian tradition. Chanting of these Names creates a devotional space for your hearts to open into. As we follow the simple practice of listening to the call, and singing the response we allow for the waves on the surface of our mind to calm so that we might immerse into the depths of the stillness within that is unperturbed by the winds and waves. This equanimous space of unconditional Love that is not received or given, but just IS, exists within each one of us. Spiritual practice using mantra is the instrument for clearing the mind and opening the heart. Like any practice it must be done with some amount of discipline and regularity for the beneficial effects. In each episode, Nina will talk a little about the practice but most of the time is spent in the chanting practice where she leads the chant and the viewer can sing along with the music. In this season we will practice repetition of mantra with melody and music with Nina on harmonium, accompanied by Arjun Bruggeman on tabla.
Where did these Divine Names or mantras that we chant in kirtan come from? What is satsang and how does is it beneficial to practice in sacred community? Why do we practice? What is bhakti or devotion?
In the episode, Nina provides a little background on “Sita Ram”, the Divine beings from the ...
How is Shiva the destroyer?
In this episode we explore Shiva, the unshakeable and formless, as an aspect of the holy trinity including Brahma and Vishnu. As well as the feminine aspect of Shiva as Shakti and their union.
Join the chanting of this mantra and learn the importance of repetiti...
Mantra:
vināyakā vināyakā
vishvā dhāra vināyaka
siddhi vināyaka bhava bhāya nāśā
suramuṇi vandīta śrī gaṇeśa
In this episode, Nina shares about the elephant-headed god and remover of obstacles within ourselves, Ganesha. She also shares a story of learning this bhajan as a young girl fr...
Mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
How do we set our intention to do practice? What melody do we use to chant these mantras? Who can do this chant practice? Where Nina heard this mantra first? How did this mantra become a widely ...
Mantra: Namastaye Mata Sarasvati Sharade Devi
Om Narayani Om
Om aim Sarasvatye Namah
namastasye māta sarasvatī śārade devī
nārāyanī om
om aim sarasvatye namah
In this episode, Nina gives a visual description of Devī as Sarasvatī, the goddess of practice and true wisdom, and her aspect...
Mantra:
śiva śankara hare girijā pati hare
rāma rāghava hare, jānakī pati hare
krṣṇa keśava hare, rukmini pati hare
In this episode, Nina shares where she learned this chant from and the symbolic meanings behind the words. Also, learn the aspects of the Names chanted in this prayer and ho...
Mantra:
śri mā jai mā jai jai mā
jaya jagatambe mā durgā
mahādevi lalitā
cāmunde kāli durgā mā
ambīke kāli durgā mā
bhairavi jagat tārini mā
tripurā sundarī padmā
jagat janani jagatambā
Who is Durga? What are her weapons for? Why do we pray to the Goddess? Who are the demons she ...
Mantra:
bhajagovindam
om namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
om namo nārāyaṇāya
nārāyaṇa
In this Episode, Nina shares a story about Badrinath temple in the Himalayas and the temple’s practice of abhisheka. She also shares the 1,000 Names of Vishnu, as well as Vishnu being the Sustainer of Life and ...
