SATSANG
(Saturday Evenings)

GANESHA INVOCATION

 AUM

Attired in white and all-pervading,
O moon-hued, four-armed One,
with pleasing, ever-smiling face,
Gray-complexioned like ash glowing with spiritual splendor,
upon You we meditate
for removal of all obstacles.

Ganesha Sharanam (Bhajan)

Ganesha Sharanam, Sharanam Ganesha
(translation: I take refuge in thee, Lord Ganesha.)

GANESHA MANTRA

 OM GANG GANAPATAYE NAMAHAH  (repeat 108 times)
(translation: Prostrations to the great Lord Ganesha, Ganapati, Remover of Obstacles and Bestower of Success.)

GURU MANTRA

Om Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnur Gurur devo Maheshwarah
Gurureva para-brahma Tasmai Shri Gurave namah
Mannathah Sri Jagannatho MadGuru SriJagadGuruh
Mamatma Sarva Bhutatma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha 

The Guru is Lord Brahma, Who creates everything good and positive. The Guru is Lord Vishnu, Who provides for all creatures and fills his devotees’ hearts with bliss. The Guru is Lord Shiva, Who makes room for everything auspicious by purifying His devotees of all negativity. The Guru is the very embodiment of the supreme Brahman, the highest divine consciousness. To that glorious Guru, I offer my most sincere reverence from the bottom of my heart.

He, my Lord, is the Lord of the Universe;  He, my Guru, is the Guru of the Universe; He, my Self, is the Self of all beings. To that glorious Guru, I offer my most sincere reverence, from the bottom of my heart.

MAHA MRITYUNJAYA MANTRA

OM TRYAMBAKAM YAJAMAHE
SUGANDHIM PUSHTI VARDANAM
URVA RUKAMIVA BANDANAN
MRITYOR MUKSHIYA MAMRITAAT

     (repeat 3 times)

(translation: We worship the Three-Eyed One, Lord Shiva, Who is Fragrant and Nourishes all beings. May He sever our bondage from Samsara (worldly life)as the cucumber falls from the vine when it attains full ripeness, that we may be freed us from the fear of death by realizing our immortal nature.)

UNIVERSAL PRAYER of Swami Sivananda

O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love,
Salutations and Prostrations unto Thee.
Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient.
Thou art Satchitananda.
Thou art Existence, Knowledge, and Bliss Absolute.
Thou art the Indweller of all beings.
Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision,
balanced mind, faith, devotion, and wisdom.
Grant us inner spiritual strength to resist temptations
and to control the mind.

Free us from egoism, lust, anger, greed, hatred, and jealousy.
Fill our hearts with divine virtues.
Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us ever remember Thee.
Let us ever sing Thy glories.
Let Thy name be ever on our lips.
Let us abide in Thee forever and ever.

GAYATRI MANTRA

OM BHUR BHUVAH SVAHA
TAT SVITUR VARENYAM BHARGO
DEVASYA DHI MAHI
DHI YO YONAH PRACHODAYAT
OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI-HI

(repeat 3 times)

Om. We worship the Word that is present in all three planes: the Earth, Heaven, and That which is Beyond.  By meditating on the glorious Power that gives us life, we ask that our hearts and minds be illumined by the effulgence of that Divine Creator Who is the giver of life.

INTERFAITH PRAYERS AND SONGS

INTERFAITH PRAYER LITANY
The following litany is recited before each of the Interfaith Prayers:

“We say this prayer for all members of this faith, especially for those who do not see: Hindus as their brothers and sisters, Jews as their brothers and sisters, Christians as their brothers and sisters, Muslims as their brothers and sisters, Buddhists as their brothers and sisters, Atheists as their brothers and sisters, and Members of All Other Religions and Forms of Worship as their
Brothers and Sisters.”

 Now we honor the faith of India by praying:

 HE PRABHO (prayer )

He Prabho Ananda Data, Gyana Hamako Dijiye (angels)
Seegra Sare Durgunonko, Dura Hamase Kijiye (frogs)
Lijiye Hamako Sharaname, Ham Sadachari Bane  
Brahmachari Dharma Rakshaka, Vira Vrata Dhari Bane 
He Prabho Ananda Data, Gyana Hamako Dijiye
Prema Se Hama Guru Janon Ke, Nitya Hi Seva Kare  
Satya Bole Jhuta Thyage, Mela Aapasa Me Kare
He Prabho Ananda Data, Gyana Hamako Dijiye
Ninda Kissike Hama Kissise, Bhula Kara Bhi Na Kare
Divya Jivana Ho Hamara, Tere Yasha Gaya Kare
He Prabho Ananda Data, Gyana Hamako Dijiye (angels and frogs)

 [Note: This prayer may also be sung, and when it is ‘Angels’ (whose parts are in bold) was Vyasa’s designation for ladies, and ‘frogs’ for gentlemen. Nowadays since the Angels are in the overwhelming majority, both genders sing all parts. This may of course change in future.]

O Lord, Giver of Bliss, give me knowledge.
Quickly take my bad habits very far from me.
Take me who has surrendered unto you; make me one of good qualities.
May the spirituality of brahmacharya be protected. Make me an observer of vows.
Oh Lord, Giver of Bliss, give me knowledge.
Make me one who will always serve teachers with love
Make me one who will speak truth and reject untruth.
Oh Lord, Giver of Bliss, give me knowledge.
Help me to never show disrespect to anybody, and please let me never forget.
Let my life be always a divine life.  Let me sing Thy praises always.
O Lord, Giver of Bliss, give me knowledge.

 Now we honor the Jewish faith by praying:

 SH'MA

 We say this prayer for all members of this faith, especially for those who do not see: Hindus as their brothers and sisters; Jews as their brothers and sisters; Christians as their brothers and sisters; Muslims as their brothers and sisters; Buddhists as their brothers and sisters; Atheists as their brothers and sisters; and Members of all other religions and forms of worship, as their brothers and sisters.

 Shema yisra'el adonay eloheynu adonay eh_ad. Baruh_ shem kevod malh_uto le'olam va'ed.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, The Lord is One. Blessed be the name and glory of God's realm forever.

COME LET US GO UP (song)

 Chorus (Angels):
Come let us go up
To the mountain of the Lord
To the house of the God of Jacob (repeat)

Verse (Frogs):
For the law will go forth from Zion
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem
We will walk in His footsteps
And He will teach us His ways

(Chorus - angels)

 And He will judge many peoples
And decide for mighty nations far and wide
Swords will be beaten into ploughshares
And nations will not learn war again

(Chorus - angels)

Now we honor the Christian faith by saying:

THE LORD’S PRAYER

 We say this prayer for all members of this faith, especially for those who do not see: Hindus as their brothers and sisters; Jews as their brothers and sisters; Christians as their brothers and sisters; Muslims as their brothers and sisters; Buddhists as their brothers and sisters; Atheists as their brothers and sisters; and Members of all other religions and forms of worship, as their brothers and sisters.

Our Father Who art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done
On Earth, as It is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us. And let us not fall into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, Forever and ever, Amen.

 HAIL MARY

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art Thou amongst women
and Blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

GLORIA

Glory Be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy SPirit, as it was in the Beginning, is Now, and Ever shall Be, World without end, Amen.

SEÑOR HAZME INSTRUMENTO (song)

Señor, hazme instrumento de tu paz,
Frogs: Que_allí donde haya odio,
Angels: siembre yo amor,
Que_allí donde haya_ofensa,
siembre yo perdón,
Que_allí donde haya duda,
siembre claridad,

Que_allí donde haya_error,
siembre yo verdad,
Que yo siembre esperanza
donde no la haya.

Donde haya oscuridad,
siembre yo la luz,
Que_allí donde_haya tristeza,
siembre la_alegria,

Que no busque yo consuelo
sino consolar,
No ser siempre comprendido
sino comprender.

All:
Señor, hazme instrumento de tu paz.  Es dando como recibo todo tu­_amor
Señor, hazme instrumento de tu paz;
Muriendo se resucita a la_eternidad.
Muriendo se resucita a la_eternidad.

Now we honor the Muslim faith by praying:

AL FATIHAH: THE EXORDIUM

We say this prayer for all members of this faith, especially for those who do not see: Hindus as their brothers and sisters; Jews as their brothers and sisters; Christians as their brothers and sisters; Muslims as their brothers and sisters; Buddhists as their brothers and sisters; Atheists as their brothers and sisters; and Members of all other religions and forms of worship, as their brothers and sisters.

Bismillah alrahmaan alraheem
Alhamdulillah rab alaalameen, alrahmaan alraheem
Maaliki yoom addeen
Iyyaaka na'budu wa iyaaka nasta'een
Ihdina assiraat almustakeem
Siraat alatheena an'amta 'aleihim
Gheir almaghdoob 'aleihim wa laa addaaleen

In the name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful,
Praise be to God, Lord of the Universe, the Compassionate, the Merciful, Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and to You alone we turn for help. Guide us to the straight path: The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your grace, whose portion is not wrath, who go not astray.

KALAMA (song) 

Angels: La elaha el Allahu (3x)         
Frogs: Mohammed ar-Rassulelah (2x)    
La elaha el Allahu (2x)
Mohammed ar-Rassulelah (2x)
La elaha el Allahu (1x)

(translation: There is no god except God. Mohammad is the messenger and prophet of God.)

Now we honor the Buddhist faith by praying:

 REFUGE AND BODHICITTA

We say this prayer for all members of this faith, especially for those who do not see: Hindus as their brothers and sisters; Jews as their brothers and sisters; Christians as their brothers and sisters; Muslims as their brothers and sisters; Buddhists as their brothers and sisters; Atheists as their brothers and sisters; and Members of all other religions and forms of worship, as their brothers and sisters.

Sang-gye Cho-dang Tsog-kyi chog-nam-la. Jan-chub bar-du dag-ni kyab-su-chi. Dag-gi jin-sog gyi-pe so-nam-kyi. Dro-la pan-chir Sang-gye drub-par-shog

I take refuge in the Buddha,
Dharma, and Sangha
Until I attain Enlightenment.
By merit accumulating from practicing generosity, ethical disciplines, patience, joyful perseverance, meditation, and wisdom, may I attain Enlightenment, for the benefit of all sentient beings.

BUDDHIST CHANT (song)

 OM MANI PADME HUM         
(Sing 3 times, the last verse is hummed.)                             
(approximate translation: Hail! the Jewel in the Lotus.)

Now we will honor all those who may deny the existence of God, but whose thoughts, words and actions reflect the principles laid down by the one Law, the Law of Love, from which all natural, spiritual, and cosmic laws originate, by praying:

 THE PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS

We say this prayer for all members of this faith, especially for those who do not see: Hindus as their brothers and sisters; Jews as their brothers and sisters; Christians as their brothers and sisters; Muslims as their brothers and sisters; Buddhists as their brothers and sisters; Atheists as their brothers and sisters; and Members of all other religions and forms of worship, as their brothers and sisters.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light,
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek 
To be consoled, as to console,
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

        IMAGINE  (song) by John Lennon

Angels:
Imagine this is heaven*
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us clean, blue sky*
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Frogs:
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And true religion too*
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

All:
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will live as one

Frogs:
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
Just love for humankind
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

Note: *Vyasa adapted these lines from the original. Regarding ‘true religion’ he says, “This change in lyrics reflects our belief that it is not religion that causes war; true religion connects us with God, the true source of Peace.  It is the manipulation of people by war ‘leaders’ through the corruption of religious ideals that connects religion to war.”

Now we will honor all religions that we have not mentioned, all spiritual endeavors, and all forms of worship, by saying:

 THE GREAT INVOCATION 

We say this prayer for all members of this faith, especially for those who do not see: Hindus as their brothers and sisters; Jews as their brothers and sisters; Christians as their brothers and sisters; Muslims as their brothers and sisters; Buddhists as their brothers and sisters; Atheists as their brothers and sisters; and Members of all other religions and forms of worship, as their brothers and sisters.

From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men
Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let Love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ Consciousness return to Earth

From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the center which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.
Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

ZDRAVO KRALJICE MIRA (song)

Zdravo Kraljice mira,
Zdravo, Majko Ljubavi,
zdravo Kraljice mira,
zdravo, Majko Ljubavi,
zdravo, zdravo, zdravo Marijo!
zdravo, zdravo, zdravo Marijo!

(Translation: Hail, Queen of Peace, Hail, Mother of Love, Hail, Maria!)

ARATI

This Vedic waving of the lights before representations of God ceremony is performed near the close of each prayer session. The refrain may be translated as: Glory, Glory to the Lord! We offer this external  light to Thee, that You may in turn bless us with Illumination. The line by line translation has been provided by Acharya Dienshji.

Jaya Jaya Arati Vighnavinayaka
(Glory, Glory, We offer Lights to the Lord Who is the Remover of Obstacles, a name of Ganesha)
Vighnavinayaka Sri Ganesha
(Remover of Obstacles and Lord of all God’s Messengers, Bearer of knowledge and the creative impulse)
Jaya Jaya Arati Subramanya
(Glory to He Who is Well established in Brahman, the,Younger brother of Ganesha, second son of Lord Siva,)
Subramanya Kartikeya
(He Who is Well Established in Brahman, and was Nursed by six celestial damsels)
Jaya Jaya Arati Venugopala
(Glory to He Who Holds the Flute, title of Lord Krishna)
Venugopala Venulola
(He Who Holds the Flute, Who Loves the Flute)
Papavidura Navanita Chora
(He Who Keeps Sin Away, Who Steals the Butter of Devotion from Devotees Hearts)
Jaya Jaya Arati Venkataramana
(Glory to He Who Nourishes the World and Dwells Everywhere, title of Lord Vishnu)
Venkataramana Shankataharana
(He Who Nourishes The World And Dwells Everywhere, Who Removes All Pains And Difficulties Of Life)
Sita Rama Radheshyama
(She Who Sustains, and is Self-Manifest and is One with He Who is Everywhere in Creation;  She Who Sustains Creation, and is One with The Blue-Black Skinned One)
Jaya Jaya Arati Gauri Manohara
(Glory to The Fair One Who Attracts the Mind of Lord Siva, title of Parvati)
Gauri Manohara Bhavanishankara
(The Fair One Who Attracts the Mind of Lord Siva, and is One with the Giver of Bliss, a title of Lord Shiva)
Sambasadasiva Uma Maheshwara
(He Who is Always With Divine Mother, Lord of Uma, daughter of King Himalaya, titles of Lord Siva)
Jaya Jaya Arati Raja Rajeshwari
(Glory to She Who Reigns Above all Kings & Emperors, title of Durga)
Raja Rajeshwari Tripura Sundari
(She Who Reigns Above all Kings & Emperors, Who is Loveliest in the Three Worlds viz. Hell, Earth & Heaven)
Maha Lakshmi  Maha Saraswati
(Goddess of Wealth and Abundance, Goddess of Wisdom and the Arts)
Maha Kali Maha Shakti
(Goddess of Destruction, Goddess of Infinite Power)
Jaya Jaya Arati Anjaneya
(Glory to the Son of Anjani, title of Hanuman)
Anjaneya Hanumanta
(the Son of Anjani, Who Has a Cleft Chin)
Jaya Jaya Arati Dattatreya       
(Glory to the Triple Avatar of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva)
Dattatreya Trimurti Avatara
(the Triple Avatar of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, Who Has Three Faces)
Jaya Jaya Arati Adityaya
(Glory to the Son of Aditi, title of Lord Surya, the Sun)
Adityaya Bhaskaraya
(the Son of Aditi, Who is Radiant with Tejas)
Jaya Jaya Arati Someshwaraya
(Glory to the Master of the Moon, title of Lord Surya)
Someshwaraya Bhaskaraya
(Glory to the Master of the Moon, Who is Radiant with Tejas )
Jaya Jaya Arati Sadguru Natha
(Glory, Glory to the True Guru, the Best Guru, Who is the Lord, the Self)
Sadguru Natha Sri Vyasa Deva
(the True Guru, Sri Vyasa)
Jaya Jaya Arati Venugopala 

JAYA JAGADISHA HARE

Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare
Swami, Jaya Jagadisha Hare
Bhakta Janana Ke Sankata (repeat)
Kshana Mem Dura Kare
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

OM Glory and Victory to the Lord of the Universe. You, My Master, art One with the Lord of the Universe. You Who remove his devotees’ troubles in a second, Glory and Victory be unto you.

Jo Dhyave Phala Pave
Dukha Vinase Mana Ka
Swami, Dukha Vinase Mana Ka
Sukha Sampati Ghara Ave (repeat)
Kashta Mite Tana Ka
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

He who meditates on You with devotion reaps the fruit of Your blessings:  deliverance from all sorrow; happiness; wealth; and health. OM Glory to the Lord of the Universe.

Matapita Tuma Mere
Sharana Gahumi Kisaki
Swami, Sharana Gahumi Kisaki
Tuma Bina Aura Na Duja (repeat)
Asa Karumi Kisaki
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

You are my Mother and Father.  I have no one else but You for shelter. Who is there besides You in Whom I could put hope or trust? OM Glory to the Lord of the Universe.

Tuma Purana Paramatma
Tuma Antarayami
Swami, Tuma Antarayami
Parabrahma Parameshvara (repeat)
Tuma Saba Ke Swami
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

You are the perfect Paramatma, the Lord Who is the Indwelling Self of all beings. You are Omniscient, the Supreme Brahman, beyond conception, Source of Life and Lord of Life. OM Glory to the Lord of the Universe.

Tuma Karuna Ke Sagara
Tuma Palana Karata
Swami, Tuma Palana Karata
Mai Murakha Khala Kami (repeat)
Kripa Karo Bharata
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

You are the Ocean of Compassion and Sustainer of All. I am ignorant and a seeker of pleasures. O my beloved Lord, Grace me.

 Tuma Ho Eka Agochara
Sabe Ke Pranapati
Swami, Sabe Ke Pranapati
Kisa Vidhi Milun Dayamaya (repeat)
Tumako Mai Kumati
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

You are beyond the reach of the mind and senses, the Master of Everyone’s Life. How can I, who am evil-minded, attune to You and Find You, Who are so good, gracious, and kind? OM Glory to the Lord of the Universe.

Dina Bandhu Dukha Harata
Tuma Rakashaka Mere
Swami, Tuma Rakshaka Mere
Apane Hatha Badhao (repeat)
Dvara Pada Tere
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

You are the Friend of the Downtrodden,  Who conquers pain, my only Protector and Saviour; I am lying helpless at your feet; come raise your hands and bless me, and lift me up with your hands. OM Glory to the Lord of the Universe.

Vishaya Vikara Mitao
Papa Haro Deva
Swami, Papa Haro Deva
Shraddha Bhakti Badhao (repeat)
Santana Ki Seva 
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

Remove sensual and material desires from me and erase my transgressions; increase my faith and sincere, loving devotion to You and help me serve my Master and all Your saints. OM Glory to the Lord of the Universe.

Jaya Jagadisha Ke Arati
Jo Koye Nara Gave
Swami, Jo Koye Nara gave
Kahat Sivananda Swami (repeat)
Sukha Sampatti Pava
Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare

My Master is that Lord Who leads us on the Road to Happiness and Success. OM Glory to the Lord of the Universe.

CANTICLE OF THE CREATURES
by St. Francis of Assisi

 Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord ! – Thine Be The Praise – The Honor – And All Glory -- And All Blessing To Thee Alone – To You Only, Most High, Are They Due –  And No Man Is Worthy Even To Speak Of  You.

 Praise To Thee My Lord – For All Thy Creatures – Above All – Honorable  Brother Sun – Who Brings Us The Day – And Lends Us His Light – Manly And Beautiful,  He Is Radiant With Great Splendor –  Of You, Most High, He Reminds Us.

Praise To Thee My Lord -  For Sister Moon – And Stars – Whom Thou Hast Set In The Heavens – Clear And Precious And Fair.

Praise To Thee My Lord – For Brother Wind – For Air And Cloud – For Calm And All Weather – By Which Thou Cherisheth And Sustaineth Life – In All Thy Creatures.

 Praise To Thee My Lord – For Sister Water – Who Is So Useful And Humble – Precious And Pure.

Praise To Thee My Lord – For Brother Fire – By Whom Thou Lightest The Night – He Is Beautiful And Jovial – Robust And Strong.

Praise To Thee My Lord – For Our Sister – Mother Earth – Who Governs And Sustains Us – And Brings Forth – Diverse Fruits With Colored Flowers And The Green Herb.  

Praise To Thee My Lord – For Those Who  Pardon One Another – For Love Of Thee – And Sustain Infirmities And Tribulations –  Blessed Are They Who Endure In Peace –  By Thou, Most High, They Will Be Crowned.

Praise To Thee, My Lord – For Sister Bodily Death –  Whose Embrace No One Can Escape –   Blessed Are They Whom She Finds Laboring –  To Do Thy Holy Will – The Second Death Will Not Harm Them.

Praise And Bless My Lord – Render Him Thanks -- And Serve Him –  With Great Humility.

Closing Prayer

LOKA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTU
LOKA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTU
LOKA SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTU
OM OM OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTI

May All Beings in All Worlds Be Happy.
Om Peace.