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Chanting Is Universal!

by Jon Seskevich

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1.
Hanuman Chalisa by Tulsidas Forty verses in praise of Śrī Hanumān. English translation by Sadhu Ramdas Lamb at Neem Karoli Baba’s request in Vrindavan 1971 The radiant form of the son of the wind eliminates all cause of afflictions. With the pollen of the Guru’s lotus feet, I cleanse the mirror of my heart, and sing the pure virtues of Lord Raghuvir, the bestower of life’s four fruits. Knowing this body to be lacking in wisdom, I meditate on the Wind God’s son. Give me strength, wisdom, and intelligence, remove my faults and afflictions. Hail the refuge of the feet of Sita and Ram 1) Hail Hanuman, ocean of wisdom and virtue, awakener of three worlds, Monkey lord Hail to you. 2) Unmatched in power, messenger of Ram, Anjani’s offspring, the Wind God’s son. 3) Valiant Mahavir, body like lightning, dispeller of ignorance, inspires good thinking. 4) Golden colored body, clothing so fair, with rings in your ears, and very curly hair. 5) Lightning bolt in one hand, banner in the other, sacred grass thread worn across your shoulder. 6) Avatar of Shiva, Kesari’s delighter, your radiant glory is adored the world over. 7) Storehouse of knowledge, virtuous and clever, absorbed in Ram’s work, tiring never. 8) Ever immersed in the stories of Sri Ram, you’re present in the heart of Sita, Ram, Lakshman. 9) Donning a minute form, you appeared to Sita, then in giant form you burned down Lanka. 10) Mightily destroying demons everyone, ever fulfilling the work of Lord Ram. 11) Bringing sacred herb to revive Lakshman, you received a joyous embrace from mighty Sri Ram. 12) Raghupati lovingly extolled your merit, saying, “You’re as dear to me as brother Bharat.” 13) It would take a thousand mouths to sing your praises, saying so Lord Ram held you in his embrace. 14) Sanaka, all sages, and even Lord Brahma, Narada, Sarada, along with Ahisha. 15) Yama, Kubera and others try to praise you. How can a poet ever hope to describe you? 16) Doing for Sugriva a very great thing, you brought Ram to him who made him a king. 17) Vibhishan listened closely to your word, became Lord of Lanka, known throughout the world. 18) Traveling many miles, you went to the sun, thinking it a fruit to eat when you were young. 19) Holding in your mouth Lord Ram’s precious ring, you sailed across the sea which is not at all surprising. 20) Difficult work wherever it may be, by your kind blessings is done so easily. 21) At the door of Ram, you are the guardsman, no one can enter without your permission. 22) All joy is gained by those in your shelter. What is there to fear when you are protector? 23) Such is your power only you can handle, hearing your roar the three worlds tremble. 24) Ghosts & evil spirits can never come near, to one who repeats the name of Mahavir. 25) All illness is dispelled, and suffering gone, by constant repetition of thy name, Hanuman. 26) By Hanuman’s grace from all troubles freed, for those who remember you in thought, word, and deed. 27) Greatest of all is Ascetic King Ram. All of whose works you have easily done. 28) Whoever comes to you with any desire, receives the highest fruit of eternal nectar. 29) In all four ages your glory is sung. Your fame enlightens the whole of creation. 30) For Saints and Sages, you are protector, beloved of Ram, demon’s destroyer. 31) You can bestow all perfections and power; the boon was given you by Janaki Mother. 32) You know the essence of devotion to Ram; in his service you will ever remain. 33) By devotion to you the Lord is attained, freedom from lifetimes of suffering is gained. 34) At the time of death, the Lord’s abode is won, any rebirth will be of pure devotion. 35) Remembering any other deity is needless, devotion to Hanuman brings all joy and bliss. 36) Sufferings are dispelled, rebirth cycle cut, for those who remember almighty Hanumat. 37) Lord of my senses, Hanuman hail to you! Bestow thy grace as does the Guru. 38) For those who sing this, one hundred times, all bonds are broken, the highest joy they find. 39) For those who read the Hanuman Chalisa, perfection is attained, the witness is Shiva. 40) Tulsidas, eternal servant of the Lord, prays, “Make my heart, Lord, thy abode.” Son of the Wind God, dispeller of distress, most auspicious in form, with Sita, Ram, and Lakshman, please make my heart into your home. The radiant form of the son of the wind eliminates all cause of afflictions. Hail the refuge of the feet of Sita and Ram Hanuman Chalisa by Tulsidas Forty verses in praise of Śrī Hanumān. English translation by Sadhu Ramdas Lamb at Neem Karoli Baba’s request in Vrindavan 1971
2.
Sita-Ram 08:41
Sita-Ram
3.
I am like the wind, no one can hold me. I belong to everyone, no one can own me. The whole world is my home, all are my family. I live in every heart; I will never leave thee... Oh, oh, oh, Crystal Tears. Oh, oh, oh, taking away my fears.
4.
Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram
5.
Wakan Tanka 05:27
Wakan tanka ochimalaya oyetewana o-achenta (twice) Oh Mother Earth, please teach us to be humble. Like you are when the feet of beings walk upon you. Oh Great Spirit, be merciful upon us, That all people, we may live.
6.
O-ay-cha-chi-ya, O-ay-i-o x 2 call and response. We all fly like eagles high up in the sky. Circling the universe, on wings of pure light. Where we walk is Holy, sacred is the ground, Forest, mountain, ocean. Listen to the sound.
7.
Om Tare Tu Tare Swaha
8.
Anica 06:20
Annica wata sankara, upaduwa yatta mino, Upaquitowa neeru chanti, tesang upassumo sukko. Thervadan Buddhist
9.
Jesus is on the Main Line, Tell Him what you want. x 3 You can call Him up and tell him what you want. If you’re sick and you want to get better, Tell Him what you want... (repeat) If you want His kingdom, tell Him what you want... If your feeling down and out… You don't a little cell phone… You don’t need, email or internet. a visa or mastercard.
10.
Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison repeat Dona Nobis Pacem
11.
Gopala Gopala Devakinandana Gopala. Devakinandana Gopla X 4
12.
Om Namah Shivaya X 4 Shiva X 4 Om Namah Shivaya….
13.
Shree Guru charana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhaari Baranaun Raghubara bimala jasu jo daayaku phala chaari Budhi heena tanu jaanike sumiraun pawana kumara [Siyaa Ram] Bala budhi vidyaa dehu mohin harahu kalesa vikaara [Siyaa Wara Raamachandra Pada Jai Sharanam] [Bhajelo Ji Hanuman!,Bhajelo Ji Hanuman!] x2 1. Jaya Hanumaana gyaana guna saagara Jaya Kapeesha tihun loka ujaagara 2. Raama doota atulita bala dhaamaa Anjani putra Pawanasuta naamaa 3. Mahaaveera bikrama bajarangee Kumati niwaara sumati ke sangee 4. Kanchana barana biraaja subesaa Kaanana kundala kunchita kesaa 5. Haatha bajra aura dwajaa biraajai Kaandhe moonja janeu saajai 6. Shankara suwana Kesaree nandana Teja prataapa mahaa jaga bandana 7. Vidyaa vaana gunee ati chaatura Raama kaaja karibe ko aatura 8. Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa Raama Lakhana Seetaa mana basiyaa 1 9. Sookshma roopa dhari Siyahin dikhaawaa Bikata roopa dhari Lanka jaraawaa 10. Bheema roopa dhari asura sanghaare Raamachandra ke kaaja sanvaare 11. Laaya sajeevana Lakhana jiyaaye Shree Raghubeera harashi ura laaye 12. Raghupati keenhee bahuta baraai Tuma mama priya Bharatahi sama bhaai 13. Sahasa badana tumharo jasa gaawai Asa kahi Shreepati kantha lagaawai 14. Sanakaadika Brahmaadi muneesaa Naarada Saarada sahita Aheesaa 15. Yama Kubera digapaala jahaante Kabi kobida kahi sake kahaante 16. Tuma upakaara Sugreevahin keenhaa Raama milaaya raaja pada deenhaa 17. Tumharo mantra vibheeshana maanaa Lankeshwara bhaye saba jaga jaanaa 18. Yuga sahasra yojana para bhaanu Leelyo taahi madhura phala jaanu 19. Prabhu mudrikaa meli mukha maaheen Jaladhi laanghi gaye acharaja naaheen 20. Durgama kaaja jagata ke jete Sugama anugraha tumhare tete 21. Raama duaare tuma rakhawaare Hota na aagyaa binu paisaare 22. Saba sukha lahai tumhaaree sharanaa Tuma rakshaka kaahu ko daranaa 2 23. Aapana teja samhaarau aapai Teenon loka haanka ten kaanpai 24. Bhoota pisaacha nikata nahin aawai Mahaaveera jaba naama sunaawai 25. Naasai roga hare saba peeraa Japata nirantara Hanumata beeraa 26. Sankata ten Hanumaana churaawai Mana krama bachana dhyaana jo laawai. 27. Saba para Raama tapaswee raajaa Tina ke kaaja sakala tuma saajaa 28. Aura manoratha jo koee laawe Soee amita jeewana phala paawe 29. Chaaron yuga parataapa tumhaaraa Hai parasidha jagata ujiyaaraa 30. Saadhu santa ke tuma rakhawaare Asura nikandana Raama dulaare 31. Ashta siddhi nau nidhi ke daataa Asa bara deena Jaanakee Maataa 32. Raama rasaayana toomhare paasaa Sadaa raho Raghupati ke daasaa 33. Tumhare bhajana Raama ko paawai Janama janama ke dukha bisaraawai 34. Anta kaala Raghubara pura jaaee Jahaan janama Hari bhakta kahaaee 35. Aura devataa chitta na dharaee Hanumata se-ee sarva sukha karaee 36. Sankata katai mite saba peeraa Jo sumire Hanumata bala beeraa 3 37. Jai Jai Jai Hanumaana Gosaaee Kripaa karahu gurudeva kee naaee 38. Jo sata baara paata kara koee Chootahi bandi mahaa sukha hoee 39. Jo yaha parai Hanumaana chaleesaa Hoya siddhi saakhee Gaureesaa 40. Tulasee Daasa sadaa Hari cheraa Kee je naata hridaya mahan deraa Pawana tanaya sankata harana mangala moorati roopa Rama Lakhana Seetaa sahita hridaya basahu sura bhoopa
14.
Govinda Jai Jai Gopala Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari, Govinda Jai Jai.
15.
Listen, listen, listen to my heart’s song x 2 I will never forget you, I will never forsake you x 2 Yogananda

about

Across many spiritual traditions, singing repetitive sacred phrases is used as a way to quiet the mind, open the heart and connect to a power greater than ourselves. Here with Jon and Friends of the Universal Chanting group, we have traditional examples of Hindu, Buddhist, Native American and Christian chants and group singing for you to enjoy.

Also on this CD Jon shows how music from one culture (old-time fiddle banjo tunes) can be incorporated with sacred phrases (Christian and Hindu here) for a unique transcendental experience. Also good tunes for dancing or cleaning the house!

The first tune is a unique English translation of an ancient Hindi prayer that helps us in the West know better the meaning of the words of the Hanuman Chalisa. The last track of Chanting is Universal is the same chant only with the Hindi words in a very fast rap style!


Enjoy these celebrations!

credits

released June 25, 2020

1. Maharaj-ji's English Hanuman Chalisa
Jon Seskevich: vocal, harmonium, mountain dulcimer
Danielle Koppel: Vocal
Chris Mankoff: Violin
Mark Smith: Guitar
K. Sridhar: Manjira
Munsie Davis: Tamboura
Kapila: Kohl
Produced: Jon, Meghan Puryear & K. Sridhar
On track 1, this English translation by Ramdas Lamb was written at Neem Karoli Baba's request in Vrindavan 1971 so westerners would know better the meaning of the chant they were practicing. Used by kind permission
2. Sita-Ram
3. Crystal Tears
4. Sri Ram Jai Ram Bhajan
5. Wakan Tanka
6. Fly Like An Eagle
7. Green Tara Mantra
8. Annica (Impermanence)
9. Jesus is on the main line.
14. Govinda Jaya Jaya
15. Listen Listen
Universal Chanting of Durham, NC
Jon Seskevich: Harmonium. Lead vocals. Hand drum #5
Mark Smith: Guitar. Vocals
Larry Taylor: Bouzuki. Eagle Bone Flute. Water drum. Ney.
Eric Pritchard: Violin. Vocals.
Chris Mankoff: Violin.
Andrew Pilant: Tabla and percussion.
Cheryle Moody Pope: Shakaree. Lead vocals #6
Lynda Aikman-Smith: Tamboura, Frame drum.
John Orr: Lead vocal #8
Raymond Smith: 12-string guitar. Vocals.
Laurie Lindgren: Percussion. Flute. Vocals.
Jim Ram Das: Frame drum. Vocals.
Randy Dodd: Gourd rattle, Meditation bell.
Vocals.Farrunnissa Lila Rosa: Tar. Dumbek. Tambourine. Rattle. Clave.
Produced: Jon, Mark Smith, Larry Taylor and Farrunnissa.
Universal Chanting Chorus
Jane Adams, Lynda Aikman-Smith, Libby Capaldi, Randi Davenport, Pali Delevitt, Walton Deva, Marcia Eagle, Lori Fendell , Anne Furze, Mindy Gellen, Mary Grigolia, Marilyn Grubbs, Bobbie Hayes, Cindy Hoff, NurJehan Kavlock, Jenny Knoop, Carole Mathison, Jonathan Maupin, Melanie Maupin-Smith, Ashley McCormick, Cheryle Moody Pope, Frances O’Halleron, John Orr, Joseph Phister, Michael Pope, Page Potter, Robert Short.

Next are a unique fusion of east and west, old-tme, bluegrass fiddle/banjo tunes with mantras.

10. Jesus Before Breakfast. 5:37
Betsy Bickel & Marilyn Grubbs, lead vocals.
Jon Seskevich, AC Bushnell, Jim Beckwith, vocals.
AC Bushnell: Fiddle.
Bobb Head: Banjo and mandolin.
Robbie Link: Bass.
Bill Parsons: Guitar.

11. Jimmy Johnson Gopala 3:04
12. Shiva at the Falls of Richmond 3:38
13. Old-Time Hanuman Chalisa (Rap) 3:38

11-12: Jon Seskevich, AC Bushnell, vocals.
13. Jon Seskevich Vocal.
AC Bushnell: Fiddle
Bobb Head: Bass
Alan Julich: Banjo
Mark Weems: Guitar
Produced: Jon, AC and Jerry Brown.

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Jon Seskevich Ojai, California

Jon began having regular satsangs with Ram Dass in 1974, learning chanting with KD, Jai and others.

Playing harmonium, he lead regular kirtans at Spring Hill. Moving to NC in 1982, he lead free monthly kirtans for over 20 years. He co-lead annual chanting retreats at Southern Dharma Retreat Center.
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