Religions of all kind fascinate me and I think the Sikh religion is one of the most beautiful. Sikhism began in India and they worship by chanting, meditating, practicing peace, and living their life in accordance to their Gurus. They believe that everyone is equal regardless of gender, social standing, or religion. Most beautiful of all, they believe that all paths to God are valid and that there is no "right" way.
Not only do I love Snatam's music but I love her being. I love her light and I love her grace. Her spirit shines through her in such a beautiful way. In her photos and videos she just radiates such wonderful soothing energy. Listening to her soft spoken words never fail to soothe the turbulence of my soul.
She is a wonderful musician, a peace activist, and environmentalist. In February I attempted to do her 40 Day Sadhana to burn away inner anger. It was a 20 minute daily practice of chanting, and while I did not complete the whole forty days I did notice that anger I had been holding onto for a long time faded. It started me on a path to forgiveness. not only for others, but forgiveness for myself as well.
Her music has touched me more than any other artist I've listened to. Two of her songs have had the most effect on my life. Ong Namo has had the greatest impact on me. If I could pick one song to listen to for the rest of my life it would probably be this one. "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo" translates to "I bow to the subtle divine wisdom. I bow to the divine teacher within." Those words are so meaningful to me. We all have spiritual teachers within us, wise, enlightened, beings that speak to us from a divine, spiritual place if we allow ourselves to listen. So often we look for outside validation and wisdom, for someone else to tell us what to do or give us what we need. That strength and knowledge is always there inside of us.
Her second song that I adore is Servant of Peace. This song makes me aspire to be a better human being. I learned from one of my wonderful Goddess Circle sisters that part of the lyrics are actually a Christian Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi. The whole arrangement of the song, from the music, to the chanting, to her beautiful voice just makes the words come alive to me.
Lord, make me an instrument of your 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.
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
I live by this song and its positive message. I think we should all try to be the best people that we can be, whatever that means for you. Every path is different. Every path is sacred.
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