The Sound of Illumination

My good friend, Mike Paluda, asked me to record a video of the Gayatri Mantra. This oldest of Hindu mantras is said to carry the sound of illumination. The Sanskrit words invoke the power of the Sun deity, Savitri, to open us up to the unity of all creation.

The very recitation of these Sanskrit words is supposed to create the experience of enlightenment within our body, mind, and spirit: OM BHUR BHUVA SUVAHA TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHIMAHI DHIYO YONAHA PRACHODAYAT.

There are many translations of the Mantra. Here is one of the simplest: "O Divine mother, our hearts are filled with darkness. Please make this darkness distant from us and promote illumination within us."

Below, you will find two versions of the mantra. The words are the same; only the melodies differ.  The melody you choose for chanting the mantra is a matter of personal preference. In either case, it's just as potent.

When you do chant this mantra, please let me know what you experience. How does it make you feel? Do you notice any changes  when you chant it over a period of several days or weeks?