Chris Merrill is founder of Practical Naam, a production company whose music division creates beautiful original music tracks and practical teaching aides such as specific tracks for yoga, meditation, breathwork and prayer. As a yogi, performing artist, teacher and music producer, Chris combines these talents to create teacher and practitioner driven tools that are relevant, musically interesting and practical.
Practical Naam has released 19 albums from 8 different series', each dedicated to a specific aspect of Naam Yoga, Shakti Naam Yoga, and Universal Kabbalah as taught by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry. Each track is specifically designed to meet a need in the repertoire of a teacher or student, and details such as track purpose, track use, tempo, track length, breath, repetitions, and more are taken into account to create a truly useful and practical tool for teaching, for practicing and authentic spiritual growth.
Please note the deep thanks and gratefulness to all of those who have participated, encouraged and demanded the release of these albums. I also wish to acknowledge Dr. Joseph Michael Levry, whose continuous positivity, encouragement and guidance has made all of this possible from day one. May these spread like wildfire, assist in the great work and positively impact all beings everywhere pervading space and time.
SEED SOUNDS UP THE SCALE
by CHRIS MERRILL
Released February 23, 2024 (album 19
SEED SOUNDS UP THE SCALE:
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO PURCHASE BOTH ALBUMS TO GET A COMPLETE SET OF ALL 12 SOUNDS FOR A TOTAL OF 36 TRACKS.
One of the most powerful ways to work with the Kabbalistic Seed Sounds is to sing/chant them up the scale. By doing so you not only create an ascending vibration which can resolve many disorders and maladies, but you also sing the correct note of the scale for each seed sound. You also amplify the health of the person by touching on each person's personal healing note. While you may not know your healing note or even how to find it, by working with the seed sounds up the scale you can rest assured knowing that you are tuning your individual note to the cosmic scale.
This album was born out of the desire to give Naam Yoga Students and practitioners access to working with the Seed Sounds in scale form for the many health benefits that can be gained. Each ascending seed sound is recorded 3x, 7x, or 11x so that they can be easily added to a home practice, or to a class. You will notice that there time enough between each repetition to inhale deeply and hold the breath so you can empower the sounds with the life force of the breath. Try to do each ascending round in a single breath. If it is not easy to do in the beginning, you can practice until you get there. Alternatively you can perform these with 4 segmented breaths (and a long hold) or 8 segmented breaths between.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO PURCHASE BOTH ALBUMS TO GET A COMPLETE SET OF ALL 12 SOUNDS FOR A TOTAL OF 36 TRACKS.
SAT NAAM SIMRAN
by CHRIS MERRILL
Released February 23, 2024
ABOUT SAT NAAM SIMRAN:
This 6 track album is an exploration of the Mantra Sat Naam Simran, performed 40x per breath, as an original recording and various Remixes. Originally inspired as a counterpart to Wahe Guru 40x, this mantra works perfectly as a predecessor and is based on the rhythm, speed and breathing given by Dr. Levry for the mantra,. This recording is an excellent meditation to work with a mala, 4 repetitions of Sat Nam per bead. The Mantra Sat Naam balances the 5 Tattuas (elements) and brings one clarity.
TRACK 1. Sat Nam 40x
This track is a simple, chanting focused version of the mantra which is great for those who want to practice.
TRACK 2. Sat Nam 40x (80's Remix)
This track is similar to the title track with different instrumentation, including more synth Pads, and some additional vocals. From the first time we created it we just loved the Synths that feel straight out of the 80's and some of the electronic feeling harkening to the 90s
TRACK 3. Sat Nam 40x (Atmos Remix)
This track was based on the feeling of deep meditation that accompanies the practice of this mantra. The whole piece has a deep, muted, underwater feel, including some whale calls.
TRACK 4. Sat Nam 40x Instrumental
Based on the Atmos Remix this is a deep and profound instrumental track that can be used for rest, relaxation, breath work and even focused study and driving.
TRACK 5. Sat Nam 40x Whales and Chords
This beautiful track removes all instrumentation except the whale sounds and the Chords, and is a deeply introspective, moving track for stillness meditation, rest (savasana), manifestation and visualization. The absence of percussion makes it a great track for healing work and setting a peaceful frequency in a healing room or in a spa. It is timeless and transcends the limits of consciousness.
TRACK 6. Sat Nam 40x Accapella 11 Min
A pure vocal only track for doing this mantra rhythmically. This 5 minute track is perfect for practice with a mala, and is part of a practice of 2 meditations to overcome the body of pain and for spiritual growth.
Sat Naam Simran is the 3rd Album of the Naam Devotion Series and is the 18th Album released by Chris Merrill under the Practical Naam Record Label.
SIMILAR ALBUMS: Jio Simran, Wahe Guru Simran
NEW CD: ALBUM #17: Prayers and Psalms (Released November 9, 2018)
This album is the 5th in the Sacred Sounds series. It was created to serve as a backdrop for those with a daily personal practice working with prayers and psalms, as well as to be to be used in more formal ritual practice. Each track is recorded with evocative music to assist the practitioner in amplifying their prayer.
Track 1: Stained Glass Windows
This simple track sets the tone for album. This piece was originally created to serve as a background for one of the Archangels on the previous album, Invoking Archangels. I liked it so much that we rewrote it to be a stand alone piece. It evokes a simple feeling of being inside a church, or the feeling of turning on a Sunday radio show. The simple tune could very easily be a 4 part hymn sung in a church service.
Track 2: The Gospel of John
A beautiful background of sounds bring out the best of this powerful prayer. It brings light when one needs it and has been used by great kabbalists in times of need. You can recite it one time, three times, or eleven times to amplify the effect.
Track 3: Opening Prayer for Spiritual Work
This stanza is traditionally used before many psalms in order to bring out the healing effect of the psalm. It is included here so that one can use it in ritual work.
Track 4: Prayer for Spiritual Intelligence
This powerful psalm cleans the mind, activates intuition and can be sued to bring the best out one's self.
For more information on Tracks 5-9, please consult The Healing Fire of Heaven by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry, available at rootlight.com
Track 5: Prayer for Purity and Blessings
Track 6: Prayer against Skin Disturbances and Cancer
Track 7: Psalm 91
Track 8: The Lords Prayer
Track 9: Hail Mary
Track 10: Psalm 23
This powerful prayer in included here because its a staple in kabbalistic prayer practices. Recitation cleanses the mind and causes one to be aware of the true source of all things. Can be used to bring wealth.
Track 11: Psalm 119
This powerful prayer has 22 pieces and is a perfect practice to be done on Solstices and Equinoxes, as well as on your birthday to renew and harmonize one's energy entirely as well as setting the space for a perfect year. For more information, please read Lifting the Veil by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry, availableat rootlight.com
Track 12: Prayer of Light
This powerful kabbalistic prayer engages the formula of creation for cosmic and personal blessings. It is a perfect mystical formula for spiritual operations.
ALBUM #17: Invoking Archangels (Released November 24, 2017)
This album is the 4th in the Sacred Sounds series. This album is a spiritual tool; it is a powerful and deeply effective addition to the background of any spiritual person. It contains within it various recordings of the archangels who rule each of the 10 "numerations" or regions of the Universe. Additionally it contains a powerful technique for invoking the 7 archangels who rule the 7 days of the week. Each track is recorded using specific soundscapes that are drawn from the Divine Spiritual Wisdom, therefore magnifying the potency and the impact. For those versed in Universal Kabbalah as taught by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry, you will find the emotional qualities of the tracks actually embeded within the music. Each track its own soundscape and also the various tracks work together as a whole, through a continued beat, and chord progression that makes listening to the entire thing beautiful.
This album has 12 archangel names in it, and uses a different instrumental bed to change the feeling of every single angel. Although the root chord structure is the same, each Archangel has a truly different feeling. Following the archangel name, there is approximately 45 seconds of time for a prayer to be said. Please note that it is important to have accurate knowledge of what angel rules what area of life. Most of the popular lore has information that is inaccurate. I recommend working with any of the books by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry. For more information, you can use the book Lifting the Veil, or The Alchemy of Love Relationships by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry.
The archangels recordings are like 12 different songs. There is purpose in each one, in each aspect of the recordings.
Track 1: Metatron Atmospheric - you will hear the swirling of the first vortex.
Track 2: Ratziel Atmospheric - you will hear all 12 Chromatic Tones resolving into a single melodic Chord
Track 3: Tzaphkiel Atmospheric - You will hear the march of time.
Track 4: Binael Atmospheric - You will hear the holy spirit, the Divine Mother, and the quiet power of purity. Also the vowel ooo.
Track 5: Tsadkiel Atmospheric - You will hear the sound of a coin rolling on a table, the jingle of money and the laughter of positivity. You will note a 3 beat laughter superimposed over the
Track 6: Kamael Atmospheric - you will hear the electricity of the guitar and the magnetism and attraction of the rock star
Track 7: Raphael Atmospheric - you will hear the 7 muses and the inspiration of the heavens
Track 8: Hanael Atmospheric - You will hear the feeling of Love. And also the words love, unconditional and I love you
Track 9: Mikael Atmospheric - you will hear the sound of the neurons active in the brain, each one sending a message to be passed along.
Track 10: Gabriel Atmospheric - you will hear the power of Yesod - the lower daat, ruling women, and the voice
Track 11: Auriel Atmospheric - you will hear the beat of matter, and a rhythmic driven sensation.
Track 12: Sandalphon Atmospheric - he who binds everything to matter.
Tracks 13-19 are special 4 part invocations using combinations of the Archangels for bringing out the best of any situation. For more information on this, please reference the book “The Alchemy of Love Relationships” By Dr. Joseph Michael Levry.
Track 13: Archangels 4 Parts Raphael
Track 14: Archangels 4 Parts Gabriel
Track 15: Archangels 4 Parts Kamael
Track 16: Archangels 4 Parts Mikael
Track 17: Archangels 4 Parts Tsadkiel
Track 18: Archangels 4 Parts Hanael
Track 19: Archangels 4 Parts Tsaphkiel
NEW CD: ALBUM #16: Middle Pillar (Released November 24, 2017)
This album is the 3rd in the line of the Sacred Sounds Series, and is a recorded version of The Middle Pillar Ritual. Also known as "Meditation on the line of Equilibrium" this is a traditional kabbalistic ritual and an excellent preparation for visualization and deeper work. For more information on the specifics of this ritual, one can read the book "Lifting the Veil" by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry.
For those who are experienced with the ritual, they will note various cues along the way that guide them what to do and when. Particularly the last several minutes of the track after the invocations experienced practitioners can listen to the chimes and understand the meaning/cues performed within.
Please Note: This is a sacred track, with some of the most sacred names of the Divine, some so sacred that they are not even able to be pronounced in certain traditions. Please use reverence and consciousness when playing this track. Be sure the space is clear/clean, that there is a candle lit, and that you are physically clean and pure of heart and mind. Finally, we do not recommend listening to this track as just physical enjoyment. The purpose truly is to provide the practitioner a powerful spiritual tool to use for spiritual growth. Please approach this with practice with a knowledge of what to do and do not take it lightly.
Track 1: Middle Pillar (3 Repetitions)
This track is the traditional version of the Middle Pillar Ritual with a slight difference in the track, meaning that the Divine Names are performed with a tune, rather than a monotone. This practice is perfectly acceptable, and if the practitioner can bring the emotions into play with the tune, will be very powerful. Each Divine Name is repeated three times.
Track 2: Middle Pillar (8 Repetitions)
This track is also the traditional version of the Middle Pillar Ritual with a slight difference in the track, meaning that the Divine Names are performed with a tune, rather than a monotone. This practice is perfectly acceptable, and if the practitioner can bring the emotions into play with the tune, will be very powerful. Each Divine Name is performed Eight Times.
NEW CD: ALBUM #15: Jio Simran (Released November 24, 2017)
This album is the 2nd album in the line of Naam Devotion Series. it focuses on the repetition of the mantra Jio, for spiritual growth and transformation.
The word Simran means to repeat, or as to "simmer" mentally, meaning that one repeats the mantra until it begins to simmer within ones consciousness.
NAAM PRANAAM (Released July 28, 2017)
This album is the 2nd in the line of Classic Naam series. It features a combination of percussion, live instruments, electronic and vocals. This is an energetic, invigorating and fun take on traditional mantras in both Sanskrit and Gurmukhi.
The name Naam Pranaam means to bow respectfully to Naam. Pranaam is considered the deep reverence which is the root of Namaste. Namaste is the greeting, Pranaam is the bowing to the divinity. All mantras recorded on this track are salutations to the highest and most Divine. They are uplifting, yet reverential, serious yet fun, and simple yet profound.
TRACK 1: Om Namo Bhagavate Three In One
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namaha is a timeless piece of Vedic wisdom taken directly from the Bhagavad Gita. This mantra is a Christic mantra, in that it calls on that aspect of the the cosmic force, known in this tradition as the Son of Vasu or Vasu Devaya, It develops the power of higher consciousness within the person who practices it. This particular recording mixes three variations of the mantra, slow, medium and fast, for an overall effect that is sublime as they all come together in the end.
Track 2: Om Satyam
Om Satyam Pranam Dhimayi is a devotional piece of Vedic scripture that calls on Truth to take over in a situation. Those who meditate on this Naam should be prepared for change, as it is truth that is the driving force behind change.
This version is recorded with a heavy set of Drums, representing the implacable march of truth in our lives, and also the futility of standing against the truth as it marches on eventually conquering all and setting one free. This recording tells a story of the truth as it impacts three different scenarios, all related. The first section explains the story of an ancient warlord as he attacks a city, and over the sweeping sounds of the vocals, presents visions of those in the city praying in the temple and in the palace to their Gods. During meditation, a Yogi who lives in peaceful contemplation up on the neighboring mountain sees what is happening and makes his way down, his presence an affirmation of the Love of God in a devastating war. The yogi brings a simple flower to the warlord who, upon receiving the gift and remembering a loved one who passed away, realizes the beauty and fragility of life and recalls his attack. The city rejoices in relief and the yogi returns to his sanctuary
The second portion of the recording explains the story of a rich old king living in the same city, some years later. The king is greedy, egotistical, and values only money and material power. Surrounded by those wishing to cultivate his favor and be close to him for their own benefit. We see the vast castle in which he lives, and all the various lives that are their operating to support him. We also so his wife and family who have been minimized in his eyes yet have engaged a simple yogi to teach them philosophy. The presence of the yogi slowly changes the dynamic and the wife and children pray for the husband to soften his heart.
One night while the king is dreaming, the Yogi appears in his dreams and offers him a rose, reminding him of a time when he was a young man and offered his future wife a rose as a symbolic pledge of his undying love. He is so moved by the kind gift of the yogi that he wakes up in tears, remembering the the true value of that which he had abandoned, Love. The king changes his ways and becomes a beloved ruler in a land of prosperity and peace.
In the third section, the final scene, we see the yogi in deep contemplation of the Divine in his sanctuary, the outer forms of his ritual worship surrounding him. He is in meditation in the astral plane, yet still experiences attachment to the world and the outer forms of worship. In the midst of his meditative dream, Lord Brahma appears to him offering him a beautiful rose. Upon taking the rose, he realizes the error of his ways, that all forms of outer worship are irrelevant, and it is only the true deep offering of the love of God which is the goal of all traditions and which opens the heart. With this realization he is overcome by light and love for this Divine and merges completely with it, expanding into the unity of all things.
Truth and only truth can set us free. At each level of existence the truth changes, allowing one to perceive truths that before did not seem to exist or seemed to be contrary or paradoxical. Ultimately there is but one truth. The only way to find that truth is to merge with Divine Love and Divine Wisdom. Truth without love and wisdom is not Divine Truth. Try chanting this mantra full of love for God, and listening to the mantra full of love for God. There are 15 repetitions of the mantra on this recording.
Track 3: Sarbang Pranang Energy
Taken from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, this powerful set of 8 words was given by Guru Gobind Singh and has been used to bring life where there was none. The only true giver of life is love. This mantra is recorded 12 times using a six repetition pattern, for a total of 72 repetitions. Try this exercise: rub the fingernails of the hands against each other for the entire 11 mins. The recording was specifically designed for this exercise. You will feel a vast improvement in energy, the ability to complete things and according to the yogic wisdom it is a healing balm for the kidneys, hair and youth.
Track 4: Wahe Guru 52x
This meditation is designed to be performed before bed so as to help one achieve higher states of consciousness and awareness in dreams. It requires full use of the breath. To make it through a full repetition in one breath, do not try to make it loud, rather focus on the “humming” quality that one is able to make.
Track 5: Om Namo Bhagavate Live Performance Round
This track is a variation of the first track on the album. It is designed to “teach” students or a group of people how to perform the Om Namo Bhagavate as three parts simultaneously - a round. It teaches each of the three parts by themselves, then merges the first and second, the first and third, the second and third, and then gives all three of them together. At the end the instruments fade out and one is left only with the beauty of the voices as they slowly fade away into the distance. It is reminiscent of a cathedral setting and if one listens to the last three minutes, you can imagine the source of the mantra fading away into space, just the residual power remains.
The Names of God (Released 7/28/17)
The Hebrew Names of God is an album of simple and traditional melodic invocations of the Hebrew Names of God. Set to a simple melody these Divine Names are powerful, simple, and beyond space and time. They should be performed with absolute respect and tremendous reverence. This album is designed to be of use to the practitioner of Universal Kabbalah as taught by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST PURCHASE BOTH ALBUMS TO GET ALL 39 TRACKS
These names can be invoked for Divine Guidance, and can be combined for advanced applications by experienced practitioners for further applications and benefits.
It is strongly recommended that this CD only be used for meditation in a clean space, with a candle lit. We do not recommend one use it as a casual playlist out of reverence for the wisdom contained within. For further information on the use of these names of God, please explore the book Lifting the Veil by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry available at www.rootlight.com.
Track 1 & 2: The Kabbalah Cross.
Atah, Malkuth, Vegevurah, Vegedulah, Leolam, Amen.
Translation: To Thee oh Father, The Kingdom, The Power, The Glory, Forever and Ever, Amen.
The invocation is a traditional Kabbalistic prayer. It has so many benefits and can be expounded upon infinitely. Most important is the by performing this prayer, along with specific hand gestures, you can stabilize your aura, and bring yourself into balance with the energy of the time and space. It is a simple, powerful prayer. For more information, please explore the Universal Kabbalah Study and Certification Program available at www.naamyoga.com
Track 3-39
These tracks are recorded in various ways, both traditional, and simple invocation of the various names of God.
NEW SERIES: NAAM PRANAYAM (Released July 28, 2017)
This series features music specfically designed to use for Naam Yoga breathing exercises. See each album for more information and consult a doctor before trying any exercises.
1:4:2 (Released July 28, 2017)
Beautiful, classically inspired music for performing the simple 1:4:2 breath. Built in 7 bar patterns, this music stirs the emotions, lifts the soul and brings a joyful stillness perfect for relaxation.
Track 1: One Four Two Breath (Medium)
This 7 bar pattern based track is a contemporary, chamber ensemble piece. The breath in this piece takes approximately 30 secs to complete an entire round. Take the first 8 beats to get accustomed to the speed of the music, and then begin on the 9th beat (3rd bar).
Track 2: One Four Two Breath (Slow)
This a slow, gentle, yet moving and emotional 30 minute piece. Perfect for extended breath practices and relaxation, this track is built using an ascending 7 bar pattern, inverted to make the piece a little bit more interesting. Each 7 bars takes approximately 45 seconds to complete.
Track 3: One Four Two Breath (Very Slow)
This is an extended breath practice that is both advanced and exemplary for relaxation. The 7 bar pattern takes a full 60 seconds to complete a single round of breath, and utilizes an ascending and descending scale to mark the passing of time while simultaneously indicating the breath pattern: one bar on the ascending scale, 4 bars sustained, and 2 bars in a descending pattern.
SODARCHAN CHAKRA KRIYA (Released July 28, 2017)
Simple, relaxing music to complement this advanced breathing technique. Music employs strings, melody and a gentle beat to indicate breathing patterns.
Track 1: Sodarchan 11 mins (Medium)
A classic approach to Sodarchan, using the ratio of 1:4:2 for maximum effectiveness, thereby combining the breath ratio with mantra, with physical kriya. This 11 minute track is perfect for most people to start with. Take the first 8 beats to get accustomed to the speed of the music, and then begin on the 9th beat (3rd bar), inhaling for 4 counts, holding the breath and mentally chanting the mantra Wa He Guru 16 times, then exhaling for 8 beats. Continue in this pattern for all 11 minutes. For complete instructions on performing this technique, please read “Lifting the veil” by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry, available at www.rootlight.com.
Track 2: Sodarchan 31 mins (Slow)
Still using this classing ratio of 1:4:2 for maximum effectiveness, this is a longer, more advanced approach to the same exercise, lasting a full 31 mins.
Track 3: Sodarchan 62 mins (Very Slow)
This track is for advanced practice, still utilizing the breath ratio 1:4:2. Track is a full 62 mins for extended practice by advanced practitioners.
NEW SERIES: MUSIC FOR HEALING (Released July 28, 2017
NEW ALBUM: Healing Light (Released July 28, 2017)
Powerful healing music without vocals that is designed for use in healing sessions. All three tracks stimulate the feeling aspect of the soul to assist the practitioner in having a powerful, expansive and profound experience.
Track 1: Full Moon Sa Ta Na Ma Instrumental 30 mins
A perfect background for healing work with an unobtrusive, yet soaring melody that builds over 30 minutes and stimulates the feeling aspect of a person. As a healing practitioner, when your feelings are engaged through music while the mind is focused on the Divine and healing aspects of the recipient, miracles can happen.
Track 2: Eck Ong 108 Instrumental 60 mins
This track is recorded in a perfect, methodic stimulation of the mysterious “quintessence”, that aspects of us that brings healing and balance, by combining 4 seasons of time to bring harmony, divine flow and balance the seasons within a person. Listen for the changes that each season brings and allow the natural landscapes to assist in your healing session as your inner vision flies free. Feel the seasons dance on your skin as they transition from one into the next.
Track 3: Eck Ong 108 Instrumental Trance 60 mins
This track is recorded using the same base as the previous track but this track is recorded with a 60 bpm frame drum providing a consistent, gentle beat throughout the piece. 60 beats per minute provides a perfect framework for timing breath work, especially during healing work.