NAAM PRANAAM
by CHRIS MERRILL
Released on July 28, 2017
NAAM PRANAAM
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.
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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.