On New Year’s morning I woke up at my friend’s apartment in New York City, having slept on the couch, because Gurunam Singh had graciously offered to take the floor. We woke up rather late by Kundalini Yogi standards—about 8:30am—ready to start our sadhana!
There I was, trying to keep up with the world’s fastest recording of Japji (as per Gurunam’s request) before warm-ups. In explanation for my stumbling, I later mentioned that I don’t recite Japji every morning. Gurunam looked at me and said: “Why not?”
I honestly couldn’t think of what was keeping me from reciting Japji, besides laziness, so I made my New Year’s Resolution to chant Japji every day this year.
Japji is about “checking in” with your soul. Each pauri (or stanza) has a particular power of its own, and as an entire prayer, I feel it sets the foundation for my entire day.
Japji was in many ways my favorite holiday gift last year, and it keeps on giving. While it is a little bit difficult to learn at first, so many of our chant artists have put Japji pauris to music, which made it infinitely easier for me to learn!
These are some of my favorites:
Snatam Kaur—“Shanti”
My first exposure to Kundalini Yoga was through Snatam Kaur’s album “Grace”, which led me to purchasing “Shanti.” Singing along to “Akhan Jor”, “Dayndaa Day”, “Suni-ai”, and “Ek Ong Kar”, I didn’t even realise I was learning Japji! As you begin to get a sense for the sounds of these pauris, the others will be much easier.
Mata Mandir Singh—“Yoga of Sound”
On this CD, amongst beautiful ballads such as “Nam Kee Badaee Dae” and his “Guru Ram Das Chant”, is the lovely “Sochai Socha Na Hovaee.” This is the first pauri in Jajpi, just after the Mool Mantra. Mata Mandir Singh’s track will have you memorizing this pauri in no time. According to Yogi Bhajan, this pauri is an “antidote to depression.”
Sat Purkh—“Nectar of the Name”
If you read my blog on my favorite Sadhana albums, you’ll remember that I am in love with “Aisa Naam”—the last track on this exquisite album. However, I did not mention that it is also Japjii set to music! Aisa Naam is the repeated line during the four pauris that start out with “Mannai” (translated as “Knowing” or ”Obeying”). If you’ve been listening to Snatam’s “Suni-ai”, and you add “Aisa Naam” to your playlist, you have familiarized yourself with eight pauris. That’s 20% of Japji!
GuruGanesha Singh & Karan Khalsa plus various artists—“Kundalini Transformation Kit: Yoga & Mantras for Prosperity”
This book and CD set are a wonderful gift for anyone who would like to experience more prosperity in their life. The CD contains the beautiful track “Bahuta Karam” by Sat Hari Singh and Hari Bhajan Kaur. In my opinion, we don’t hear nearly enough of the young Hari Bhajan’s music, AND I think everyone could benefit from reciting this pauri more often. Two great reasons (of many) to buy this set and begin a prosperous transformation!
Hari Bhajan Kaur and Sat Hari Singh—“Song of the Soul”
This album contains a truly elegant version of tantric style Japji, where Hari Bhajan recites one line, followed by Sat Hari Singh, and so forth. If you enjoyed their version of “Bahuta Karam” on the Kundalini Transformation Kit CD, you’ll love the entire song version of Japji. The two singers’ voices meld together so stunningly, you’ll melt into bliss.
Rather than a collection of songs, the tracks on this album are lucious recitations of Sikh prayers. You couldn’t ask for more in terms of impecable pronunciation. I recommend playing her version of “Japji Sahib” on repeat in your home to set its vibration firmly inside you.
Want more?
Try:
Japji Sahib—Ek Ong Kaar Khalsa
While you are learning your pauris, you’ll want to have something to follow along with in English!
This is a combination of Gurmukhi and Engligh translation, sung as delightful ballads. From the “Mool Mantra” to the final “Shlok”, Wah! has covered it all! This is quite a feat.
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