Course Description

Before practice of meditation, puja, spiritual study, or other such practices, it is tradition in India to chant an invocation to the Guru.

Brahmanandam is a beautiful verse (89) of the "Guru Gita", an important section of the sacred text, Skanda Purana. Believed to be authored by the sage Rishi Vyasa, the "Guru Gita" is a dialogue between Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva about the qualities and role of the Guru in its most perfect expression. Spanning 182 verses (some versions go up to 352 verses), the "Guru Gita" has become the source of the most beloved verses of adoration and invocation to one's Guru.

This verse was first translated into English and brought to America in 1929 by Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. He translated it into an English hymn that he titled "Hymn to Brahma". He also published music with both Sanskrit and English words.

This course teaches the correct Sanskrit pronunciation with a simple and universally traditional temple melody of India.

In this course you will learn:

  • Correct pronunciation of Sanskrit
  • How to chant a traditional temple melody
  • How to play the melody on harmonium

Course Includes:

  • Audio recording (downloadable mp3) of pronunciation with coaching by Lopamudra Bose
  • PDF of the text, in Devanagari and English transliteration and translation
  • Video with Naren teaching how to chant, sing the notes and how to play this chant on harmonium


Course curriculum

  • 1

    Brahmanandam Text

    • Brahmanandam - Guru Pranam
  • 2

    Brahmanandam Practice Audio

    • Brahmanandam Practice with Lopa Bose
  • 3

    Brahmanandam Video Tutorial

    • lesson_brahmanandam

Reviews

5 star rating

Beautiful text, melody, and well taught!

JUDY LINDOW

The melody is very beautiful for this auspicious text. I appreciated the meaning and Yoganandagi's poetic translation, Lopi's recitation, and the video on ho...

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The melody is very beautiful for this auspicious text. I appreciated the meaning and Yoganandagi's poetic translation, Lopi's recitation, and the video on how one might sing and play Brahmanandam. Naren gives an overview of the vedic meter and how we can best learn by starting with the melody, the sargam and then the sounds prior to singing with the words. I really appreciated how how he sang with both the tanpura and the harmonium; he sang the using the swara, Ah, and at different speeds - repeatedly letting us listen to how rounded and flowing this shloka can be. Thanks also for showing the keyboard fingering!

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5 star rating

Sandy Naimou

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Teacher

Naren K. Schreiner

Naren began his spiritual search at a young age and became a monk of the Self-Realization Fellowship Ashram of Paramahansa Yogananda. For 14 years he studied, served the SRF mission, and lived the pure, disciplined life of a monk. During those years he also concentrated on India's spiritual heritage, yoga sadhana and devotional chanting. In 2010 Naren, with the support and blessing of his spiritual counselors, chose to leave the ashram and expand his lifework and spiritual quest. Naren was invited to be a resident guest scholar at the ITC-Sangeet Research Academy in India, where he studied with maestros of classical music, concentrating on bhavsangeet. In 2012 Naren founded Sangita Yoga, through which he teaches and offers sacred music in various spiritual centers, universities, cultural and interfaith centers throughout US and México (Naren is fluent in Spanish). He also released four albums of Indian sacred music. He continues to serve as a pujari (ordained Hindu clergy) at the Kali Mandir in Laguna Beach and travels extensively to teach and offer sacred ritual and music.

Teacher

Lopamudra Bose

Lopamudra has been a part of Sangita Yoga since its inception, working on translations, teaching language, and offering guidance and inspiration. Her passion to preserve the traditions of her homeland brings a special quality and grace to Sangita Yoga. Born in Kolkata, India, she was naturally drawn to the sacred art and culture of her homeland. Her degree in Philosophy from University of Calcutta reflects her deep interest and study of the spirit. As an ardent devotee of Kali and a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, Lopamudra has practiced yoga meditation and chanting of Sanskrit stotram and mantras for most of her life.