Rise & Shine! Morning Kripalu Yoga

 This new class series starts Sept 13th!

Big Changes for 2022!

Dear Yogis,

I want to let you know about some exciting new changes that will affect my students. 

I will be changing my teaching format after the first of the year, as well as making some changes in the class schedule.

 

The classes I teach will no longer be drop-in classes.

 

I will be offering my classes as a series for which you will need to pre-register and make payment in advance. I will no longer be offering donation-based classes, but there will be some reduced-rate scholarships for those in need. 

 

These classes will have a minimum enrollment of 6 students and will only run if I have met that minimum number in advance.

 

The good news is that all registered attendees will receive a video recording of each online class (just me in the video, no students will be recorded), which means that you will never miss a session. You can access this recording whenever and as often as you wish! This allows you to “attend” class at your convenience, rather than being limited to the time it is offered live. It’s a win-win for all!

 

These recordings will be sent to you as private links available exclusively to those who enroll in the workshop or series. They will not be publicly viewable on my YouTube channel. 

 

This model has worked well for my Gentle Yoga and Chair Yoga series offerings, and so I am going to expand it to include all my programs at my home studio. I feel that this new format will be more sustainable for me in terms of my time, energy and finances, and will offer you greater options for working with your schedule, while inspiring deeper commitment and regularity of practice.

 

Some of the classes will be 6 or 8 week series, some will be one-off workshops of one or two sessions.  Most will be virtual, but I will also offer some in-person classes if there is enough enrollment (most people are choosing online practice at this time).

 

If you are wanting an ongoing in-person, drop-in class, I will still be teaching my noon class on Wednesdays at Island.

 

If you have purchased a multi-class card from me, I will credit you the value of any remaining classes toward any new series in which you enroll in 2022.

 

Please stay tuned for the specific course and workshop offerings, and for the specific times of the live classes.  I’m very excited about trying this new experiment, and supporting you in your ongoing well-being in body, mind and spirit.

 

 

 

 

Online Kirtan with Jyoti!

Singing Heart Kirtan with Jyoti

via Zoom

Wednesday Evenings 5:30-7:00 PM (New York Time)

Kirtan is an uplifting and joyful practice of call-and-response devotional chanting from the yoga tradition. No singing or yoga experience is needed--just an open heart. No matter what our diverse spiritual paths may be, we have an opportunity to come together and sing our hearts out in celebration of the Love and Divine Presence that unites us all.  

While we are still riding the wave of Covid19, we will meet over Zoom, until it is safe to gather and sing together in person. While it is not ideal, it's the best way we can stay connected to practice sacred chanting. Participants will be muted, but there will be some time during the event to unmute and connect with one another.

Free and open to all!

Topic: Singing Heart Kirtan with Jyoti
Time: 5:30-7 PM EDT  Wednesdays

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83738463985?pwd=cHhWR0YxL1FFdlh0Z0RHK0JXTExCZz09

Meeting ID: 837 3846 3985
Passcode: 676316

 

Get CHANT LYRICS here!

CHANT LYRICS

 

Invocations

 

OM OM OM

 

Dhyaana Mulam Gurur Murti 

Pujaa Moolam Guro Padam

Mantra Moolam Gurur Vaakyam 

Moksha Mulam Guro Kripaa

 

The root of meditation is the Guru’s form

True worship is of the Guru’s feet."

"The essence of all mantra is the Guru’s word

The source of Liberation, the Guru's grace.

 

Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, 

Guru devo Maheshwara,

Guru sakshat, param Brahma, 

tasmai shri guravay namah

 

The Guru is the creator, the sustainer, 

and the power of transformation. 

Nearer than near, and beyond the beyond.

Remover of darkness, I bow to You

and lay down my life

 

Om Namah Shivaya Gurave

Saccidananda Murtaye

Nisprapancaya Shantaya

Niralambaya Tejase

 

I bow to the presence of the Divine within

Our true and highest teacher

That lives in and around us as

Truth, Consciousness and Bliss.
It is ever-present 

and radiates peace

Illuminating the way 

to awakening.

 

Shree Guru Charanam 

Shree Hari Sharanam

 

I surrender to the feet of the Guru, 

and find my refuge in God.

 

Guru OM

 

Derived from the Sanskrit word, gu, which means “darkness,” and ru, which translates as “remover,” the guru is more than just a teacher, but someone who removes spiritual darkness and paves the way to enlightenment and unity with Brahman. OM (or AUM) is the sound that represents Brahman, the universe and essence of creation. 

 

The great Indian Saint Ramana Maharshi said “Guru, God, and Self are one.”

~~~~~

Ong Namo Gurudev

Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo

Guru Dev, Guru Dev Namo

*I bow to the subtle divine wisdom

  I bow to the divine teacher within.

 

This is the Adi  Mantra, or Primal Mantra as taught by the Sikh Master Yogi Bhajan. It is used as an invocation at the beginning of Yoga practice. Chant this mantra to tune into the divine teacher within. Ong is "Infinite Creative energy in manifestation and activity". ("Om" or Aum is God absolute and unmanifested), Namo is "reverent greetings' implying humility, Guru means "teacher or wisdom", Dev means "Divine or of God" and Namo reaffirms humility and reverence. In all it means, "I call upon Divine Wisdom".

~~~~~~~

 

Sita Ram

 

Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Jay Sita Ram

Sita Ram, Sita Ram

Shri Ram Jay Ram Jay Jay Ram

Ram Ram, Sita Ram

 

The above are all ways of celebrating God/Goddess as Ram and Sita. Ram is the Absolute, infinite, unmanifest, all-pervading pure consciousness. Sita is the earth mother, the individual expression of creation as it manifests as form and energy. She is also the individual soul, longing to be united with the Infinite, Eternal One. This chant invokes that Divine Union.

 

~~~~~~~~

Hare Ram, Sita Ram

Hare Rama, Rama Ram

Sita Rama, Rama Ram 

Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Glory to Sita and Ram! Praise & Victory to the Divine

~~~~~

Maha Mantra

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

~~~~~~

Aad Guray

Aad guray nameh


Jugaad guray nameh


Sat guray nameh


Siri guru devay nameh


I bow to the Primal Guru,


I bow to the Guru woven through time 


I bow to the True Guru, the true
 identity of the self.


I bow to the Great Guru whose great
 glory will always be.

~~~~~~~~

Ganesha Mantras

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

 

Jaya Ganesha, Jaya Ganesha, Jaya Ganesha Pāhimām
Sri Ganesha, Sri Ganesha, Sri Ganesha Rakshamām

Hail Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, protect me.
Dear Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, rescue me.

A chant for clearing away obstacles and removing negativity.

Ganesha Sharanam, Sharanam Ganesha

Gam Gam Ganapati Sharanam Ganesha

I take refuge in Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the Lord of New Beginnings. 

"Gam" is the seed mantra of Ganesha, containing within its energetic vibration the power of Ganesha.

 

Aarti Hymns

 

Twameva Mata cha Pita Twameva, 

Twameva Bandhu cha Sakha Twameva 

Twameva Vidya Dravinam Twameva 

Twameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva

 

Thou art my mother and my father,
Thou art my friend and 

my beloved companion,
Thou art my wisdom and my wealth,


O Supreme God, Thou art everything to me.

 

 

Arati (Jyoti Jyoti)

Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti Swayam 

Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti Param 

Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti Arul 

Jyoti Jyoti Jyoti Sivam 

Vaama Jyoti Soma Jyoti 

Vaana Jyoti Jnaana Jyoti 

Maaha Jyoti Yoga Jyoti 

Vaata Jyoti Naada Jyoti 

Ema Jyoti Vyoma Jyoti 

Eru Jyoti Veeru Jyoti 

Eka Jyoti Eka Jyoti 

Eka Jyoti Jyotiye 

Light O Light of Self-Effulgence 

Light O Light of Absoluteness 

Light O Light of Gracefulness 

Light O Light of Auspiciousness 

Light of Siva, Light of Moon 

Light Divine, Light of Wisdom 

Light of Heaven, Light of Yoga 

Light of Wind, Light of Sound 

Light Delight, Light of Water 

Rising Light, Vital Light 

The Only Light, The Only Light 

Give us Light, O Light of Lights.

Closing Chants

OM 

Asotoma Sat gamaya

Tamasoma Jyotir gamaya

Mrityorma Amritam gamaya

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Lead me from the unreal to the real

Lead me from the darkness to the light

From the fear of dying lead me

To the knowing of my immortality

OM Peace, Peace,  Peace

~~~~~~

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings everywhere be happy and free. 

May my thoughts, words and deeds contribute to the happiness of all beings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gentle Yoga For Everyone!

 Enrollment is open now for my upcoming online 5-week Gentle yoga class--perfect for seniors or people with physical challenges. Early bird special: register before September 1st and get a 10% discount. 

Yoga is for everyone---and that includes YOU!

More Chair Yoga, by Popular Demand!

 I will be offering another chair yoga series starting May 3rd. Our upcoming series will run from May 3rd to June 7th (no class Memorial Day 5/31)

A few new things I'll add to this next round: Once I get 6 people committed to the 5-week series (prepaid in advance), I can then also open up the classes to drop-ins who want to do a single class.

Upcoming Chair Yoga Series with Jyoti

Chair Yoga For Everyone

I am happy to announce that I am once again offering chair yoga at Island Fitness! It is a virtual class, so you can practice in the safety and comfort of your own home. I love teaching this class, because it makes the powerful and transformative practice of yoga available to everyone. Yoga is not about being super-bendy or being able to stand on your head. It's much more about using the body, breath and awareness that you have  to cultivate greater aliveness, peace, and well-being. We can all do that, at any age, in any condition. 

This gentle and fun class makes yoga accessible to those who have challenges with mobility, balance, or getting up and down from the floor.  This class is ideal for anyone who feels more comfortable having a chair for support.

 

Wednesdays  10:30-11:30 AM
$10 members, $12 non-members

Drop-ins welcome for single classes

Call Island Fitness to register: 607-277-3861

When you attend this online class, please set up a chair that has a firm, flat seat and no arms. Have a folded blanket, a strap or tie, and a yoga block, if you have one. Log on at least 5 minutes prior to start time, so we can work out any technical issues that may arise.

Questions about the class? Email Jyoti at revjyoti@gmail.com

Dharma Walks with Jyoti

Dear Yogis & Friends,

 

Are you feeling what I’m feeling? I am really maxed out on zoom and social media. I’ve had enough of the flat-screened, two-dimensional world we’ve been living in for so many months. I am longing to connect with you, my students and friends, in real time and space, for a spiritually and socially uplifting gathering. 

 

This past summer it was such a refreshing change to practice yoga together in Stewart Park, where we could spread out on the grass and take off our masks, and just be together with other human beings.

 

We can’t practice yoga asana outside right now, but we CAN walk together.  We are blessed to have so many beautiful trails and parks in our area. I propose that we get outside for mindful walks where we can move and breathe together,  and share from the heart.

 

Starting in 2021, I will be leading a weekly Dharma Walk on Saturdays in Ithaca, NY that will be part exercise, part meditation, part study group and part satsang (meeting in community).  So there will be some structure to our time together, but also plenty of opportunity to talk and share, and just enjoy each others’ company. We’ll stay 6 feet apart and wear our masks. Please note that we will walk at a moderate to brisk pace, to stay warm and get our blood and Prana flowing.

 

Here’s what I envision we will do while we’re walking (timing may vary):

 

10 min: walking meditation (silent walking to connect with breath, nature, get centered)

20 min: dharma discussion. Sharing on a topic related to spirituality, the yoga of life, etc. I will give a prompt for discussion, and depending on how many of us there are, we might break into small pods.

20 min: Open sharing about something in your life that’s inspiring or uplifting (gratitudes, dreams & visions, successes & challenges, etc.) I want to keep the conversation from devolving into complaining about politics and the pandemic, or just superficial stuff.

 

The walks will be about 50 minutes, maybe shorter if the weather is really cold. If it’s nice, maybe we’ll go a little longer. We can play it by ear and tweak it as needed, so you may want to plan for an hour. Please dress accordingly. It is said that there is no such thing as bad weather, only insufficient clothing. So let’s bundle up and get outside!

 

With that said, if the weather is really unpleasant (like freezing rain or bitter wind) I’ll cancel. Please check my calendar for an update to confirm on Saturday mornings if you are unsure.

 

This week we will return to the South Hill Recreation Trail. We'll meet at  11 AM at the trail head at Burns Road, which is near the intersection of Burns and Coddington. That side of the trail is very beautiful, with flowing creeks, and and abundance of wooded area and shade to keep us cool.

For these walks, I request that we leave our four-legged friends at home, to avoid distraction.

 

These gatherings are FREE of charge, and you are welcome to invite anyone who you think would enjoy them. 

 

Looking forward to connecting with you on the path, in body, mind and spirit!

 

Jyoti

A Message of Peace

I wrote and recorded this holiday song a few years back. Now, I have given it new expression with this video montage. Enjoy, and feel free to share this message of peace. Blessings to all during this sacred season, and may the return of the light this Solstice be a healing for us all, personally and globally.

  

R&R Yoga

 

I'm thrilled to be starting this new restorative class on Wednesday evenings! I'll be offering live music as part of the experience, for a complete reset of body and nervous system. 

I've provided the zoom link below the flyer. 

In order to get the most benefit from this class: 

• make sure you log in on time, so we can enjoy uninterrupted time together.  
• Gather whatever supportive props you have. Suggested: 2-4 blankets, 2 blocks, a strap, several pillows and/or a bolster, a towel (to make a neck support), and a comfortable but firm place to lie down. 
• Additional but optional: a candle, eye pillow, hot water bottle or microwaved warm compress. 
• make sure the room is comfortably warm, with dim lighting to encourage total relaxation.
• Take time beforehand to transform your space into a sanctuary where you will not be disturbed. This is time for YOU!

Here is the link to our Wednesday R&R mini-retreat. Please save for future classes:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84506033646?pwd=TFB1UnR0aXZvbWtuN3pZZ1B5eHVPQT09
password: 425281
Meeting ID 845 0603 3646

By Donation (suggested $12, with no one turned away)
Venmo: Jody-Kessler-1
PayPal: revjyoti@gmail.com                                                                                                  Check: Payable to Singing Heart Yoga, PO Box 4054, Ithaca, NY 14852

Looking forward to supporting you in Replenishing and Re-connecting with your inner Radiance! 

Yoga Outdoors! On the Roof, in the Park!

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stars
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below can't bother me...
         
~"Up on the Roof "by Gerry Goffin and Carole King

Namaste Dear Yogis, 

Great news! Island Health and Fitness has received the green light to begin offering outdoor group fitness classes. For now, there will be a limited schedule, and classes will be held only at the downtown location, on the roof deck. Weather permitting, I will be teaching yoga on Wednesday mornings from 9:00-10:00 AM, a beautiful time to practice together before the heat of the day sets in. 

A few important things to note about these classes:
--In order to maintain safe social distancing, class size is limited to 14 participants. There will be markings on the deck to delineate separate spaces for your mats.
--Because class size is restricted, you will need to reserve your spot by emailing hpresthus@islandhealthfitness.com or kchase@islandhealthfitness.com to sign up. 
--classes are open to members of both locations. They are being offered for a drop-in fee of $10 for Island members, and $15 for non-members (regular monthly billing will not begin until the gym officially opens).
--You will need to bring your own mat, and any other props you use for yoga. 
--All members will be pre-screened with a temperature check at the front desk before check-in. Please remember to wear a mask when you enter the facility. It's okay to remove it once you are on your yoga mat.
--Locker rooms and showers will not be open. If needed, members and guests may use the restroom facilities in the cafe by the front desk or the bathroom on the third floor. 

Let's enjoy the fresh morning air together, re-connecting with one another at a safe distance. I look forward to practicing with you on Wednesday mornings!

And, if you prefer outdoor yoga with your feet on the earth, and a view of beautiful Cayuga lake, I invite you to join me for another yoga practice at Stewart Park on Saturday, August 1st at 9 AM. For those of you who are not able to join me on weekday mornings, this Saturday class is for you! Here's the info:

Yoga at Stewart Park with Jyoti
Saturday, August 1st
9:00-10:00 AM (optional 10-minute meditation to follow)
By Donation ($10 suggested, but everyone welcome  regardless of ability to pay)
Meet at the small pavilion playground area, and we'll find a spot by the lake.


In addition to these outdoor options, online classes will continue on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 AM. See below for links to join in.  And my videos of previous classes are available on my YouTube channel, so please subscribe!

WEEKLY ZOOM CLASSES WITH JYOTI

Monday 10 AM classes:  Web URL to Join Zoom Meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/405262554?pwd=VldQd3kzZWRlZ2RZRW5CU05ZRmpNQT09 Or on the Zoom App on a mobile device or tablet, enter the Meeting ID: 405 262 554 Enter the Password: 050967 Thursday  10 AM  classes: Web URL to Join Zoom Meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/727980845?pwd=NHphQmpPSTljZElNVDRINC8wNWZYQT09 Or on the Zoom App on a mobile device or tablet, enter the Meeting ID: 727 980 845 Enter the Password: 203677 These live and recorded classes are offered on a donation basis, with everyone welcome regardless of ability to pay. If it is within your means to make a donation, here are the options: Venmo: Jody-Kessler-1 PayPal: revjyoti@gmail.com. If you select "Friends & Family," they won't take a commission out of your donation. Check: made out to Jody Kessler, 305 Taylor Place, Ithaca, NY 14850 Class Cards: Some of you have purchased 6- class cards and have given me permission to mark your card for each class you attend online.

These times have offered us a crash course in dancing with the mystery, opening ourselves to uncertainty, and drawing upon our human ingenuity to figure out ways to stay connected.  And through it all, let's remember that there is so much for which we can be grateful. I am blessed to be able to do the work that I love--albeit in a modified way-- and to be able to share it with such wonderful people. With a full heart, I thank you! Jyoti

Yoga via ZOOM

Namaste Dear Yogis!

During quarantine, we will be practicing together online, thanks to the miracle of modern technology!

I’ll be offering two classes per week from the Temple of Joy Yoga Sanctuary, my home studio, until quarantine ends. These will be relatively gentle "slow flow" classes, with options for more challenging explorations, and suggested modifications for those who need an even gentler practice. All are welcome to join in, from anywhere in the world!

Wear comfortable clothing, and gather any props you have available that you might need.   It is best to refrain from eating for at least 90 minutes before class begins. Please arrive at your device 5 minutes early so we can troubleshoot any technical difficulties. For security purposes, I will need to admit you into the meeting, so please be on time so there is no disruption after class begins.

Link for Monday Class:
https://zoom.us/j/405262554?pwd=VldQd3kzZWRlZ2RZRW5CU05ZRmpNQT09

Link for Thursday Class:

https://zoom.us/j/727980845?pwd=NHphQmpPSTljZElNVDRINC8wNWZYQT09

These Zoom classes are offered on a donation basis, with everyone welcome regardless of ability to pay. If it is within your means to make a donation, here are the options:

Venmo: Jody-Kessler-1
PayPal: paypal.me/revjyoti 

Check: made out to Jody Kessler, 305 Taylor Place, Ithaca, NY 14850
Class Cards: Some of you have purchased 6- class cards and have given me permission to mark your card for each class you attend online.

Thank you, everyone. I look forward to sharing practice with you online, until we can meet again in person!

Stay healthy & positive!

Jyoti

Taking a Hiatus

Namaste Dear Yogis,

As we all ride this wave of response to the Corona Virus, there are new challenges that we are invited to meet moment by moment, one day at a time. 

ISLAND HEALTH AND FITNESS HAS SUSPENDED ALL GROUP FITNESS CLASSES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  They have also closed down the saunas and steam room as a precautionary measure. Please visit the Island website to keep abreast of any further updates and changes.

For those of you who are in my CHAIR YOGA special program at Community Corners, we will resume classes as soon as Island management, in consultation with the experts, determines that it is safe to do so.  We can extend the series into May to make up for the time we missed. I will keep you posted!

Furthermore:

ALL CLASSES AND EVENTS AT TEMPLE OF JOY YOGA SANCTUARY ARE ON HIATUS UNTIL THE END OF MARCH.

I've made this decision partly because I have not been feeling well. Mostly I have a very bad case of laryngitis, and sinus congestion.  I have had no fever, and have no reason to suspect that this is anything other than a typical upper-respiratory bug, but I think it's best that I not spread it around, and that I give my voice a chance to heal up. It seems like the Universe is telling us all to slow down and take some time to gather inward, so I'm going to listen to that nudge.  I appreciate your understanding.

I encourage all of you to practice yoga on your own, and as spring weather graces us with buds and blossoms, use this opportunity to exercise outside!

There is a lot of uncertainty we are dealing with now that can make us feel vulnerable and off-balance. Let's use everything we've got in our yoga toolbox to find stillness and grounding during this tumultuous time.  We are living in an unprecedented, ever-evolving story which, hopefully some day, we will be able to look back upon and tell our children and grandchildren that we got through it together with resilience, grace, faith and love. And a whole lotta hand washing.

Keeping Positive,
Jyoti

Evening Glow Yoga

Namaste, yogis! I'm happy to share that my evening candlelight yoga series was so well-received that folks are asking to continue the class into the spring. Since daylight savings time will bring longer days, we'll shift the focus away from candles and use other ways to create sacred space together. Come join us at the Temple of Joy Yoga Sanctuary for a midweek ritual of rejuvenation and renewal. 

Maha Shivaratri--The Great Night of Shiva

As a longtime and dedicated practitioner of yoga, I enjoy learning about and honoring the spiritual and cultural roots of this tradition, which includes the rich mythology of India. 

This Friday, February 21st is Maha Shivaratri, or Great Night of Shiva, a Hindu 

Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated with all-day fasting and all-night chanting and dancing. Elaborate and beautiful pujas (devotional ceremonies) are performed in which the Shiva lingam, a stone icon, is worshipped, bathed in holy water, honey, butter, milk and sacred leaves, and is adorned with garlands of flowers. 

I’ll offer here a very simplified encapsulation of the story (which has many, many versions): The Devas and Asuras (gods and demons) were churning the bottom of the ocean, both parties in search of amrita, the nectar of immortality. 

In the process of this churning, a terrible poison was released-- a poison so potent that even just breathing its powerful fumes would destroy every living being on earth. 

What to do? They enlist the help of the all-powerful god Shiva, who agrees to drink the poison in order to save humanity. However, Shiva knew he could not swallow the poison—he had to hold in it his throat until sunrise, at which point the substance would be neutralized and lose its potency.  

In order to do this, Shiva needed to stay awake all night. He could not fall asleep, because he might inadvertently swallow the poison. So, the gods and goddesses danced and sang all through the night to keep Shiva awake. By morning, the poison was transformed, but in the process, it turned Shiva’s throat a bluish color. Hence, another name for Shiva is Neelkanth, the blue-throated one.

While I don’t receive these stories as literal truth, I do enjoy mining for the jewels of wisdom that are glistening within them. So, here is the teaching that speaks to me: 

As we churn the ocean of our own being, our own minds, in search of what is immortal and eternal (the Self, or True Nature), we can discover some nasty gunk, in ourselves and in the collective ocean of human consciousness. We find the poisons of greed, fear, possessiveness and attachment.  We find the toxins of ignorance of our true 

nature. We find egoic self-centeredness. In yoga, these common human afflictions 

are called kleshas.

The kleshas are qualities of the ego, and we all grapple with them to some degree. They’re just a part of our humanity, and they show us where our work is on our spiritual path.

On this Maha Shivaratri, and also each and every day, may we call upon the transformative power of Shiva to help us stay awake and alert enough to purify our being (from the poisons of the kleshas) and touch into the eternal and immortal Self—that which is not bound by time and space.

There’s a beautiful mantra that asks Shiva to help us to remember who we are beyond the body, and beyond the identities held by our minds:

OM tryambakam yajamahe

sugandhim pusti vardhanam


Urvarukamiva bandhanan 

mrtyor mukshiya mamritat

OM. We worship and adore you, O three-eyed one, O Shiva. You are sweet gladness, the fragrance of life, who nourishes all beings.  As, in due time, the cucumber ripens and is freed from the vine, may we be freed from attachment and fear of death, and realize the nectar of immortality.

 

There is a beautiful photo of Shiva sitting in meditation, with his left hand in Jnana Mudra (the mudra of wisdom) and his right hand in Abhaya Mudra (which dispels fear). These two mudras remind us that cultivating the wisdom of the true Self is the great antidote to fear. When we really know who we are as infinite and eternal, we do not fear the death of the body, nor do we fear the dissolution of who we believe ourselves to be. 

This night and always, may we drink the sweet nectar of the remembrance of our own divinity.

Om Namah Shivaya!