Singing Japji

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Sat Nam All,

 

4 years ago, during a tantric, I picked up a CD read by Giani Sant S.

Maskin. He seems to be singing to a raga (a set musical scale) and although

I don't understand Gurumuki in much detail, I feel that the raga melody and

tempo reflects the meaning. I feel like I am sitting in the Golden Temple.

The only "problem" is it takes 40 minutes to go through the whole reading,

so I am much more familiar with the first 1/3 than the rest. Recently, I

divided my re-recording into separate parts and I have started reading from

the middle. I like the poetics of this slow reading.

 

I like to read from a Word-by-Word Translation by Bhai Sahib Guruliv Singh

Khalsa that I got from Cheridi Kala Kalsa (??? spelling unclear). I can't

find her contact number, but I had to really search to find it. There is a

full description of each word including notes on grammar and allusions.

Also, there are instructions on learning Japji. There is a condensed

version without all the notes to take on trips. I am not learning quickly,

but I am relaxed. Those instructions have helped me. It's not like

learning in school. I don't have to master it, I only have to participate

in the process of the unfolding vibration.

 

I also go to the Gudawara (like a temple) near Pittsburgh. The Granthi

(like a Rabbi) is a wonderful musician. I go with the children and practice

with them. I trade yoga teaching with the children. Then during the

services, sometimes the words of the Kirtan (prayer/folksong like hymns) are

translated and spelled out on a projection screen. I sing because lines are

repeated many times. I am not trying very hard, but even the letters seem

to seep in. Recently, a yoga student came to teach me about the musical

forms that I am hearing. It seems that everything that I could ever wish

for just comes to my door. All I have to do is participate.

 

When I am doing something like driving, singing in English is elevating, but

it is not like singing in Gurumuki at 5 am. I stop and start, stop and

start. I wish I could be more consistent. Just establishing that early

morning hour takes time, so I suppose Japji also has it's own schedule for

taking over my psyche.

 

Blessings,

Ellen Madono