By Joan (Jayadevi) Brager

For months, I’ve been listening to Gurudevi Nirmalananda’s recording of “Na Shivam.”

She sings this 26-minute-long, beautiful, spirited chant with a group. I find it to be simple and easy to follow:

Nashivam vidyate kvachit

There is nothing that is not Shiva!

Its lively beat inspires me to be consistent with my physical therapy exercises. Recovering from recent surgery, I have not been able to do yoga poses. I wanted my exercise to be a spiritual experience the same way that yoga poses can be.

I searched Gurudevi’s albums for music to help me to both move well and connect to Grace. When I discovered Gurudevi’s “Na Shivam” album, I knew its wonderful beat would keep me moving and dancing as well.

I especially like the chorus: Shiva Shiva Shiva Shiva Shiva! Sung enthusiastically by Gurudevi and repeated by the group, it is the heart of the chant. It inspires me every time I hear it.

Worth repeating is this chant’s essential message:

There is nowhere there is not Shiva.

Everything that I see is he!

Everything that I see is me!

Singing these words reminds me of the reality that Shiva is within me, being me. When I go into the world with this knowledge, I touch bliss within, repeatedly.