Mother Aspect Oratorio: Libretto – The Divine Mother and Her Aspects Part 1: Praise of Holy Mother
Blessed is the Mother’s grace – Soprano Solo Rebecca Rasmussen How great is Mother’s fortitude, how blessed is her grace? She harbors no annoyance, not the slightest trace.
She listens to so many coming day and night, doing good to everyone and helping with their plight.
Her mother’s heart took in all castes, no judgement in the least. So people from all lands and faiths, the children of the West and East.
She treated each person as her own child, she welcomed them with loving grace. Her all-embracing mother-heart made family of the human race.
A Veil so Thick – Chorus The Holy Mother wrapped a veil of maya around herself, A veil so thick that no one could see through it. By this veil was shrouded her spiritual greatness. We could not catch a glimpse of Her true nature.
Meditate on Mother’s Life Alto/Mezzo solo Meditate on Mother’s life, there is no greater purifier. An incarnation most unique, no parallel exists through history. Mother has been born this time to awaken womanhood. To revive the wonderous shakti in the whole world. The grace of Shakti is essential for all our accomplishments. Meditate on Mother’s life to purify your heart and mind.
Master and Mother are really one (Holy Mother and Sri Ramakrishna) -Alto and Soprano Solos Rebecca Rasmussen and Tuzy Ellis The Master and the Mother were in essence really one Propitiate the Mother and the Master will be won. Pray to Mother, be assured the prayer will be passed through, Ramakrishna being pleased will shower grace on you. Primordial power manifested in the Holy Mother, tis she that holds the key to knowing Brahman and no other Prayers are pleasing to the Mother and she will be our aide, in dispelling ignorance, the illusory blockade. Take refuge in the mother, it is she who holds the key To shedding the illusion that obscures reality Ramakrishna, being pleased, will shower his grace on you.
Part 2: Teachings of Holy Mother Have a fixed time – Alto/Mezzo Solo Ariel Pisturino Have a fixed time for repeating God's name. Its power is not understood. As a clock goes ticking, so we should repeat God's name. Continue repeating the Name of the Lord, nothing more needs to be done. The name of the Lord is just like a small seed that grows to become a tall banyan tree. From repeating God's name comes in time moods divine, it brings love and devotion supreme. As a clock goes ticking, so we should repeat God's name. Continue repeating the Name of the Lord, nothing more needs to be done. The Mantra will purify body and mind Your japa will purify you. As the wind blows away clouds that hide the bright sun, so will japa dispel worldliness. As a clock goes ticking, so we should repeat God's name. Continue repeating the Name of the Lord, nothing more needs to be done. By japa the power of organs of sense will gradually be quite subdued. By making a habit of chanting God's name Realization is surely attained. As a clock goes ticking, so we should repeat God's name.
God’s Name, Japa and Karma: Chorus Due to past deeds we have to suffer. But by repeating God's name, we can lessen their intensity. The effects of karma can be counteracted to a great extent by japa and austerities. As the wind blows away the clouds the name of God will blow away the clouds of worldliness that cloud our mind. One becomes pure repeating God's name. May our mind and body become pure with daily japa. See this tiny tiny seed, from it grows a mighty banyan tree. What a tiny seed is God's name. From it in time will come devotion and pure love. From it comes spiritual consummation.
Work- Alto Solo Tuzy Ellis Always keep active, work for the Lord. Bondage of work is removed by the work. It is best for the mind to be busy with work. Your work helps to fend off those idle wicked thoughts.
Fend off those thoughts, wicked idle thoughts. Work helps to fend off those wicked idle bad thoughts.
Everything happens by God’s will and yet, we work since God’s will is expressed through our acts. Meditate every morning and evening, this keeps your work on the right path.
Fret not, my child, for human birth is full of lots of suffering, and one must endure it patiently. Take the name of God. Take the Name of God. Just think of Ramakrishna and pray to him sincerely.
Your mental sin is not a sin in this, the kali yuga. Free your mind from worries on this point. Do not be afraid. Do not fear, my child. For this is the kali yuga, so mental sins are not sins.
The mind is restless by its nature, as are all our senses, It will have both good and evil thoughts. Practice is the remedy. Practice faithfully. The name of God is powerful. Let not your lapses trouble you.
All human beings make mistakes, but you should not notice them. Otherwise your own mind gets polluted. What could be your gain in that? It harms you alone. Count not the faults of others, those thoughts leave impressions on your mind.
If you want peace of mind, my children, give up finding other’s faults. Better to be finding your own faults. No one is a stranger. Every one’s your own. Accept all as your own. The whole world is your very own.
Love God Alone – Chorus
Blessed indeed is the one who can love God alone. Always do your duty to others, but love you must give to God alone. Worldly love always brings in its wake misery. But there is no suffering in loving God. Love God alone.
Fear Not My Child – Chorus Fear not my child the Master is there behind you. I am your Mother what is there you could fear. I am also with you. Why should you be frightened? Behind you is the Master and I the Mother too. Life in the world is not removed from God. He is everywhere. Is there a place where He's not? Be thee content wherever you may be. If you call on Him, He'll lead you by the hand. Be free of worry, entrust your life to Me. The Master is protecting O why then should you fear. He is always watching He is always near. Depend upon the Master and you will have no fear.
Pray for Grace 6:8 version – Chorus
Pray for the grace of God for that is the one thing needful. Pray for grace; Grace is the one thing needful. Pray for grace; pray sincerely to God. Pray eagerly; Ask God for his grace. Pray eagerly; pray eagerly for grace. Call on the Lord for his grace. Call on the Lord who pervades all things, and he will shower his grace on you. He will shower his grace on you.
Life and Death – Chorus
How we pray to God for relief from pain, hoping that sorrow will vanish. Yet we apparently find no relief no relief from it, seemingly it is so. See that grief itself is a gift from God, a symbol of compassion. He who calls upon God and takes God's name has no fear of death. Great souls see that death is merely a play. Leaving the body, they laugh. What we think of as ours is left behind at the moment of death. Prominent thoughts in the mind determine our course after death. Think of your chosen ideal and you will certainly see Him. You will see your chosen ideal.
After Life – Chorus
Only our good and evil deeds follow us after death. Desires alone make us take yet another body.
The thought that is foremost in our mind before death, determines the course of our soul after death. Thinking of the Master will certainly lead us to see our chosen ideal, our chosen ideal.
This vision may come in this life, in this very life, or at least this blessed vision will come at the moment of death.
Part 3: Aspects of the Divine Mother:
Hail to the Goddess - School Anthem -Chorus
Hail to the Goddess of learning art and song. We pray you grant us good hearts and voices strong. By your grace will flower our creative power. And through your will divine perfection with in us is manifested. Hail to the Goddess, All Hail to Thee. All dressed in white, how radiant is your face. Embodiment of purity and grace. We strive through learning to have thoughts inspiring. And by your grace descending sweetly we will reach our goals completely. Hail to the Goddess, all Hail to thee. Pure sattva guna, the power that reveals. That part of Maya that does not much conceal. Consort of Brahma, You're the bringer of all arts. Oh, Knowledge learning music beauty You're our Mother Saraswati. Hail to the Goddess, All Hail to thee.
Praise and Prayers to Mother Lakshmi – Soprano Rebecca Rasmussen Praise to you, O Mother Lakshmi, dwelling here in earthly realm. You, the source of sustenance, be ever at my helm. Effects of Karma you alone to me can bring to light And Mother you protect the world and make my future bright
Salutations to earth’s mother, Gladdening people like no other. Hear my prayers, O please take notice, You who sit upon the Lotus
Virtues all collect themselves where you have your dwelling All necessities of life and beauties beyond telling Shower like rain send to me your blessing Remove all obstacles from life and things I find distressing
Send your mercy, shower your grace With a glance from your sweet face Please remove all fear and terror Due to pain that’s caused by error
I am helpless as can be, like a newborn child. But your mercy shall descend upon whom you have smiled And so I offer salutations through thought word and deed Knowing you will grant me wisdom which is all I need
You who grant me my desires Everything that I require Put me in the proper fashion To obtain your kind compassion
Kali Round: Chorus Jai Kali, Kali Ma, Jai Ma
The Chandi: Short Overture 4.1 Opening Story: Once upon a time Recitative - Markandeya: Bass 1 Once upon a time a just king was forced to leave his kingdom by powerful adversaries both within and without. A merchant was likewise driven from his home by greedy family members. Both were wandering separately through the forest, until they met and shared their sad tales. Together they approached a sage and asked him for advice.
Recitative King, Sage, I remain possessive / Creatures Gather Knowledge/Who is this Goddess?
King : Jon Keenan Oh noble sage we humbly bow and seek from you advice, for I and this fair merchant have similar dilemmas.
I remain possessive toward my kingdom that I have lost as if I have forgotten they’re no longer mine.
This fellow has been humiliated by his children and wife, and still he feels affection, most exceeding affection for them.
We are both distressed, held by attachment to such things, even though we see their faults, attachments still remain. How is it that we two fellows, who should know much better, can be so deluded even knowing its illusory nature?
Creatures Gather Knowledge Norge Yip Sage:
Creatures gather knowledge through their many sense perceptions. This is how they formulate their feelings and conceptions. In this way the animals and humans are the same. Simple observations will now validate my claim.
Humans, like the animals for offspring do they yearn. Surely, they expect to get some gratitude returned. But instead by Mahamaya’s power they are caught Trapped by strong attachment, like a rope tied in a knot.
Mahamaya is the one who now deludes the world, And causes Vishnu to be sleeping on the serpent curled.
She, the blessed goddess Mahamaya seizes minds. With delusion, dumb and wise she easily binds.
She creates this universe, the moving and unmoving, And liberation she bestows, our ignorance removing.
While causing us to cling to this impermanent creation, Also, she’s highest knowledge giving liberation.
Asuras represent the troubling aspects of our mind. When Devi’s called, she kills them all, and freedom we shall find.
Who is this Goddess: King: Jon Keenan
Who is Mahamaya, this great goddess whom you call? Tell me of her origin, her form, her works, and all?
Sage: Norge Yip She Pervades All This:
She pervades all this, and so the world is her form. And yet she issues from it to quell an evil storm. Hear from me three stories which will illustrate That she manifested power, glorious and great.
At the End of the Cosmic Day: Sage: Norge Yip At the end of the cosmic day, when the universe dissolved into the primordial ocean, the blessed lord Vishnu stretched out on the serpent Sesha and entered into meditative sleep.
Then two fearsome demons, the notorious Madhu and Kaitabha, issued forth from the wax in Vishnu’s ears, just like destructive thoughts come into our mind.
Brahma:Joseph Garate O Yogindra: O Yogindra, the aspect of the mother who has settled over Vishnu’s eyes. See how two asuras, Madhu and Kaitabha are intent on slaying me. Hear my salutations and prayer, and please awaken sleeping Vishnu so that he might slay these two asuras.
4.2 Brahma asks for help: Men’s Quartet
You are the mantras of consecration To all gods and to past generations. By you Supporting this Universe, it has bloomed. You are the protector by you it is consumed.
You are the Nectar of immortality Abiding as the transcendental totality. You, the creative force at the world’s birth. Sustaining, destroying, all part of your mirth.
You’re the great knowledge and also illusion. You’re the great memory and great delusion. Whether true or untrue, whatever may be You are the power of all that we see.
Having extolled you, may Vishnu awaken. Defeat these asuras, I’ll not be forsaken. Mashu and Kaitabha - may you confound With all your powers that are sure to astound.
Killing of Madhu and Kaitabha
Lord Vishnu Awaken: Yogindra: Ariel Pisturino
Lord Vishnu, I command that you awaken from your slumber and do battle with these asuras who are two in number.
Vishnu battles Madhu and Kaitaba Sage: Norge Yip Madhu and Kaitabha: Joseph Buhler and Joseph Garate Vishnu: Karl Whitmarsh
Sage: To save Lord Brahma Lord Vishnu awoke. But fighting these demons was not done with one big stroke.
Millenia passed and neither had won. So Mahamaya came round so she could have some fun. So, she confounded the pair with the pride of power. And now you’ll see just how this trick will cause the two to glower. Their countenance soon turn quite dour. From arrogance And pride the two should be soon forced to cower.
Madhu and Kaitaba: See us, Lord Vishnu, how mighty we are. As you will be done with soon, we’ll grant you a boon. As we are stronger by far, you’re not even on a par.
Vishnu: The boon that I ask is to slay you right now. Up to you I will leave the where and the how.
Madu and Kaitabha: What do we do? What do we do? A loophole must be found. Here is a clue. Here is a clue. There is water all around.
Kaitabha: We see that the world is all covered with water, where water is not is where you may slaughter.
Vishnu: Bass 3 My lap I believe will surely suffice; my discus will serve as the cutting device.
Long Ago Mahisa: Sage: Norge Yip
Long ago Mahisa, the demon chief, brought the Lord Indra and Devas to grief. They waged a war for one hundred years. Gods were then vanquished amidst demons’ cheers. Brahma sought Vishnu and Shiva for aid To help the Devas to launch a crusade.
Brahma: Joseph Garate This Mahisasura usurped all the posts Of Surya and Indra, the whole deva host. They roam like mere mortals, their powers all gone. They roam about with all their powers gone.
Vishnu: Brahma and Shiva follow my example From my countenance and yours issue forth A great radiance of shakti power. May all you other Gods Follow suit by issuing great light from your bodies. May our combined shakti power blaze forth.
Rejoice, Rejoice Devas: Chorus Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice. Manifested is the Devi, O Devi, please receive from us our weapons and our ornaments:
A trident from Lord Siva, The power over gunas; A discus from lord Vishnu the power over time.
The conch is from Varuna to get rid of ignorance, and awaken the awareness of divinity within.
Agni gives a spear to you of penetrating insight, and Vayu gives a bow and arrow to help you in your fight.
Ornaments and weapons, we now shower upon thee. Victory to the lion mounted glorious Devi.
Devi: Alto 2 Ah Ha Ha Ha Ha. I manifest as a mountain of power and light.
Killing of Mahisasura’s Armies: Devi: Ariel Pisturino Sage: Norge Yip Mahiasura: Scott Levin
Sage: The asuras saw this great commotion and readied themselves for battle.
Mahisasura: What is this great commotion?
Behold, it is a Radiant Being of feminine form. She pervades the three worlds like a thunderstorm.
She bends the earth under her feet, and with her crown the sky she greets.
When her bowstring resonates The nether regions agitate. Everywhere she penetrates As thousand arms gesticulate.
Demon legions all get ready for doing battle with this Devi.
Sage: There upon, the battle began between the Devi and demon clan. Countless asuras with chariots many. Generals, elephants, horses aplenty. Each of them battled the Devi with weapons trying to beat her and teach her a lesson. But the great Devi showered all sorts of weapons. When their armor was pierced, they were sent straight to heaven. All the great generals lay stricken and dead. So, Devas rejoiced as the warriors all fled.
From Heaven we shower our praises with flowers Chorus: From heaven we shower our praises with flowers. From every heaven numbering seven our praises we shower With all sorts of flowers. For the great generals lay stricken and dead All of their warriors fled, all of their warriors immediately fled.
Killing of Mahisasura
Sage: Elephants, chariots littered the field, And yet Mahisasura still would not yield.
Mahisasura took Many Forms Chorus: With his army destroyed, Mahisasura himself came forth with his image transformed. To frighten and destroy the Devi’s forces he assumed his buffalo form. Then He turned upon her lion throwing mountains with his terrible horns. And the lashing of his tail caused a furious gale and oceans waves became airborne. Ambika threw a noose, but a change in form allowed him to escape. Mahisasura again changed forms. This time choosing to assume the body of a lion. He continued to do battle with the Devi. When she severed his head, he came out as a man, but The Devi just cut him to shreds. But taking the form of an elephant he dragged the Devi’s lion with his trunk. The Devi chopped off his trunk and the buffalo form came again. The Devi then decided that the time had come for this fellow to be thoroughly slain.
Bellow you Fool Devi: Ariel Pisturino Bellow, you fool, bellow for now while I drink this potion. Behold now my form of supreme powerful cosmic power. After I have slain you, the gods will cheer in this very place. Now you are pinned down under my foot. You cannot escape. I pierce you with my spear. Aha! now your true form emerges from the mouth of your buffalo form. Now I behead thee with my sword.
Asuras: AH! Our leader is gone. We die of grief. Sing Praises to Devi the Mother Chorus: Sing Praises to Devi our Mother Her beauty compares with no other. Both seers and gods offer worship to her, regarding her grace they concur.
Her splendor cannot be described. Appellations galore are ascribed. Yet Brahma and Shiva and even Lord Vishnu, all fail when it comes to this issue.
Sing Praises to Devi’s great power To make and preserve and devour. Destroyer of Evil and pain, you protect us. Your prowess is truly momentous
With sound as your essence of being, the scriptures are sung with great meaning intent on conferring a sense of well-being. You sent all the asuras fleeing.
We offer to you our oblations, be gracious to all of creation. We saw Mahisasura’s power defeated His army then quickly retreated.
Salutations to the Devi – Chorus Salutations, O Devi. Salutations to you. You remove fear from every creature. You dispel all poverty and pain. You who are the good of all good, You are the all-knowing one. Rescuer of the distressed. Refuge for those seeking rest. Calamity will not befall those who seek refuge at your feet. Salutations, O Devi. Salutations to you. You exist in the form of all. You indeed are the ruler of all. You're the cause of our delusion, yet you are knowledge most supreme. You're the goddess of good fortune. You embody power. The form of creative force are you. You are the cause of everything. Salutations, O Devi. Salutations to you.
Though the enemies/Ask whatever you Wish/May you Destroy Chorus and Ariel Pisturino as Devi Though the enemies of the world have committed great evil, you think “May they reach heaven through death in battle with me.
With your gentle forms, protect us and the whole earth.
Devi: All you gods, ask whatever you wish of me. Well pleased with your hymns, I will gladly grant it.”
Devas: Chorus May you destroy our worst misfortunes. Whenever we remember you, whoever may praise you singing these hymns, May you bring increased success and wealth.
Devi: Ariel Pisturino So, let it be.
Once again it came to pass Sage: Norge Yip
Once again it came to pass that the gods lost their positions to asuras, this time named Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Remembering her promise, the Devas raised their voices in praise of the Devi:
Hymn: Ya Devi
Part 1 Chorus: Salutations to the Devi, who is the primordial cause and who is gracious. Salutations to Gauri, the eternal shining one who sustains the universe. Salutations to Durga, who takes us through difficulties, creator and indwelling essence of all. We bow to her who is at once most gentle and most fierce.
Salutation to the Devi, the gracious one, the primordial cause we bow to her the gracious one again and again. Salutations to shining Gauri who sustains the universe. We bow to her, we bow to her, we bow to her again and again Salutations to Ma Durga who takes us through our problems of life. Creator of all, indwelling of all, the essence of all. To her who is both gentle and fierce, supporting the world and creativity. We bow to her auspicious beauty; we bow to her again and again.
Chorus Part 2 Salutations to the Devi who abides in all beings in every conceivable aspect: Consciousness, intelligence, hunger, sleep, power, forgiveness, peace, faith, loveliness, good fortune, activity, memory, compassion.
Salutations to her who presides over the elements and the senses and is ever present in all beings. Bowing low in devotion, we remember her who destroys all afflictions.
Chant: Part 3 Salutations to the Devi, The gracious one, the primordial cause Bowing low in devotion, we remember her who destroys all afflictions. Salutations to the shining one who sustains the universe. Salutations to Ma Durga, our support through all hard times. The Creator, who dwells in all, most gentle and most fierce as well. Salutations to her who presides over the senses and elements. O Devi hear our prayers and once again remove our distress.
Devi’s Conversation with the Messenger While the gods were engaged in praise Sage: Norge Yip Parvati: Rebecca Rasmussen Ambika: Nichole Renee Bouffard Chanda: Joseph Garate Munda: Scott Levin Shumba: David Conley Sugriva: Jon Keenan Sage: While the gods were engaged in praise and adoration Parvati came to the Ganga to bathe. Parvati: Whom are you praising? May I ask? With hymns that you sing? Sage: From her body emerged the auspicious form of Ambika. Ambika: The Devas are appealing to me because Shumbha and Nishumbha have defeated them in battle. Chanda to Munda: Behold that woman of captivating beauty. Munda to Chanda: Our king Shumbha should possess her. Chanda to Munda: Yes, we should inform him of her rare beauty. Munda and Chanda: O great King, an unknown woman of surpassing beauty dwells in the mountains. Since you have appropriated all other things of value, why should this woman not be seized for you as well? Shumbha: You serve me well. I will send Sugriva to this woman to entice her with sweet words that she will quickly come to me.
Sugriva: O Devi, my dear, you should know that our Shumbha the Lord of all Asuras Is Sovereign supreme and I am Sugriva, his messenger loyal. I’m here to tell you he always gets the best of all genres Everything precious to being’s celestial is now in his palace royal.
Now let me tell you he praises you highly as a jewel among women. His mind is made up that himself you should marry or his brave younger brother. This is the state that your dazzling radiant beauty has put him in. For dominion supreme, Please answer him yes as he’ll not take any other.
Ambika: You speak the truth, but I once long ago took a vow that he alone who conquers me in battle will become my husband. Therefore, let Shumbha or Nishumbha come here. Having conquered me, let him take my hand in marriage.
You speak the truth, but long ago, I tell you now I took a vow. Only the one who can conquer me in battle will I take as my Spouse. Therefore, let Shumbha or Nishumbha come now. When I am conquered, I will go to his house.
Sugriva: You are arrogant, O Devi. Speak not so in my presence. What man in the three worlds surpasses Shumbha and Nishumbha, not to mention a woman? Go to them and avoid the indignity of being dragged there by your hair.
Ambika So, must it be. Shumbha is mighty and Nishumbha is exceedingly heroic, but what can I do? My rash vow was made long ago. Go back and tell the chief of asuras exactly what I have said.
Defeat of Dhumralochana Sugriva: Jon Keenan Shumba: David Conley Ambika: Nichole Renee Bouffard
Sugriva: My Lord Shumbha, the Devi says she will only marry one who can defeat her in battle.
Shumbha: This is outrageous. I will send my chieftain Dhumralochana and have that haughty lady dragged here.
Ambika:
Ah! Dhumralochana I see that you have been sent by Lord Shumbha. Ah! You are no match for me. This battle will be very short indeed. Your army will lose to my lion alone As I reduce you to ashes with a piercing tone! Ah!
Slaying of Chanda and Munda Sugriva: This is no ordinary woman, My Lord She conquered them all without even a Sword.
Chanda and Manda Slain
Sugriva: Jon Keenan Shumba: David Conley Sage: Norge Yip
My lord this is no ordinary woman. She easily defeated Dhumalocana and his entire army.
Shumbha: Chanda and Munda you are great generals. Go there, take immense forces. Bring her here at once. Seize by the hair or tie her, bind her but do not let her escape. If you cannot do this, then let all the asuras with all their weapons strike her down in battle.
Sage: Chanda and Munda headed up an army. Elephants, chariots, cavalry and infantry All went forth at Shumbha’s command. He wants the fairest lady of the land.
Ambika cried out angrily against those awesome foes. From her scowling angry brow Kali Ma then arose. She fought with the demon army and brought them to their knees.
Seeing his big army lying dead upon the field, Chanda rushed at Kali armed with weapons, sword, and shield. Arrows and Discuses descended on Mother Kali, But Mother with mouth open simply swallowed the whole volley.
Kali with her sword in hand, severed the warrior’s head. Munda then attacked her but was likewise cut to shreds. What remained of the mighty army with their leader dead and gone? Fearful and in confusion they fled running here and yon.
Shumbha: Here Ye, demon, demons all. I, your king on you now call. Chanda and Munda have both been killed. My Vengeance on Devi must now be fulfilled
Chorus:The Devi manifested many forms. The Devi manifested many forms to battle these asuras. Brave and powerful shakti, the gods’ embodied powers, sprang forth from the bodies of the gods, mirroring the form of each. The enemy troops were met by this enraged band of Mothers.
Slaying of Raktabija: From Every Drop of Blood – Chorus
The great band of Mother Goddesses crushed, crushed the mighty army of asuras. Seeing this, the great asura Raktabija strode forward to fight the Devis. But he had received a very special boon.
From every drop of blood that dripped from that asura came forth another asura of equal strength and might. Every drop of blood that dripped from that asura brought another one. And those asuras born from Raktabija now filled the whole world. They filled the whole world; the world was filled with asuras; born from Raktabija's blood they sprang. The devas all were most alarmed and frightened. They trembled. They trembled at the sight of them filling the earth, the whole earth. Then the Devi Chandika, seeing all the Devas fearful, on Kali did she call. Oh Kali, Kali, Oh, Kali Ma.
With your mouth catch every drop Catch all the blood. Open wide to quickly catch the blood. Roam about the battlefield devouring the asuras that spring forth from Him. And catching all the drops of blood before they reach the ground.
Kali caught each drop of blood before it fell and reached the earth. She caught each drop of blood before it fell to earth. Then Darts spears arrows poured down on him. The swords and spears and thunder bolts, These struck the demon with great force. The blood was caught by Kali Ma. Stricken by many weapons, Bloodless was the demon now. He lay lifeless on the ground.
Sing Praises to the Devi, She saved us from the demons, the demons of desire. Devi thus destroys our desires, that multiply like Raktabija’s blood drops. So, let us dance and sing her praises.
Dance Women’s Chorus Ah Ah
Slaying of Shumbha and Nishumbha Sage: Norge Yip Shumba: David Conley Devi/ Ambika: Nichole Renee Bouffard 1.Sage: Lord Shumbah fell into unparalleled rage, as did Nishumbha his brother. A battle with Devi they both would engage. They'd beat her one way or the other. The Demons remaining made up a new force, Gathering weapons galore. They followed Lord Shumbah who set the war course. To him their allegiance they swore. The demons set flying their weapons of war. The Devi met each with her own. Arrow met arrows, splitting the core, no matter which way they were thrown. The devi's best arrows would puncture a shield causing asuras to panic. This led to many just fleeing the field, their minds were so totally manic. The lance of Nishumbha was crushed by her fist. His club was destroyed by her trident. Nishumbha at first would simply not desist, But soon his campaign would be silent. Her ax dealt a blow of significant force, by arrows he found himself struck. The battle then took on a different course, for now on the ground he was stuck. Shumbha moved forward now greatly enraged. He led his fierce army to battle. They charged like wild beasts set free from a cage or a stampede of mad cattle. But soon they would find all their strength had been sapped by all sorts of deafening noise. For into her arsenal Devi now tapped a host of effective war toys. She blew on her conch. She vibrated her bowstring. She rang her bell. Her Lion roared. Kali pounded the earth with a deafening noise. Siva-Duti laughed a menacing laugh.
Devi: Heh Heh heh Heh
Sage: Devi released a loud thunderclap. Nishumbha revived and shot arrows galore, followed by ten thousand discuses. But glorious Durga was ready for more. She crushed them according to witnesses. Chandika pierced him clean through the heart with a swiftly hurled spear. A demon sprang forth from the hole in the heart but she cut off its head quick and clear. The lion of Devi and her many forms killed demons on left and on right. Together they took the asuras by storm, But Shumbha revived to fight.
Shumbha: You have slaughtered my dear brother .Now you will see my full rage. See how unfairly you do battle assuming many forms. See how I deflect your wondrous weapons. Now that you are a single Devi. I am the king of earth and heavens You are no match for me, Oh Lady. I should obtain all things of beauty. You killed my brother with tactics shady. Yield to me now, it is your duty. You are no match for me, Oh Lady.
The Devi: Ariel I withdraw my many forms. I stand alone as Ambika to fight you, Oh Shumbha. This is a wonderful play time for me. What fun blasting your weapons with glee. See how my arrows turn yours to debris. This is more like a warmup for me. Your efforts are useless, I'll make you defenseless. Your plans really are senseless. For this is my play. For this is my play. For this is my play. Now what can you do with no arrows or bows. This is my sharp discus just see how I throw. Oh, how cleanly it cuts through your spear. One less weapon for you now, my dear. Gone is your chariot, also your lariat. Your looking quite desperate. Your time is up. Your time is now up. Your time is now up.
Shumbha: I still have my fists. Take this blow to your heart.
Ambika: Ha, this is how a blow is given. With my palm I send you down to the ground.
Shumbha: But I rise again we shall fight mid-air.
Ambika Flung Him to the Earth Chorus Shumbha rose again in the air to battle with Ambika, but she flung him to the earth, thrust her spear through his chest, and he was dead. And thus, was the evil one slain. Then the universe became calm, regaining its natural order, and the sky cleared, and all was peaceful.
Salutations Be to You, Narayani – Chorus Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani. Who in the ferocious man lion form will kill the demons and thereby protect the worlds three. Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani Adorned with a diadem holding a thunderbolt, you slayed Vritra the demon of drought, when you came as the goddess Aindri. Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani. With a frightful gaze and a piercing shriek, you destroyed the army of mighty demons in your form as Shivaduti. Be gracious Mother, Ruler of all, remover of suffering of those who worship you. Ruler of all, protect the universe. You who rule both the moving and unmoving. Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani. With necklace of serpents and trident supreme and riding a bull, the mightiest beast Maheshwari is your form. Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani. As Narasimhi half- lioness half women with discus huge and a toss of your mane, You scatter, the constellations. Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani. The form of Brahmani next you took riding a swan yoked chariot you sprinkled the sanctified water thus, sapping the demon's strength. Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani. May your terrible trident flaming and sharp protect us from dread as it slayed the asuras. Bhadrakali we salute you. Salutations be to you, Narayani, Narayani. Varahi, Vishnu's boar-like form powerfully lifting the earth with your tusks. Proving that you sustain it all. Auspicious Shakti of Hari. All forms of knowledge are aspects of you. all women of the world are aspects of you. O Devi, you have become all things and when praised you grant us liberation.
The Promise Ariel Pisturino O this I shall promise to all those who praise me with minds collected and devoted to me. I shall destroy all of the trouble of those who praise me with glorious hymns. Calamities and troubles from pestilence to earthquakes, wild animals and mental stress and battles with enemies. When you recite my glories with concentrated mind well-being will come, all misfortunes will be banished. The hearing of my story removes impurities and you will be blessed with an auspicious mind and deeds. And by my power robbers, beasts, and enemies will flee far away from those who remember my deeds. Those hearing my glory, my prowess in battle, their adversaries are destroyed.
O Devi, what words can extol you Chorus
O Devi, how can words ever extol you? You pervade the land and water, thus sustain the world. The cause of our delusion, but also our hope for our liberation. Be gracious and protect us, protect us who recount your glorious deeds. You are the Creator. You are the Preserver. You are the Destroyer. To begin all again, be gracious and protect us. You pervade the land. You pervade the water. Be gracious and protect us who recant your glorious deeds.'
Vivekananda Oratorio 150
Section 1 Interfaith
Fragment of Opening Address at Parliament
To Himself: “O Mother, giver of Vak, Thou self-existent, come as Vak upon my lips”
Baritone: Vivekananda
Sisters and Brothers of America,……
(Interrupted by an orchestral equivalent of applause)
It fills my heart with joy unspeakable, to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. The following story illustrates our viewpoint.[1]
Blind Folks and the Elephant
Ensemble of Soloists
Guide: Tenor
The circus has arrived in town
Complete with animals and clowns
Since you are blind and cannot see them
I’ve arranged to have you feel them.
Clasp the hands on either side
And I will lead you as your guide.
Each trainer will bring out his charge.
Some are small and others large
While sighted folks just get a glance
To touch them you will have the chance.
This is quite experimental
But I’m told the animals are gentle.
Kinkajou caretaker: Soprano
Here we have a kinkajou
A monkey that will climb on you
From arms to shoulders let him jump
Even though he’s a bit plump.
Blind Alto
Kinkajous are kind of hairy,
Blind Bass
But not what I’d term as scary.
Blind Soprano
Grabbing with his little hands on my shoulders he did land.
Blind Tenor
Then he walked around my back and tried to open my backpack.
Snake Caretaker: Alto Solo
Next we have a large king snake
We are lucky that he’s still awake
He was basking in the sun
A pastime he considers fun.
Make sure that he’s free to slither
Feel him passing hither and thither.
Blind Soprano and Alto
As he slithers round completely
He massages rather sweetly
Yes, he moves with rippling muscles
Not with legs that hustle bustle.
Blind Alto, Tenor, Bass
Silently he glides around
Never making any sound.
Elephant Care-taker Bass. Solo
The next one is an elephant
Of which you’re ignorant.
So form a circle all around
For this one surely will astound.
Blind Soprano
Feels like a pole or tree
Blind Alto
Feels more snake like to me.
Blind Tenor
It is a fan that makes air rush.
Blind Bass
Boy you’re nuts, it’s a wall –sized wire brush.
Blind Soprano, Alto, Tenor
No, no
Blind Bass
Feels like a wall from where I stand.
Blind Tenor
Uh not at all, it’s like a fan.
Blind Alto
This is crazy talk you make it is much more like the snake.
Blind Bass. Blind Tenor
It’s like a wall. It’s Like a fan.
Blind Soprano
Its shape is like a pole or tree at least that’s how it feels to me.
Tenor
It’s like a fan.
Blind Tenor
It’s like a fan
Blind Bass.
It’s like a wall.
Blind Alto
It’s like a snake.
Blind Soprano
No not at all.
Blind Tenor
A fan
Blind Bass
A wall
Blind Alto
A Snake
Blind Soprano
A tree
Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone
You are wrong and I am right. Might is right so let us fight.
Guide: Tenor Solo
Silence please, this argument
Comes from the size of elephants.
In knowing it each has a start
By having grasped just one small part
But the total you know not which causes you to fight a lot.
Elephant Caretaker: Baritone Solo
The elephant is quite enormous
And its parts are multiformous
You touched the side, you touched the ear;
You felt a leg, one in the rear.
You in front, you know the trunk but of the rest I’m afraid you’d flunk.
Kinkajou Caretaker: Soprano solo
When we try to understand something very large and grand
Limited will be our view, whether it be me or you.
For example thoughts on God will most certainly be flawed.
All attempts at God defining end up being too confining.
Definitions give no hope God is infinite in scope.
Snake Caretaker - Alto Solo
How difficult the situation when the folks of differ’nt nations
Talk of God in terms confining. Views of others they’re maligning.
Elephant Trainer - Baritone Solo
God’s the biggest thing of all - words will always be too small.
Elephant Trainer: Baritone, then repeated by quartet of guide and caretakers, then by full ensemble.
Oh In this case I think you’ll find in seeing God most all are blind
And we think it quite orthodox when we put God in our own box.
But rather we should realize that God is infinite in size.
Interfaith Benediction
Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
Recognize that different natures require different paths.
The very soul of life itself is this variety.
For your way is quite good for you but would not be for me.
So may we have no quarrel with having variety.
How can someone preach of love who cannot bear to hear, that someone practices a faith that's different from their own.
The tendencies with which we're born remain with us through life.
So God forbid that there be only one religion.
Om Shant Shanti Shalom
Shalom Amin Amen Shalom Amen Shalom
Om Shanti Om Peace Amen.
Om Amen.
Section 2
Divine Mother and God in Nature
Brahman and Kali
Soprano: Recitative
Brahman, who is neuter, unknown and unknowable, covers Himself with a veil of Maya to be objectified and becomes the Mother of the Universe, and brings forth creation. Kali is Brahman in manifestation, in manifestation.
The totality of souls, not the human alone, is the Personal God. The will of the totality nothing can resist. It is what we know as law. And this is what we mean by Shiva and Kali.
Sister Nivedita: Soprano
Perhaps, Swamiji, Kali is the vision of Shiva. Is She?
Vivekananda: Baritone
Well, Sister Nivedita, express it in your own way.
With extra conditions all muddled up, divinity misunderstood.
How terrible the storms, the floods, the quakes, and tornadoes. But all of nature's horrors and life's other problems too -- they come from God the one Eternal Brahman, from Brahman. Put God in every move; put God in everything you say.
Put God in everything and then the whole scene changes.
When we become the witness desiring not a worldly thing, not one thing, then all of nature’s changes are of things sublime.
He who knows the secret of seeing that which is beyond nature
With the help of nature, he has conquered death. He has seen the truth.
He has conquered death and he has seen the truth.
When we become the witness and see that which is beyond,
We then enjoy the bliss of God.
The Lord is the Omnipresent One
Chorus SATB and quartet SATB
The Lord is the Omnipresent, One without a second.
For he has interpenetrated the whole Universe.
The Pure, the great poet of the universe, whose meter is the sun and stars.
He is everywhere, everywhere. Everywhere, the pure and stainless one.
Nature’s Beauty
Chorus SATB
Majestic morn, the melting eve,
The boundless billowy sea.
In nature's beauty, songs of birds,
I see through them -- it is He.
The moon's soft light, the sky so bright,
The glorious orb of day.
He shines in them; He’s beauty -- might --
Reflected lights are they.
When dire calamity seizes me,
The heart seems weak and faint.
Me-seems I hear Thee whispering sweet
My love, "I am near", "I am near".
When nature seems to crush me down,
With laws that never bend.
With Thee, my love, my heart gets strong,
A thousand deaths no fear.
Where 'ere I roam, from this day forth
May I feel God standing by.
O'er hill and dale, high mount and vale,
Far, far away and high.
Be the Witness – The Soul is Neither Pain or Pleasure
Soprano Solo
The soul has neither pain nor pleasure. It is the witness of everything.
The eternal witness of all work, but it takes no fruits from any work.
To work properly you first must give up the idea of attachment.
Hold yourself as the witness and go on working.
Everything is evanescent and changeful.
Knowing this the sage gives up both pleasure and pain and becomes a witness of the panorama of the universe without attachment for anything.
He sees the world as a picture knowing that nothing affects him.
Then he enjoys its beauty.
Whenever there is any bliss, there is a spark of the eternal bliss,
The bliss that is the Lord himself.
The essence of our own soul. He's the light and life of the whole universe.
He's the eternal witness of the universe.
0 Lord and Mother of the Universe, Thou flowing stream of nectar,
How many forms and aspects does thou play in manifestation.
The soul has neither pain nor pleasure.
Hold yourself as the witness, then behold nature's beauty.
Chant, Believe
Chorus
Believe that you are the children of God, the heirs of infinite strength and bliss.
Believe that your body and mind are sacred temples.
Believe that God pervades every man, and every woman.
He pervades every tree and creeper, every sentient and insentient being.
The presence of God must be realized everywhere.
He is the personal and impersonal, with and without form.
He dwells in all beings. He pervades land and waters.
He pervades hills and valleys. He pervades the sky and stars. He pervades all things.
There is none except the Divine in the entire universe.
See God in the blue of the sky, the waves of the sea.
See God in the face of a friend, in the simplicity of a child.
See God in the horrors of death, in the steadfastness of the saint.
There is none except the Divine in the entire universe.
Blend the four yogas, use bhakti and karma, use raja and jnana and reach the goal.
I am existence and knowledge absolute. My true nature is absolute bliss.
Posture straight and the senses controlled and the waves of the mind will come to rest.
Concentrate on your work amidst all distractions. From the fruits be detached.
Cultivate love for God. Chant his name Remember him constantly. Feel bliss divine.
Section 4
Bhakti Yoga and Love
Love Never Fails
Soprano Solo
Love never fails today or tomorrow. Tis truth that will conquer and destroy all your sorrow. Love always is the highest ideal, for love is existence, God himself.
Love is truth, truth must prevail. Tis Truth that will conquer all your sorrows.
All this is the manifestation of the one love, for love is existence.
Ocean of Love
Soprano Solo
Fill your heart with divine water of the ocean of love, which is God himself.
This blessed madness of divine love alone can cure forever the disease of the world that is in us. With the love of God will come the love of everyone in the universe. With love of God will come the love of all.
Love is the Only Law of Life
Recitative: Soprano
Love is the only law of life. He who loves lives. Love for love's sake. Love everyone as your own self, because the whole universe is one.
Oneness
Men’s Chorus TBB
There is the oneness of the whole universe, this solidarity of the whole universe. When we realize it, and see it, feel it, then will misery and fear cease.
From the lowest worm under our feet to the highest being that ever lived, all have various bodies but are the one soul universal.
From the great ideal of oneness has come the great ideal of universal love.
Fear ceases and then alone comes perfect happiness and perfect love. That eternal universal love and bliss that raises us above everything.
God is present in every being. There is no other God.
Do you love your fellow human beings? O where shall you go to seek for God?
Are not the poor God? Are not the weak God? Are not the sick and helpless God?
God is present in every being that you serve.
Believe in the omnipotent power of love.
Its power of love is infinitely greater than the power of hate.
The sum total of all love is God. 0 God is love. Love is God.
Have you universal love? Then you are omnipotent. Are you perfectly unselfish? Then you're irresistible. Believe in the omnipotent power of love. For love shall win the victory.
Therefore Serve Each One as God
Tenor Solo
Therefore serve each one as God, serve the children of the Lord.
Do your service to others as worship of God.
Blessed are those who are able to serve.
God resides in every being.
Serve the living God and work becomes a play.
Serve the living God and work becomes joy itself.
Section 5 Karma Yoga, Work, Unselfishness
To the Work You Have the Right
Chorus SATB
To the work you have the right, but not to the fruits thereof.
Work detached and find true peace. Work for desires and they increase.
One who fulfills all his desires is pouring oil on fire.
Fulfill desires and they increase like pouring oil on fire.
Pour oil on fire and it increases
For the rewards of renunciation are greater than the fruits of any action.
Unselfishness
Chorus SATB and Tenor Solo
Unselfishness is the test of religion. He who is the most unselfish is the closest one to God. He who loves all beings without distinction, he worships his God the best.
Unselfishness, love and truth are our ideals. Self-restraint, self-abnegation and great unselfishness are the greatest manifestation of tremendous power. It is the motive power of the whole universe.
Section 6 Raja Yoga, the Mind, Meditation, Thoughts
The Mind Uncontrolled
Baritone Solo
The mind uncontrolled and unguided will drag us down forever, and rend us, kill us. But the controlled mind and the guided mind will save us and free us.
Chant, Unto Him Belongs Peace
Women’s Chorus SSAA (Chant)
The wicked see this world as a perfect hell, but the good see it as a perfect heaven. Haters see this world as full of hate, but lovers see it full of love.
Fighters see nothing but strife, the peaceful nothing but peace.
The perfect man sees nothing but God, the perfect see all as God.
In this world of death, he who finds that One Infinite Life, unto him belongs eternal peace.
He who sees the One among the many, unto him belongs eternal peace.
He who sees that One unchangeable in the universe of change, unto him belongs eternal peace.
In this world of ignorance he who finds that one knowledge, unto him belongs eternal peace. Unto him belongs eternal peace, unto him and unto none else.
We are What our Thoughts have made us
Recitative: Bass
We are what our thoughts have made us, so take care of what you think. It is thought which the propelling force in us is. So fill up the mind with the highest thought. Never mind your failures, they are natural.
Every vicious thought will rebound. Every thought of hatred which you've thought is stored up and one day will come back to you in the form of some misery. If you project hatred and jealousy they will rebound on you with compound interest. No power can avert them. Remembering this will prevent you from doing wicked things.
Powers of the Mind
Recitative: Baritone or Soprano
The powers of the mind are like scattered rays of light. When they are focused they illumine. The powers of the mind should be concentrated and turned back upon itself. The mind’s greatest state is meditation.
Practice is essential. Sit in a straight posture. Breathe in a measured way, and send a current of holy thought to all creation.
Thoughts on Meditation “Send a Current”
Six Part Canon for soloists
Send a current of holy thought to all creation.
May all beings be happy, may all beings be peaceful. Make me thy faithful servant. Be Thou my refuge. Take me by the hand, 0 Lord. I take shelter in thee.
I am strong in mind and body. I have unbounded faith in myself. Give me knowledge, give me light. Give me Knowledge and light.
Section 7 Jnana Yoga, Freedom
Manifest Divinity
Chorus SATB and Alto Solo
There is no sin in thee; there is no misery in thee. Thou art the reservoir of omnipotent power. Arise, awake and manifest the divinity within.
Cultivate a temperament of an optimistic bent. See the Good in everything. Your laments no profits bring. Be not the least bit cowardly, follow truth wherever it leads.
To the Fourth of July
Chorus SATB
Behold, behold the dark clouds melt away,
That gather thick at night, and hung
So like a gloomy pall above the earth,
Before thy magic touch, the world awakes.
The birds in chorus sing.
The flowers raise their star - like crowns --
Dew - set, and wave thee welcome fair.
The lakes are opening wide in love
Their hundred thousand lotus - eyes
To welcome thee, with all their depth.
All hail to thee, thou Lord of Light!
A welcome new to thee, today,
O Sun! Today thou sheddest Liberty.
Bethink thee how the world did wait,
And search for thee, through time and clime.
Some gave up home and love of friends,
And went in quest of the Self. Banished,
Through dreary oceans, through primeval forests,
Each step a struggle for life and death;
Then came the day when work bore fruit,
And worship and love, and sacrifice,
Fulfilled, accepted, and complete.
Then thou, propitious, rose to shed
The light of Freedom on mankind.
Move on, O Lord, in thy resistless path!
Till thy high noon o'er spreads the world.
Till every land reflects thy light,
Till men and women, with uplifted heads,
Behold their shackles broken, and
Know, in springing joy, their life renewed!
All hail to Thee thou lord of light!
Freedom is the Song of the Soul
Baritone Solo
Freedom, 0 freedom is the song of the soul. This effort to attain freedom underlies all form of worship. Freedom is what we're striving for. The soul cries ever, "Freedom, 0 Freedom." There cannot be life without the idea of freedom. Freedom is the same as God. But the truth is that we are free by our very nature.
Think you are Free
Chorus SATBB
Think you are free and it is free that you will be.
I am pure I am He. I am He and so art thee.
I am beyond all life and death, perfect am I,
Perfect are you.
Realized souls see all as Perfect.
Think you are free, free you will be.
I am beyond all life, beyond all death.
Where shall I seek for freedom?
I am by nature free.
You are in all and you are all.
I am beyond all life and death.
Whom to avoid, whom to take?
Where shall I seek for freedom?
I by my nature am free.
I am Free. I am beyond all life and death.
I am pure. You are pure. I am He and so art thee.
Think you are pure and it is pure that you will be.
Truth gives you strength and strength leads to truth.
And the truth is that you are the pure and blessed one.
God is Spirit
Baritone Solo
God is spirit. Worship him in spirit and truth.
Forget the body and all is spirit. Forget the body and all is spirit.
Recognize yourself as Spirit and worship God as spirit.
Make vivid and powerful the true religion, the worship of spirit by the spirit.
Every human body is the temple of God.
Stand in reverence before each human being.
Everything that binds will vanish and you will be free.
Hear ye! I have found the secret the ancient one, who is beyond all darkness.
By knowing Him alone, you shall be saved from death.
Only by God’s mercy may we cross the ocean of life.
There is a way out of darkness by perceiving him who is beyond all darkness.
You are Spirit Eternal; you are not matter; you are not bodies.
You are Spirit free and Eternal, Blest.
Hari the Lion
Ensemble of Soloists
Baritone: Vivekananda
Let me tell you a story about an old lioness who was big with child and very hungry.
Soprano: Lioness
I am very hungry and I need to eat for two.
I’m too old to be a mother, how can I hunt for food.
My cub will be born any day now and he will need my milk.
What to do?
Alto: Mother Sheep
Come little ones, come frisk and play
Come roll and jump the day away.
Spring is here and grass is green
Eat some more or you’ll be too lean.
Strengthen your wobbly legs by playing
The more you run forward the less you’ll be swaying.
Gentle the breeze and bright the sun,
You’ll be much stronger when day is done.
Soprano: Mother Lioness
Here is some easy prey. Can I catch it without much strain?
My cub will be born any day….
Alto: Mother Sheep
Silence. A lioness, run away.
4 Women: Baby Sheep
Bah bah, bah . . .
Soprano: Mother Lioness
Ah too much strain on this old body. My cub is being born and I fear I am dying.
Alto: Mother Sheep
Is it a trick?
Sopranos and Altos: Baby Sheep
Bah Bah Bah.
Mother Sheep
Quiet.
Alto: Mother Sheep
Here The Lioness lies dead.
On her paw her new-born’s head.
Not yet opening his little eyes
For its first look at the sky.
Ah, its eyes are opening now
As I gaze down at his brow.
Oh dear me, it thinks that I’m mom,
Accepting me without a qualm.
My mother’s instinct makes me blind
To the fear that’s normal toward your kind.
You cannot survive alone so
I’ll raise you as my own.
With my own you come along
Even though you don’t belong.
Baritone: Vivekananda
A few months passed and the little sheep and the lion cub all grew very fast, but the lion cub was never very happy.
Sopranos: Little Sheep
Look how funny is his hair
It goes straight out in the air.
Just to chew he’ll need a class,
He struggles just to eat the grass.
His voice is really weird as well.
He even has a funny smell.
He He He He Ha Ha Ha Ha
Alto: Mother Sheep
Don’t make fun, it’s not polite,
You cannot understand his plight,
Besides his bite is very bad
So careful not to make him mad.
Tenor: Lion cub
BBBaaaahr Baaaahr.
Sopranos and Altos: Flock of Baby Sheep
He He He He. Ha Ha ha Ha
Lion - Baritone
Through the forest I am walking
Or perhaps you’d call it stalking.
I can walk and walk around
Never making any sound
Completely silent all day long,
Except they make me sing this song.
Woh – Wow - well what is this?
Here’s a sight that can’t be missed
A lion cub among the sheep
Grazing like he’s half asleep.
I’ll capture him, that’s what I’ll do
And teach this cub a thing or two.
Instead of his pathetic bleating,
Mighty roars will be his greeting.
Alto: Mother Sheep
Run from where the grass is thinner
Or you’ll be a lion’s dinner!
Altos and Sopranos: Baby Sheep: Bah Bah Bah Bah
Tenor: Lion Cub
Help me, help me. Please don’t eat me.
I’m a helpless little sheepy
Lion: Baritone
This is nonsense that you speak.
Why are you so pale and meek?
Why so thin, so sad and drear?
Why so scared and full of fear.
You are a lion just like me.
I will take you to the lake to see.
Tenor: Lion Cub
A bite from you and I am done
For I’m a sheep, but not a very good one.
Baritone: Lion
That’s because you’re not a sheep.
Now look into the water deep
Look at the reflection clear
This is me. You are here.
Tenor: Lion Cub
O My goodness, now I see
Why all the sheep did laugh at me
For I don’t look like them at all.
I am a lion after all.
My true nature I now know.
Into it I now can grow,
Knowing who I really am,
I won’t try to be a lamb.
Good qualities before were hidden
With ignorance were over-ridden.
Now they can be manifest,
I can be the very best.
Baritone: Vivekananda
So I say unto you, let positive, strong and helpful thoughts enter into your brains. Lay yourself open to these thoughts, not weakening ones. Know you are the Atman.
We must know our true nature, the Absolute.
Proclaim the Glory and Arise Awake
Baritone Soloist and Chorus SSATBB
Proclaim the glory of the Atman with the roar of a lion.
Shake off the delusion that you are sheep and come up, O lions,
Glory, Glory, Glory. Thou Art That.
Impart fearlessness in all by saying:
Chorus SSATB
Arise, Awake! Stop not ‘til the goal is reached.
Sleep no more. Arise and sleep no more.
Know your true nature, the Absolute.
Know the truth. Arise, awake.
You are infinite, deathless, birthless. Fear not.
Kill the false “I” and the real “I”, the Lord, will reign.
Arise, Awake! Stop not ‘til the goal is reached.
[1] Swami Vivekananda did not tell this story at the Parliament. He told the Frog in the Well story. But for the sake of the flow of the Oratorio, I have placed this parable here, which he told on other occasions. This is a highly elaborated version.
[2] The lyrics to this song mostly are adapted from Sister Nivedita’s writings on Kali the Mother.
[3] While these lyrics are not specifically taken from Swami Vivekananda, I believe they summarize his message.
[4] This chorus and the final set of choruses contain some of the words he repeated most frequently, some of which are quotes from the Upanishads.
Ramakrishna In Song
Order of Program
1) God: Formless and Yet With Form
2) Truth is One, Sages call it by Various Names
3) God is One with Many Aspects
4) Parable of the Chameleon
5) God is All and Beyond All
6) Parable of the Pot of Curd: A Guru, four disciples and Mother Ganga
6a) Salutations to the Guru
6b) Guru makes assignments
6c) Work Song
6d) Offering assignments
6e) Work song reprise
6f) Angry Guru
6g) Faith Song Finale
7) Meditation
8) Keep the Name of the Lord Spinning Around in Your Head
9) Chant Gods Name and Sing his Glory
10)Two Thorns
11) Parable: Pundit who can’t swim
12) Set Your Sail
13) God is my Pole-Star
14) Message of the Gita -Tyagi
15) Ego and Maya
16) God Alone is Real
17) Realize God.
LIBRETTO
1) God: Formless and yet with Form
Recitative: Soprano
God is formless and God is with form. He is that which transcends both form and formless. They are like ice and water. When water freezes into ice it has form; when the same ice is melted into water, all form is lost.
2) Truth is One Sages call it by Various Names
Choir
The Truth is One, Sages call it by various names.
All views have that one for their center.
God with form or God the formless.
God the Father. Father God. Om.
God the Mother. Mother God. Father Mother God.
God is the harmony of all ideals.
All views have that one for their center.
God is the harmony of all ideals. Truth is One.
3) God is One with Many Aspects
Aria: Soprano
God is One, God is One, but His aspects are many.
Many are the names, but God is One.
Take for an example, a master of a home.
To one he is the father, to another he is a bro.
Husband to a third, neighbor to another. All these roles he fills, yet is he one.
A woman will be a daughter to her mother, but a mother to her daughter. To the husband she is a wife, to another the neighbor. Co-worker, friend, disciple or teacher, an aunt or a niece, or maybe a cousin. Her roles could easily be in the dozens.
So do we describe God in various ways, each with a concept which differs from the next. Each calls on God with a different name. As he is worshiped, so is God seen.
4) Parable of the Chameleon
Six Soloists: Soprano, Mezzo, Alto , Tenor, Baritone, Bass
Baritone
The other day while passing by I through those woods did wander.
There was this curious reptile on whose nature I did ponder.
He was a striking red and could be seen a way off yonder.
And it’s the shade of red of which I couldn’t be much fonder.
Tenor
How strange it is to hear your tale for I saw a lizard rare
In the same said forest; I too did stop and stare.
But this small thing was not bright red but green I do declare.
I think you're wrong unless perhaps there is a red green pair.
Mezzo
Could you be speaking of the one who sits on a big tree,
Just about at forest’s edge? It is a rarity.
But yellow was the one I saw, I say with surety
I’m a keen observer for I’ve studied tapestry.
Soprano
Yellow, green and even red, I think you’ve all gone mad,
Unless you’re going to tell me that the lizard’s made of plaid!
Or perhaps you’re color blind, in which case it is sad,
For the creature is quite blue, bedazzling I might add.
Chorus
I'm sure the creature's color's (blue/yellow/green/red) and not as you describe.
I'm quite sure what I saw in spite of all your diatribes.
The impression in my brain is clear as though it were inscribed.
It stays that way in spite of all your protests jibs and jibes.
Alto
Let us take a little walk before we start to fight,
For, you see, it’s clear to me, that none of you is right
For I know of a creature that is pink and very bright.
I’ve only seen it once, but it was really quite a sight.
Chorus
Its off we go to forest's edge to prove my sight is clear, to pay a visit to the creature who's not far from here. I know my memory's quite intact. I doubt that yours is dear.
You seem like a nice person but your concepts are just queer.
Mezzo
See right where that monk is sitting, up a-ways ahead.
There’s the tree, where I believe, the creature makes its bed.
Lets ask this swami if perhaps he too has seen its head.
And if it seems to him bright pink, green, yellow, blue or red.
Alto
Kind sir, each one of us this spot before has visited
and seen a creature, lizard like, on branches overhead.
You’ll likely think us crazy, and this verdict’s one we dread.
But we ask you, is it pink, green, yellow, blue or red?
Bass
I live beneath this grand old tree. Your problem’s justified.
For it is a chameleon who lives here close at my side.
He changes color as he likes or when he needs to hide.
When knowing part and not the whole, convictions will collide.
When good opinions seem to clash and people disagree,
Perhaps each one is partially right but each not totally.
Partial truth when thought as whole is most illusory.
Transcend the petty partial truths and find the unity.
Ensemble
When good opinions seem to clash and people disagree,
Perhaps each one is partially right but each not totally.
Partial truth when thought as whole is most illusory.
Transcend the petty partial truths and find the unity.
5) God is All and Beyond All
Soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
God is in all and yet beyond it all.
Consciousness pervades all because God’s nature is consciousness. God dwells in the living and in the non-living things as well. God is in all and yet beyond it all. God dwells in all beings as spirit, all-pervading.
Absolute existence and consciousness and bliss have become all this, the creator and creation. God is in all and yet beyond it all. God is in all.
6) Parable of the Pot of Curd: A Guru, four disciples and Mother Ganga
Three sopranos, two altos and a baritone
6a) Salutations to the Guru
Women’s Quartet
I bow down to the divine Guru by whom is revealed the divine Being, the intelligence absolute that permeates all the worlds and all objects.
I bow down to the divine Guru who imparts to the disciple the fire of self-knowledge, and burns away his bonds of Karma accumulated through many births.
May we offer this to you
6b) Guru makes assignments
Baritone and women’s quartet
Meera: O dear guru, we are here to serve you. How may we all be of help to you this day.
Guru: We must prepare for the rice eating ceremony for my first born son.
I’m sure you understand that I am very excited. And bit nervous.
I want everything to go just right.
I want you to prepare the items necessary for this ceremony.
Meera, polish all the brass. Gita, iron all the cloths.
Let's see. Of course we will need to make rice pudding, Hmmm… You have a cow to provide milk, correct?
Deepti: Yes I do.
Guru: That will be your contribution.
Uma, hmmm You have a flower garden.
Uma: Yes I do
Guru: Please bring a nice supply.
6c) Work Song
Women’s quartet
Meera: Joy it is to polish, to polish brass when I do it as service, when done as service.
Uma: Lucky are the flowers that get picked for offering. Oh, lucky are the flowers that get picked for offering.
Gita: May all the worldly ripples in my mind be removed like the wrinkles in this cloth, in this cloth while I iron.
Deepti: My dear cow, you give us milk, just like a Mother supplies her child, a mother supplies her child.
6d) Offering assignments
Women’s Quartet:
In you may we see Brahman.
Service to you is serving God.
May we always do our best.
May our off'ring be accepted.
May enlightenment be our goal.
May we have no other goal..
6e) Work song reprise
Womens’s quartet
Deepti: Here is the milk that my cow provided. Here is all the milk that my cow provided.
Meera: Here is all the brass, all freshly polished and shiny. Oh here is all the brass all polished and shiny.
Uma: Here are all the flowers, they're freshly plucked and washed. Oh here are the flowers freshly plucked and washed.
Gita: Here are all the cloths freshly washed, pressed. These are the cloths freshly washed and pressed, they're freshly pressed.
6f) Angry Guru
Baritone and Two Sopranos
Guru: What? I wanted you to make the rice pudding. Now what are we to do?
Go to the river and do penance for your failure to understand my instructions.
Stand in the river until you are told that the rice pudding is done for the celebration or until you drown. Go!
Deepti: Oh Mother Ganga, by my misunderstanding I have offended my guru. Please cleanse me of my faults and make me a fit disciple or may I drown as my final act of obedience and my final offering.
Ganga: My child, you need not drown yourself. Because of your sincere faith in your guru I give you this pot of curd. No matter how much you pour from it, it will always be full. Your guru will be pleased and as satisfied as I am by your devotion.
Guru: Ah, still no solution to the making of the rice pudding.
I shouldn't have lost my temper. I shouldn't have thrown away the milk.
What a fool! My students take heed. The Gita warns against anger.
Look at where it's gotten me.
Deepti: My guru, please accept this pot of curd for the ceremony for your son. While in the river God appeared as Mother Ganga and gave me this pot of curd.
Guru: I should be grateful. But it seems so small for the large crowd expected here.
Deepti: Mother Ganga said to give this pot to you and it woud supply all you need. Pour the curd in the many cups you have and you’ll see how far it goes.
Guru: This tiny cup has filled up so many times its total volume yet it’s still all full.
Deepti: Mother Ganga said it would be always full.
Guru: Mother Ganga really appeared to you?
Deepti: Yes my Guru.
Guru: Take me to Her. I must see Her too.
Deepti: Yes my Guru.
Guru: Take me to Her. I must see Her too.
Deepti: Oh Mother Ganga, please appear before my teacher…
Guru: Where is your goddess? Why does she appear to you and not to me?
Deepti: Oh Mother Ganga my Guru wants to see you himself. Please I beg you, appear before my teacher.
Ganga: I am here for you my child.
Deepti: She is right there!
Guru: I don’t see her. I will drown myself in the river is she does not appear to me.
Deepti: Mother Ganga please, I pray appear to my teacher, for if he drowns himself I will surely die too.
Ganga: I appeared to this poor woman because of her sincere devotion and faith in her guru. Two things are necessary for the realization of God, faith and self- surrender. The one who has faith has all, and the one who lacks faith lacks all. Total resignation and faith in God are at the root of all miraculous deeds. If you have faith, you will attain to that for which you long.
6g) Faith Song Finale
All: two sopranos, two altos and baritone
Meera: We’ve heard about the miracle, the news has spread throughout the village. Tell us what the Goddess said. What is the message of the miraculous pot of Curd? What is at the root of all miraculous deeds? (Repeated by the other three women devotees.)
Deepti: Total resignation and faith in God. One who has firm faith in God attains what is longed for.
(Repeated by Guru and rest of women devotees.
7) Meditation
Recitative: Soprano
Repeat the name of God. Have faith in the power of his name. Meditate on the form associated with your name for God. Have such faith that you can say, I have uttered the name of God. I have repeated the name of Rama, how can I be a sinner.
Meditate on god, with or without form. Meditate on an ideal of God whether personal or impersonal.
There is great power in God’s name, it destroys ignorance. Ignorance is destroyed.
One acquires the nature of the object of meditation. One who partakes of Shiva’s nature becomes a jnani One who partakes of Vishnu’s name will become a bhakta.
Meditate on God as Mother and She will show you Her true nature.
If you constantly think of the blissful absolute you become full of bliss. Think of God, think of God night and day. Think of God night and day and you’ll acquire the divine qualities.
8) Keep the Name of the Lord Spinning Around in Your Head:
Chorus STB
Keep the name of the Lord spinning around in your head,
spinning around and around in your head, amidst all your activities. Rama, Krishna, Kali, Jesus Christ, and Buddha, Shiva, Jai Ma, Durga, Hari Hari, Ramakrishna.
9) Chant God’s Name and Sing his Glory
Chorus SATB
All our sins will fly away, all our sins will fly away as we chant the name of God.
Chant his name, sing his glories, and all our sins will fly a way. Oh chant his name and sing his glory, chant God's name and sing His glory.
Oh, sins are like birds dwelling in the trees, in the tree of the body. And singing God's name is like clapping your hands and watching those birds just fly away.
Sing his glory, chant his name and the sins like the birds will just fly away. Chant his name and sing his glories. Oh clap, clap your hands then all the birds will fly away. Oh you sing, sing god's glory then all the sins like birds will fly away. All of our sins will fly away, clap, clap, clap your hands then all the birds will fly away.
All our sins will fly away, sing, sing sing and chant his name.
10) Two Thorns
Recitative: Soprano
If a thorn gets into your foot, a second thorn is needed to take it out. When the thorn is removed both thorns are thrown away.
You must procure the thorn of knowledge to remove the thorn of ignorance. Then you set both knowledge and ignorance aside. God is beyond both knowledge and ignorance.
What will a person gain by knowing many scriptures? The one thing needful is to know how to cross the river of the world.
11) Parable: Pundit who can’t swim
Tenor, Baritone and Base
Boatman: Welcome to my little boat. The other shore is quite remote.
You would not want to go by bridge. It’s half day’s walk around that ridge.
In an hour we should be there, if the weather continues fair.
Share your names and what you do. I’m your boatman, Names Pritu
Pundit: My name is Doctor Indra Chatterjee, I’m a scholar, Teach philosophy.
I’m invited to the University to get another honorary P. H. D.
Farmer Yogi: My name’s Jagat, I farm all day, it’s hard work because soil is clay.
Now tillings done, so it’s time to plant the fields. Now I go to buy some seeds that promise better yields.
Boatman: Glad we’ve had this chance to meet, now if you would please take your seat.
Right up to now the weather’s fair, but the wind has put a chill in the air, in the air.
If you’ve brought along a coat you might put your collar over your throat.
With this pole we shove off shore, then I’ll switch to using an oar.
Pundit: Read any scriptures when you have time? I find nothing more sublime.
Farmer Yogi: No sir you see my family I’m to feed. After work I’m too tired to read.
Boatman: Would you say you are a codifier or would it be more accurate to call you a compiler?
Pundit: Oh I have written many books, Perhaps you’d like to take a look.
Boatman: This is quite a stack of books I see you find it fascinating,
Why don’t you just tell me what you find the most interesting.
Pundit: Yoga by Patanjali is something quite spectacular,
Even when it’s taught from books in vulgar bad vernacular.
Boatman: I’ve never read a word of it, I’m sure it’s very fine.
I have to row this boat in every hour the sun shines.
Pundit: I have learned to quote it since it’s literary treasure.
Living life without it would remove one fourth my pleasure.
Boatman: Wind is picking up some more and waves are now lots higher.
I will keep you posted if our fate is looking dire.
Farmer Yogi: Forgive me for my silence but I’d rather not participate.
Time is rather precious, and I’d rather sit and meditate.
Pundit: Mimamsa is something I’m sure you’d appreciate.
Haven’t you read even bits of transliterate?
Boatman: No, it is something of which I know zero,
But you sir are surely a scholar’s true hero.
Pundit: Mimamsa is one of philosophy’s treasures
Without which you’ve missed a full fourth of life’s pleasure.
It is a quarter of my source of gladness.
Living without which just seems like sheer madness.
Boatman: Thick clouds are gathering over there. So much for weather continuing fair.
Pundit: Without these you’re missing the pleasure of life.
Buy one of my books - for you and your wife.
Boatman: I really appreciate all your concern But I am sure I have no time to learn.
Pundit: Advaita Vedanta is clearly the best. I’ll ask some questions, pretend it’s a test.
Boatman: Sir as I’ve hinted a scholar I’m not. Time for the scriptures has not been my lot.
Pundit: Vedanta again is a wonderful treasure.
The riches of living you lack in good measure.
Without full knowing of philosophy’s treasures,
You’re missing out on three fourth’s of life’s pleasures.
Yoga, Vedanta - all out of your reach?
Have any money? I’m happy to teach.
Boatman: Sorry, I must stop you from your bragging until dusk
And I’m risking that you’re thinking I am way, oh way too brusque.
Weather is quite stormy an I warn you, since I must,
This boat is not so sturdy that it warrants our full trust.
The waves you, may fill this boat up to the very brim.
Perhaps I should have asked of you how many of you swim.
For this boat is not a match for such a storm and now I think
It is highly likely that this boat will shortly sink.
Pundit: No I have not had the time to learn the art of swimming
It is with philosophy that my big brain is brimming!
Boatman: Since you don’t know how to swim it seems as though you’re lost. All of life’s fair pleasures now will be your total cost. Myself I will now swim my way back safely to the shore.
Farewell my poor fellows, I shall see you never more.
Pundit: What are we to do? Am I to drown in this big river? Just the cold and rain has caused my body now to quiver.
Farmer Yogi: You know all the scriptures, among scholars you’re the best, but it seems it makes you think that you are better than the rest.
You think that your mere presence somehow makes us all feel blessed.
But for the last half hour you’ve been nothing but a pest.
You’re a puffed up pundit and just full of old hot air,
But I doubt that air will help you float so you beware.
Does not your philosophy give any good advice?
Isn’t there a practice you’ve tried out once or twice?
Pundit: I’ve clearly failed to practice and my knowledge is all theory.
Now I see I’ve failed at life and my whole future’s dreary.
Help me, O please help me, for I’m much too young to die.
If I make it out alive I swear I’ll never criticize.
And I’ll take a vow to always practice what I preach.
I pray to God that if I live this vow I shall not breach.
Farmer Yogi: Sir you are a lucky man for all is not a loss,
For my labor makes me strong enough to get us both across.
Since you are now humble, to take help from one like me,
I will take you to the shore and straight forth set you free.
12) Set Your Sail
Chorus SATB
Set your sail, the breeze of grace is blowing and you'll reach the goal sublime if you but set your sail, the breeze of grace is blowing.
Set your sail, the breeze of grace is blowing. Then you'll find True peace of mind. Then you'll reach your goal sublime just set your sail, the breeze of grace is blowing.
Set your sail, but be prepared for storms. The journey may not be easy.
The journey may not be easy, set your sail, the breeze of grace is blowing.
Then you'll find True peace of mind. Then you'll find True peace of mind.
True peace of mind. Feel the breeze, set your sail, feel the breeze.
The breeze, the breeze, the breeze, the breeze of grace.
13) God is my Polestar
Chorus SATB
I have made Thee the polestar of my life I can't lose my way in spite of any strife. No matter where life's path now seems to take me, there I find your brilliant light, your light to be. God is my polestar, my polestar.
I'll not let distractions draw me from the path, for then I'd have to face my deepest shame and wrath. God is my polestar. God is my polestar.
God is my Polestar. Within my heart is my very own shrine to Thee. There thy face so sweetly beams eternally. Thy face there beams eternally.
I'll not let distractions draw me from the path. I'll not let distractions draw me from the path God will guide me.
For life's journey I've made you my polestar. Though seas be trackless, from the path I can't stray far. Thou drivest out all tears from my own troubled soul, with thy gracious light you always do console. God is my pole star, my pole star.
And yet serene and gracious your light appears. Driving out from my soul all doubts and fears and woes. You drive out all my fears and woes. God is my polestar…
God is my polestar. I have made Thee the polestar of my life. I can't lose my way in spite of any strife. God is my polestar…
The essence of the Gita is what you get by repeating it’s name several times in a row. The word becomes reversed and is then the word tagi which refers to Renunciation.
Under the spell of God’s maya we forget our true nature. It is the ego itself that is Maya. It is like a cloud that hides the sun. When the ego vanishes, then God appears.
If by God’s grace you once gain the knowledge that you are not the doer you will be free in this very life. You will be free and transcend fear. When you know you are not the doer then you will be free.
16) God Alone is Real
Men’s Chorus and Tenor Soloist
God alone is real. All else is illusory.
God can be realized through all paths…
All religions are true.
Pure knowledge and pure love are one and the same.
Both lead the aspirant to the same goal, but the path of love is easier.
One is able to realize God just through love.
Ecstasy feeling, devotion and faith are the means.
Blessed is the person who keeps his mind on God.
A person may lose his way; one may lose his way,
but each will reach the goal in the end. All will reach the goal.
17) Realize God.
SATB
Realize God, that is the goal of life.
Devotion, Love and faith these are the means.
Not wealth, or fame, not lust, pleasure or greed.
Realize God, that is the goal of life.
Cultivate the love God with the goal to have his vision.
Then Lo! You will discover your true Self in your-self.
God alone is real. And your true self is one with God.