A few days ago, I learnt about Antarnaad, thanks to a wonderful bunch of friends I made recently in Boone, North Carolina! Antarnaad was a musical event that took place in 2010, in Pune, India. Organized by the Art of Living Foundation, it brought together more than 2750 musicians – a Guinness world record – to showcase ancient classical and spiritual Indian music^[1].

Ho Yahi Gunjan Sa Mann was one of the songs performed at the event, written by Kedar Pandit and sung by Shankar Mahadevan^[2].

Composed in the beautiful Raag Desh, I couldn’t resist translating its simple yet profound lyrics, for music lovers to enjoy. Here are the lyrics in Hindi and transliterated Latin, along with a translation in English.

Lyrics

हो यही गुंजन सा मन में होठों पर तराना
hō yahī guñjan sā man mēṅ hōṭhōṅ par tarānā
Let there prevail a hum in this mind, as there is a melody in the lips

सत्य सुन्दर जीवन पथ पर हे ईश्वर ले जाना
satya sundar jīvan path par hē īśvar lē jānā
Lead us, O Creator, on the true, beautiful path.


सद्बुद्धि को निकट रखना दुर्बुद्धि को दूर
sadbuddhi kō nikaṭ rakhanā durbuddhi kō dūr
Keeping the pure mind close, and evil mind far

ना करे वह काम कभी जो तुम्हें ना हो मंज़ूर
nā karē vō kām kabhī jō tumhēṅ nā hō manzūr
Never may we wander astray and operate against your will.

लोभ लालच के जंजाल में हमें ना उलझाना
lōbh lālac kē jaṁjāl mēṅ hamēṅ nā uljhānā
Please trap us not, in the entanglement of greed and desires.


सत्य सुन्दर जीवन पथ पर हे ईश्वर ले जाना
satya sundar jīvan path par hē īśvar lē jānā
Lead us, O Creator, on the true, beautiful path.


राज करता इस धरती पर बुद्धि से इंसान
rāj kartā is dharatī par buddhi sē iṅsān
With this mind, we (mankind) rule the Earth

भूल ना जाए हम लेकिन यह किसका है वरदान
bhūl nā jāē ham lēkin yē kiskā hai vardān
But never may we forget whose gift is this Creation.

तुम ही ने दी है बुद्धि मालिक तभी तुम्हें पहचाना
tum hī nē dī hai buddhi mālik tabhī tumhēṅ pahacānā
You, O Creator, have given us the presence of mind; and therefore, we recognize You.


सत्य सुन्दर जीवन पथ पर हे ईश्वर ले जाना
satya sundar jīvan path par hē īśvar lē jānā
Lead us, O Creator, on the true, beautiful path.

References

1. “Antarnaad.” Art of Living International, 12 Jan. 2010, https://www.artofliving.org/antarnaad.
2. Ho Yahi Gunjann Sa Mann. Art of Living International, 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiANdaNPmn4.