Sunrise Meditation
As the sun began its rise in the East, this beautiful verse from a Bengali prayer floated through my mind
“With every rising and setting of the sun,
a day passes and is lost.
Why do you remain idle and not
serve the lord of the heart?”*
Reflecting on the preciousness of each day, of each moment, was likely spurred by a friend’s letter I read late last night. My friend is recovering from a second cancer surgery, and shared with me, “Every moment is a gift. That’s how I’m seeing my life now.”
I appreciate the reminder to not take for granted that I have another day to sing and pray, to write and paint, to be with family, to help a friend.
In my reflection, these lyrics came to mind:
“Day by day, oh dear lord, three things I pray . . .
To see thee more clearly, To love thee more dearly
To follow thee more nearly, Day by day by day by day by day”
1971 Original Broadway Cast Recording.
Featuring Robin Lamont.
Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
George Harrison’s epic song, My Sweet Lord, entered my life at the age of twelve, and remains, to this day, one of my favorite meditations, at sunrise or any time.
I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you lord
But it takes so long, my lord
My sweet lord
Hm, my lord
Hm, my lord
Prayers at sunrise and at sunset
I really want to know you
Really want to go with you
Really want to show you lord
That it won’t take long, my lord (hallelujah)
(hare krishna)
My sweet lord (hare krishna)
My sweet lord (krishna krishna)
My lord (hare hare)
Singing mantras and hymns in the early morning hours, along with japa meditation, is the way I start each day.
Do you have a favorite song that inspires your day? Do you have a sunrise ritual, prayer or meditation? Please share it in the comments below.
* Composed in Bengali by the great saint poet Bhaktivinoda Thakura (1838-1914)
Arunodaya Kirtan song, verse 5
udita tapana hoile asta dina gelo boli’ hoibe byasta
tabe keno ebe alasa hoy nā bhaja hṛdoya-rāje
- Sunrise Meditation
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