Guru

A mantra is a sacred sound, a word or group of words repeated to aid in concentration and meditation. The Sanskrit mantra repeated in this song is known as the guru mantra: guru brahma, guru vishnu guru devo maheshwaraguru sakshat, param brahma tasmai shri guravay namah. The guru mantra acknowledges lessons learned through life experiences, from one another, and our teachers. It also acknowledges that much teaching comes from wisdom deep within ourselves. In Sanskrit, “guru” is the remover of darkness: gu–darkness, ru-remover. “Darkness” refers to what obscures the light of awareness. This mantra appeals to Brahma, (force of creation) vishnu, (force of preservation), and devo maheshwara (force of destruction and transformation.) "Dona Nobis Pacem" is a short prayer for peace from the Agnus Dei of the Latin mass. It translates to “Grant Us Peace” in English. I wrote this song as a tribute to Tony Pavao, my first voice teacher and someone I consider a guru in my life.