Ardas Prem
A prayer for Divine Love

This album is a collection of some of my favourite Shabads (mystical Sikh poetry), that I have recorded over the past 8 years or so. This is likely my last album as the artist Bachan Kaur, and is a big Thank You to this incredible tradition. 

Settle in ~ soar between the rhythms and melodies of these meditations on Divine love. You will hear a spectrum of lo-fi meditative renditions and improvisations, alongside explorative, electronic compositions.

A special thanks to Harman Singh and Nora Wright who played tabla, Dilruba and harp on three tracks. 

I lay these songs at the feet of the Guru and the Sangat. 
For the beings of ALL faith and humanity, on the path of the heart. 
May we awaken our innocence, love, compassion, healing, liberation and wholeness again and again, forever and ever … 

🪷💛🙏🏽💛🪷
Bachan Kaur
Madeleine


A side note: 
I am not a Sikh (or any religion). 
Simply a mystical girl who found this sacred path as a teenager, spiritually awakening. 
The songs of this faith gave me a language to express my devotion. I am forever grateful for its beauty, sacredness and the wonderfully generous, humble, inspiring Sikh people I have met in my life. Thank you. 


CREDITS:

Original Gurbani lyrics are all from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

(you can view the lyrics, Gurmukhi, transliteration and English translations under each track)

Vocals, composition, production, mixing and mastering by Madeleine - Bachan Kaur, 2023.

Tabla (track 4): Harman Singh (@harmansg)
Dilruba (track 7): Harman Singh (@harmansg)
Harp (track 8): Nora Wright

Album art: Madeleine Sullivan (Bachan Kaur)

Stream anywhere

Ardas Prem

Written by Elah & AuSierra + J Brave
Featuring Lotus Grace

Produced, Mixed, Mastered by Elah

Benevolence (With J Brave & Lotus Grace)

"So Nice" releasing 11-11-22 on all digital platforms. Pre-Release here now! 

This song is a get up off your chair and dance reminder that our prayers -for our lives, our families and our communities- when sung and put into action become potent vehicles for manifesting. Stay up-vibrated, ya heard?.?

Lead vocals: Tony Moss & Tete Bero
Background vocals: Oka Quena & End toasting by Davi Vieira!
N'goni, Bass, Percussion, flutes, keys and all music: Tete Bero
Produced, recorded and mixed by Duke Mushroom
Mastered by Jim Kissling.
(c)(p) 2022 Sounds of the Mushroom Music, ASCAP.

So Nice (Feat Tony Moss & Tete Bero)

This is the prayer that comes at the end of Japji Sahib by guru Nanak.
I've always loved it as it's a short poem that contains so much.
It connects me with the elements of the Universe (wind, water and earth) and places me in the hands of the Divine Mother and Father, as a child.
It reminds me of the liberation, peace and joy that comes from meditating on the Creator and Creation and harmonizing myself with it's vastness.

A special thank you to Nora Wright who played the beautiful harp on this track back in 2015. We recorded it in her family's eco-village in Vera Cruz, México. She has been such a sister and joy to play music with.

You can read the Gurmuki here:
www.igurbani.com/shabad/cily?verse=jkxm
lyrics
Pavan guru paanee pitaa
Maataa dharat mahat
Divas raat du-i daa-ee dayaa
Khaylai sakal jagat

Wind is the teacher, Water is the father,
and Earth is the great mother.
Day and night are the two kind nurturers,
and (the world) plays under them..

Changi-aaiaa Buri-aaiaa
Vaachayi dharam hadoor
Karmee aapo aapanee kay neday kay door

The record of good and bad deeds is read out
In presence of the Lord of Dharma.
According to their own deeds, some draw closer, some are driven away.

Jinee naam dhiaaiyaa
Gey masakat ghaal
Nanak tay mukh ujalay
Kaytee chhootee naal

Those who have meditated on the Name of the Lord,
And departed after having worked by the sweat of their brow,
O Nanak, their faces are radiant (when in God's court)
And many others are saved along with them.
credits
from Ardas Prem, released November 13, 2023
Original Gurbani poem: Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Vocals, composition, production, mixing and mastering by Bachan Kaur, 2023.

Harp: Nora Wright

Pavan Guru Pani Pita - Creation & Surrender

I've always loved this Shabad.
For whatever reason, it is very calming, soothing, regenerative.
It is like a healing water from the soul of life.
That compassionate embrace that welcomes you back again and again to be renewed, held and restored.

A special thank you to Harman Singh who played beautiful Dilruba on this track way back in 2015. Your heart and devotion is always so calming and inspiring, thank you brother.


It is written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and you can find the full Gurmukhi and translation here: www.igurbani.com/shabad/t9nm?verse=o2b7
naam niranjan neer naraa-in.
rasnaa simrat paap bilaa-in. ||1||
rahaa-o.
naaraa-in sabh maahi nivaas.
naaraa-in ghat ghat pargaas.
naaraa-in kahtay narak na jaahi.
naaraa-in sayv sagal fal paahi. ||1||

naaraa-in man maahi aDhaar.
naaraa-in bohith sansaar.
naaraa-in kahat jam bhaag palaa-in.
naaraa-in dant bhaanay daa-in. ||2||

naaraa-in sad sad bakhsind.
naaraa-in keenay sookh anand.
naaraa-in pargat keeno partaap.
naaraa-in sant ko maa-ee baap. ||3||

naaraa-in saaDhsang naraa-in.
baaraN baar naraa-in gaa-in.
basat agochar gur mil lahee.
naaraa-in ot naanak daas gahee.



Translation:
The Name of the Immaculate Lord is the Ambrosial Water.
Chanting it with the tongue, sins are washed away.
||1||Pause||

The Lord abides in everyone.
The Lord illumines each and every heart.
Chanting the Lord’s Name, one does not fall into hell.
Serving the Lord, all fruitful rewards are obtained. ||1||

Within my mind is the Support of the Lord.
The Lord is the boat to cross over the world-ocean.
Chant the Lord’s Name, and the Messenger of Death will run away.
The Lord breaks the teeth of Maya, the witch. ||2||

The Lord is forever and ever the Forgiver.
The Lord blesses us with peace and bliss.
The Lord has revealed His glory.
The Lord is the mother and father of His Saint. ||3||

The Lord, the Lord, is in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy.
Time and time again, I sing the Lord’s Praises.
Meeting with the Guru, I have attained the
incomprehensible object.

Slave Nanak has grasped the Support of the Lord. ||4||17||19||.

Narayan - Regeneration & Healing

View original Gurmukhi Lyrics here:
https://www.igurbani.com/shabad/yiye?verse=c8bw


jis simarath sabh kilavikh naasehi pitharee hoe oudhhaaro ||
Remembering Him, all sins are erased, and ones generations are saved.

so har har thumh sadh hee jaapahu jaa kaa anth n paaro ||1||
So meditate continually on the Lord, Har, Har; He has no end or limitation. ||1||

poothaa maathaa kee aasees ||
O son, this is your mother's hope and prayer

nimakh n bisaro thumh ko har har sadhaa bhajahu jagadhees ||1|| rehaao ||
That you may never forget the Lord, Har, Har, even for an instant. May you ever vibrate upon the Lord of the Universe. ||1||Pause||

sathigur thumh ko hoe dhaeiaalaa santhasang thaeree preeth ||
May the True Guru be kind to you, and may you love the Society of the Saints.

kaaparr path paramaesar raakhee bhojan keerathan neeth ||2||
May the preservation of your honor by the Transcendent Lord be your clothes, and may the singing of His Praises be your food. ||2||

anmrith peevahu sadhaa chir jeevahu har simarath anadh ananthaa ||
So drink in forever the Ambrosial Nectar; may you live long, and may the meditative remembrance of the Lord give you infinite delight.

rang thamaasaa pooran aasaa kabehi n biaapai chinthaa ||3||
May joy and pleasure be yours; may your hopes be fulfilled, and may you never be troubled by worries. ||3||

bhavar thumhaaraa eihu man hovo har charanaa hohu koulaa ||
Let this mind of yours be the bumble bee, and let the Lord's feet be the lotus flower.

naanak dhaas oun sang lapattaaeiou jio boondhehi chaathrik moulaa ||4||3||4||
Says servant Nanak, attach your mind to them, and blossom forth like the song-bird, upon finding the rain-drop. ||4||3||4||

Poota Mata Kee Asees - Mother's Blessing

This is a classic Shabad from the Sikh tradition…
A meditation and reminder of the great One that creates and holds all things.
That One that is the ever-present Father, Mother, Sibling and Friend.

To me, this song helps me to feel the innocence and liberation of being a child of the Divine…
It awakens the beauty of being able to let go, surrender and call upon a force greater than myself to heal, hold, align, nurture and love.

It also awakens in me, an inquiry I have within most spiritual traditions…the age old question of personal and Divine will :)

When I get to the line “All things are your doing, we can do nothing ourselves”…
I am brought into a profound state of contemplation.

Yes - it is liberating, humbling and redemptive to Surender oneself to the will of the “Divine”.
Yet simultaneously, I feel that this orientation to life can lead us to become complacent, avoidant or detached from the present world and suffering.
It risks denial of our own agency to tend to our lives and create change and choices in ourselves and the world in...  more
lyrics
Unfortunately I cannot figure out how to get Bandcamp to show the original Gurmukhi Script:)
Here is the Roman Transliteration and English Translation of this Shabad.
To view the beautiful original Gurmukhi Script, go the following link:
https://www.igurbani.com/shabad/avnv?verse=qsn3

Maajh mehalaa 5 ||
Maajh, Fifth Mehl:

Thoon maeraa pithaa thoonhai maeraa maathaa ||
You are my Father, and You are my Mother.

Thoon maeraa bandhhap thoon maeraa bhraathaa ||
You are my Relative, and You are my Brother.


Thoon maeraa raakhaa sabhanee thhaaee thaa bho kaehaa kaarraa jeeo ||1||
You are my Protector everywhere; why should I feel any fear or anxiety? ||1||

Thumaree kirapaa thae thudhh pashhaanaa ||
By Your Grace, I recognize You.

Thoon maeree outt thoonhai maeraa maanaa ||
You are my Shelter, and You are my Honor.

Thujh bin dhoojaa avar n koee sabh thaeraa khael akhaarraa jeeo ||2||
Without You, there is no other; the entire Universe is the Arena of Your Play. ||2||

Jeea janth sabh thudhh oupaaeae ||
You have created all beings and creatures.

Jith jith bhaanaa thith thith laaeae ||
As it pleases You, You assign tasks to one and all.

Sabh kishh keethaa thaeraa hovai naahee kishh asaarraa jeeo ||3||
All things are Your Doing; we can do nothing ourselves. ||3||

Naam dhhiaae mehaa sukh paaeiaa ||
Meditating on the Naam, I have found great peace.

Har gun gaae maeraa man seethalaaeiaa ||
Singing the Glorious Praises of the Creator, my mind is cooled and soothed.

Gur poorai vajee vaadhhaaee naanak jithaa bikhaarraa jeeo ||4||24||31||
Through the Perfect Awakening, congratulations are pouring in-Nanak is victorious on the arduous battlefield of life! ||4||24||31||
credits
credits
from Ardas Prem, released November 13, 2023
Original Gurbani poem: Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Vocals, composition, production, mixing and mastering by Bachan Kaur, 2023.

Tabla: Harman Singh (@harmansg)

Album art: Madeleine Sullivan (Bachan Kaur)

Thoon Mera Pita Thoonhai Mera Mata - Divine Protection

This beautiful Poem is one my of my all time favourite Shabads and comes from the Sufi Mystic Bhagat Kabir. He was a contemporary of Guru Nanak in breaking down old patterns of caste, idolatry, ritual and superstition. His poetry is shared in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Scriptures) and is a beautiful example of the diversity of spiritual faiths and paths present in the scripture. That is exactly why I love this song, as it speaks to the inclusion and unity of all paths, faiths and beings in this mysterious and beautiful blossoming life.
lyrics
Maulee dharatee mauliaa akaas ||
The earth is in bloom, and the sky is in bloom.

GhaT ghaT mauliaa aatam pragaas ||1||
Each and every heart has blossomed forth, and the soul is illumined. ||1||

Raajaa raam mauliaa anat bhai ||
My Sovereign Lord King blossoms forth in countless ways.

Jeh dhekhau teh rahiaa samai ||1|| rahaau ||
Wherever I look, I see Him there pervading. ||1||Pause||

Dhuteeaa maule chaar bedh ||
The four Vedas blossom forth in duality.

Si(n)mirat maulee siau kateb ||2||
The Simritees blossom forth, along with the Koran and the Bible. ||2||

Sa(n)kar maulio jog dhiaan ||
Shiva blossoms forth in Yoga and meditation.


Kabeer ko suaamee sabh samaan ||3||1||
Kabeer's Lord and Master pervades in all alike. ||3||1||
credits
from Ardas Prem, released November 13, 2023
Original Poem: Bhagat Kabir

Vocals, composition, production, mixing and mastering by Bachan Kaur, 2023.
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Maulee Dhartee - Blossoming

This version of "Bhand Jameeai" is about celebrating the unique qualities of a woman, her power to bring all life into being and nourish creation. No human is alive that did not come through a woman (at least not that I know :)

Soft vocals, ambient sounds, crisp clacks and solid beats…
May you reflect, enjoy and contemplate the full spectrum beauty of the Feminine.  Her sharp bold courage, gentle loving kindness, and everything in between.   Thank you woman, you are so beautiful and divine in every way 🌸🙏🏽🌸

May the feminine in all beings, all faiths, cultures and lands be cherished, respected, protected, listened to, and loved.

For all and any who have been connected to 3HO or kundalini yoga….
I dedicate this first single to all the woman and girls who were abused, manipulated or taken advantage of in any way.
May the healing and empowerment continue breath by breath, hand in hand 🙏🏽

Love,
Bachan ~ Madeleine

Here is a link to this Shabad from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib:
www.sikhitothemax.org/shabad?id=1748&q=bjbn&type=7&source=all&highlight=21284
lyrics
lyrics
Transliteration

Bhand jammee-ai
bhand nimmee-ai
bhand mangan vee-aaho.
Bhanda-ho hovai dos-tee
bhanda-hu cha-lai raahu.
Bhand mu-aa bhand bhaalee-ai
bhand hovai ban- dhaan.
So ki-o man-daa aakhee-ai jit ja-meh raa jaan.
Bhanda- ho hee bhand oop-jai, bhandai baajh na ko-ay.
Naanak bhandai baa-hraa ayko sachaa so-ay.
Naanak bhandai baa-hraa ayko sachaa so-ay.
Jit mukh sadaa salaa hee-ai bhaagaa ratee chaar.
Nanak tay mukh ooj – lay tit sa-chay dar-baar.


(English Translation, adapted by Bachan Kaur)

From woman, all humans are born;
within woman, we are conceived;
to woman one becomes engaged and married.

Woman becomes a friend;
through woman, future generations are born.
When woman dies, one seeks another woman, to woman we are bound.

So why do we call her bad?
From her, all great ones are born?
From woman, even woman is born;
without woman, there would be no one at all.

O Nanak, only the infinite is without a woman.
Blessed and beautiful is the mouth that continually praises the Source of all.
O Nanak, those faces shall be radiant in the Court of the Divine.
credits


Original Words come from the Sikh Holy Scriptures, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. This section is: Raag Aasaa - Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - Ang 473

You can find it here: www.sikhitothemax.org/shabad?id=1748&q=bjbn&type=7&source=all&highlight=21284
credits
from Ardas Prem, released November 13, 2023
Original Poetry: Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Vocals, composition, production, mixing and mastering by Bachan Kaur, 2023.

Bhand Jameeai - Feminine Respect

This passage is sung before the final prayers of any devotional Sikh service as a prayer of supplication and humility.
It comes from Sukhmani Sahib in the "Siri Guru Granth Sahib", the sacred scriptures of the Sikhs. It was composed by the 5th Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji and is a very soothing prayer to support connection with the great doer of all things and surrender to the care and protection of the Divine.

You can view the Gurkmukhi Script and Translation of this Shabad here:
www.igurbani.com/shabad/jbuk?verse=r0lf
lyrics
Tu Thaakur Tum Peh Ardās || 
You are our Master; to you, I offer this humble prayer.

Jio Pind Sabh Tayree Raas || 
This body and soul are all your belonging.

Thum Maata Pithaa Ham Baarik Thaerae || 
You are our mother and father; and we are your children.

Tumaree Kirpaa Meh Sukh Ghanayrey ||  
In your grace, we experience ultimate peace!

Koe Na Jaanay Tumraa Unt || 
No-one knows your infinite vastness.

Oochay Tey Oochaa Bhagavant || 
O highest of the high, most generous God,

Sagal Samagree Tumaray Soothr Dhaaree ||  
The whole creation is strung on your thread.

Tum Tey Hoe So Aageyakaaree || 
That which has come from you is in your will.

Tumaree Gath Mith Tum Hee Jaanee ||  
You alone know your existence and vastness.

Nanak Daas Sadhaa Kurbaanee ||
Nanak, Your slave, is forever surrendering to you. ||
credits
from Ardas Prem, released November 13, 2023
Original Poem: Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Vocals, composition, production, mixing and mastering by Bachan Kaur, 2023.
license

Toon Thakur Tum Peh Ardaas - Invocation

I feel like I’m walking on a field of roses
But every step I take is like walking on glass

Oh I see the beauty but it’s really what’s beneath 
That hurts a little more with every step that I take

Oh I wish, I wish, I wish
I could go a little incognito
Being myself, myself is a little harder than I’d hoped 
Oh I might…

I feel like I’m walking on clouds 
Beneath the storm rumbles and it rains down

Oh I’m tip toeing round 
To avoid the crowded spaces but still showing my face when

Oh I wish, I wish, I wish
I could go a little incognito
Being myself, myself is a little harder than I’d hoped 
Oh I might…

Incognito

In the beginning, there were flowers
At the end of time
It all comes back around
It is born and then it dies

So take your destiny and write it as you like
Take your dreams and paint them the colours of your heart
Of your heart

It starts with a thought
To create it all
Choose well and wisely therefore
Babe, it's your call

So take your destiny and write it as you like
Take your dreams and paint them the colours of your heart
Of your heart

Love what you do
Love who you are
Dance like a child
Sing like a star
Magic is real
If that's how you feel
Surrender in love
Below as above

Love what you do 
Love who you are

Song and lyrics written by Alexia Chellun. 
Double bass, production and recording by Jordi Vendrell


Take Your Destiny - Alexia Chellun

Totality

Rejuvenation

Original Song by Elah & AuSierra

Download the album at:
https://elahandausierra.bandcamp.com/album/la-medicina

More info on tour and workshops:
www.elahandausierra.com

Grace

Call To The Wind

"Once it is discovered that heretofore unconscious forces fear and resist happiness, thus making the conscious struggle for happiness all the more painful and tense, it will be clear that the self alone creates strife and suffering—not God, nor an unkind fate, nor even other people. 
The consequences of such a realization are, needless to emphasize, far reaching. Such a realization not only opens the door that kept particular fulfillment away, it also opens a channel to the source of the inner self, which is constantly in touch with cosmic reality, with the life force, with God. 
This means a life fully lived, fulfilled in all areas. It means steady growth and rich life experience. It means dynamic peace and stimulating, vibrant awareness of all that comes to pass. It means the ability to approach unhappy events with a more constructive attitude, learning from them, growing by them, until the personal involvement and connection with them is understood in such a profound way that the causes for these unhappy experiences finally dissolve." (from "The Path to the Real Self" by Eva Pierrakos

Dissolve

The sound of Bachan Kaur’s voice can make you forget what you’re doing and remember who you are.

Diverse cultural, spiritual and musical influences infuse her sound, weaving a tapestry of kaleidoscopic luminescence. 
You'll hear multiple languages dance between sparse dreamy electronica, organic earthy acoustics, soul stirring poetics, and the occasional boom and clack. Bachan’s sincerity invites you into the mystical nature of your soul where complexities, dissonance and sorrows are welcomed and soothed. Mother earth and the human heart are the bread and butter of this artist’s intention and you can taste it in every song.

Bachan has self-produced and released 8 albums alongside singles and musical videos that are cherished in yoga studios, sacred ceremonies and earbuds around the globe. Primarily a visual artist, her sound breathes with the immersive quality of a painter chasing rainbows while singing lullabies.  She collaborates frequently with electro world music producers, so be sure to check some of those out. In 2023 she's sharing a collection of devotional Sikh songs, as an ode to the sacred influence of this spiritual path in her life. Stay tuned ! ✨

Pavan Guru Pani Pita - Creation & Surrender

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