Adopted as an infant, Amrit was blessed with supportive parents who encouraged her to develop he musical talent throughout her youth. She developed both as a musician and vocalist under the expert guidance of renowned opera singer coach Alana Nicolaidi, who was then teaching at the University of Houston. Committed to her musical development, she entered the American Music and Drama Academy at 18. Upon graduating, she moved to Los Angeles, to pursue a career in acting and music.
Amrit's life changed dramatically when she met a student of the Sikh faith, and felt a profound connection with the path, teachings and way of life. Intrigued, she sought out the local Gurdwara and began attending the morning sadhanas, evening chants and weekly services. "I knew I had found my home when I walked into the Gurdwara. It instantly brought me a sense of peace and a connection to God that I had never felt before."
Amrit Kirtan
Attending the morning Kundalini Yoga lessons inspired her to learn more. Through her studies she found her spiritual teacher in the words and lessons of Yogi Bhajan, and in the fellowship of 3HO. Through his teachings she embarked upon a yogic transformation, and 2 years later became a KRI-certified Kundalini Yoga instructor.
Meeting Yogi Bhajan was a life-changing experience for Amrit that inspired her to journey to India on a voyage of self-discovery and spiritual growth. In India, Amrit was immersed in the colors and textures of their rich culture. She travelled through the plains of the Punjab and the foothills of the Himalayas, passing through some of the spiritual places of pilgrimage including Dharamsala, Rishikesh and the Golden Temple. In these sacred places she found the spiritual roots of her musical inspiration and the source of her definitive sound.
On her return she continued with her pursuit of music and yoga, and her daily Sadhana. The idea of contributing her own music to the Sikh faith developed and took root after the passing of Yogi Bhajan in 2004. She contacted the renowned producer Thomas Barquee, and the album "Sacred Circle" was born of their collaboration.
Waah Yantee
Amrit Kirtan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
kar yantee,
jag dut patee,
aadak it waha,
brahmaday
trayshaa guroo,
it wahay guroo.
kar yantee,
jag dut patee,
aadak it waha,
brahmaday
trayshaa guroo,
it wahay guroo.
The song "Waah Yantee" is a meditative chant that is often used in Kundalini Yoga practice. The lyrics, sung in Gurmukhi, are meant to bring a sense of deep connection and awareness to the practitioner. The opening line "Waa yantee, kar yantee" is a reference to the primal sound vibration of the universe, which is said to be the beginning of all creation. The next line "jag dut patee" means "the creative power of the universe is in action".
The following line "aadak it waha, brahmaday" refers to the eternal, unchanging existence of the Divine. The phrase "trayshaa guroo" represents the three aspects of the Guru, which are the Guru within, the Guru found in others, and the Guru that guides us through life. The final line "it wahay guroo" acknowledges the Guru and the divine guidance that is present in all aspects of life.
The song emphasizes the powerful transformative potential of deep meditation and connects the practitioner to the universal creative force, as well as acknowledging the divine presence in all aspects of life. Through the repetition of the lyrics, the song creates a meditative and peaceful atmosphere and promotes inner reflection and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Waa yantee
I praise the creative energy that exists in all things
Kar yantee
I praise the creative energy that has formed me and given me life
Jag dut patee
I praise the creative energy that permeates the entire universe and sustains all life
Aadak it waha
I praise the creative energy that is infinite and all-pervading
Brahmaday trayshaa guroo
I praise the creative energy that is manifested in the trinity of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (sustainer), and Shiva (destroyer)
It wahay guroo
I praise the creative energy that is the ultimate teacher and guide
Contributed by Eva M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.