For the last decade, she has been involved in a deeply personal exploration of sound healing and vocal toning, during which period she discovered and began playing quartz crystal singing bowls, instruments that are often used in contemplative practices to support healing, balance and well-being.
“For me, singing is a life path, a spiritual journey that has led to the very core of my being,” says Ashana. “Music can transport us, lift us to the place where we gently let go and open completely to receive and remember the divine heart that lives within each one of us, that truly lives in all beings. I have seen, felt and been utterly transformed by the power of sound and music to heal; it is a gift to us from the Source of Love – it is total, pure Grace.”
Mere Man Loche
Ashana Lyrics
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Bilap karay chaatrik kee ni-aa-ee
Trikhaa na utarai shaant na aavai
Bin Darshan Sant pi-aaray jee-o
Hao gholee jee-o ghol ghumaa-ee
Gur darshan sant pi-aaray jee-o
Tayraa much suhaavaa jee-o sahaj dhun baanee
Chir ho-aa daykhay saaring paanee
Mayray sajan meet muraaray jee-o
Hao gholee hao ghol ghumaa-ee
Gur sajan meet muraaray jee-o
Ik gharee na milatay taa kalijug hotaa
Hun kad milee-ai pri-a tudh bhagavantaa
Mo-eh rain na vihaavai need na aavai
Bin daykhay gur darbaaray jee-o
Hao gholee jee-o ghol ghumaa-ee
Tis sachay gur darbaaray jee-o
Bhaag ho-aa gur sant milaa-i-aa
Prabh abinaasee ghar meh paa-i-aa
Sayv karee pal chasaa na vichhuraa
Jan Naanak daas tumaaray jee-o
Hao gholee jee-o ghol ghumaa-ee
Jan Naanak daas tumaaray jee-o
The lyrics of "Mere Man Loche" by Ashana are written in Punjabi and express a deep longing for the divine presence of the Guru. The song begins with the line "Mera Man Lochai gur darshan taa-ee," which can be translated as "My mind longs for the sight of the Guru." The metaphorical comparison to a thirsty bird, the chaatrik, yearning for rain exemplifies the intensity of this longing.
The next few lines highlight the restlessness and unease that arise in the absence of the Guru's presence. The words "Trikhaa na utarai shaant na aavai" convey the idea that no peace can be found without the sight of the beloved Guru. The repetition of the phrase "Gur darshan sant pi-aaray jee-o" emphasizes the central theme of the song, which is the intense love and longing for the Guru's vision.
The following verses continue to express the beauty and joy of the Guru's vision, comparing it to the melodic sound of a flute. The imagery of seeing all the waters of the world and the abundance of blessings that come from being in the presence of the Guru further underscores the significance and desirability of the Guru's darshan.
In the final verse, the lyrics assert the belief that in the age of darkness, Kalijug, the meeting with the beloved can only happen in a moment of divine grace. The lyrics express the inability to live without the Guru's sight, as it brings peace and tranquility. The song concludes with the recognition of the blessed fortune of meeting the Guru and finding the divine within oneself, along with the devotion to serve and surrender to the Guru's teachings.
Line by Line Meaning
Mera Man Lochai gur darshan taa-ee
My mind longs for the blessed vision of the Guru
Bilap karay chaatrik kee ni-aa-ee
Like the rainbird cries out for the rain
Trikhaa na utarai shaant na aavai
Thirst is not quenched, and peace does not come
Bin Darshan Sant pi-aaray jee-o
Without the blessed vision of the Guru and the beloved Saints
Hao gholee jee-o ghol ghumaa-ee
My heart spins and twirls around
Gur darshan sant pi-aaray jee-o
With the blessed vision of the Guru and the beloved Saints
Tayraa much suhaavaa jee-o sahaj dhun baanee
Your face is beautiful, O beloved, the music of the celestial melody resounds
Chir ho-aa daykhay saaring paanee
After waiting for so long, I have seen the Lord of all oceans
Dhan so days jahaa too(n) vasi-aa
Blessed are those places where you dwell, O Lord
Mayray sajan meet muraaray jee-o
You are my true friend, O Lord, the embodiment of love
Ik gharee na milatay taa kalijug hotaa
If I don't meet you for even a moment, it feels like the Dark Age is happening
Hun kad milee-ai pri-a tudh bhagavantaa
When will I meet you, O beloved Lord
Mo-eh rain na vihaavai need na aavai
I cannot pass my nights, sleep does not come
Bin daykhay gur darbaaray jee-o
Without seeing the court of the Guru
Tis sachay gur darbaaray jee-o
In that true court of the Guru
Bhaag ho-aa gur sant milaa-i-aa
By great fortune, I have met the Guru and the Saints
Prabh abinaasee ghar meh paa-i-aa
I have found the eternal God dwelling within my home
Sayv karee pal chasaa na vichhuraa
Serving Him, my anxiety is dispelled; I shall never be separated from Him again
Jan Naanak daas tumaaray jee-o
Servant Nanak is your humble servant, O Lord
Hao gholee jee-o ghol ghumaa-ee
My heart spins and twirls around
Jan Naanak daas tumaaray jee-o
Servant Nanak is your humble servant, O Lord
Writer(s): Ashana Lobody
Contributed by Daniel Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.