Shatpadi (Hymn to Vishnu)

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About the Book The bee (şatpadi) serenades the flower with its humming and the rhythmic beat of its wings and then in silence enjoys the nectar. Shatpadi, is a literary and devotional masterpiece of Śri Adi Sankaräcārya, singing and chanting which our minds get absorbed in its nectar-like meaning.

The bee gently unfolds the petals of the flowers and dives deep to revel in the flavour of the nectar. Swami Tejomayananda's beautiful commentary unfolds the wonderful feeling (bhava) of this prayer and inspires us too, to surrender at the lotus-feet of the compassionate Lord of the universe and the Self of all - Vişņu.

Preface Why is eating so satisfying? It is because, it not only actively engages the body, but also all our senses and the mind. We enjoy the look of the food, feel its touch (especially when we eat it the Indian way!), hear the crunch of the crispies, smell the fragrance of the spices and condiments, and of course, enjoy the taste of the different flavours of food. It is also emotionally satisfying when it is made and served with love. A cook and a gourmet, not only enjoy the food but have an added joy, as they understand about the ingredients, their combinations and the process of cooking, which gives the food its special taste. It becomes even spiritually satisfying to the devotee who offers the food to God and partakes it with devotion as prasada (a gift from Him).