Dear Friends/Family,

Before I leave for semester at sea wanted to first start off with a few prayers for an auspicious beginning to an auspicious journey. Thank you for being in my life!

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First, I pray to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles to clear the way for a successful beginning to this new journey.

Ganesha/Ganapati - Remover of Obstacles and Deity of new beginnings

Agajanana Padmarkam Gajanana Maharnisham

Anekadanta Bhaktanam, Ekadantam Upasmahe

Gajananam Bhutha Ganadi Sevitham

Kapitha Jambu Phalasara Bhaks***am

Uma Sutham Shoka Vinashakranam

Namami Vigneshwara Pada Pankajam

I pray to Ganesha, who is worshipped by the many spirits and supreme beings

You hold the Jambu fruit and other delicious food representing wisdom and spiritual nourishment

You are the son of the Goddess Uma/Parvati and destroy all sorrow and pain

I bow to your beautiful lotus feet, oh remover of obstacles.

Saraswati - Goddess of Learning & the Arts

Saraswati Namsatubyam Varade Kama Rupini

Vidyaarambam Karaishyami Sidhirbhavatu me sada

I bow to Saraswati, the embodiment of spiritual passion/energy

As I begin this new education/pursuit of knowledge, please bless me with your grace.

Lakshmi - Goddess of Prosperity and Well-being

Namastaystu Mahamaye, Sri Peetay Sura Pujite

Shanka Chakra Gada Haste, Mahalakshmi Namostuthay

I bow to you the great feminine energy, she who sits on the auspicious throne and is worshiped by the gods

She who hold the Conch Shell, Disc and Mace to protect us, I pray to you.

Durga - Goddess of Strength & Protection

Yeh Devi Sarva Bhutesu, Matru Roopena Samsthita

Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namo Namaha

Oh Sacred Universal Goddess, I see you in the form of the Eternal Mother

i bow to you, i bow to you, i bow to you, in praise of your name.

Yemaya - Afro Caribbean Goddess of the Ocean, the New Year & Mother of the Universe

On this new journey on sea, I pray to Yemaya, sacred Caribbean goddess of the ocean, of the new year and mother goddess of creation. (http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/yemaya-goddess.htm) Protect us, your children, and provide us safe return, from your embrace to the arms of our loved ones and our respective homes. Please forgive us for treading on your body and any of our wrongdoings. We are your children and we are grateful for your willingness to be our foundation on this journey.Please also provide protection to our loved ones on land for their healthy and safe being in the year to come.

Asatoma Sat Gamaya

Tama Soma Jyotirgamaya

Mrutyorma Amruthangamaya

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi

Lead me from untruth to truth

Lead me from darkness to light

Lead me from death to immortality

Oh supreme being, let there be peace, let there be peace, let there be peace.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi

Peace to all of you,

Raja :)

Helpful Links:

SAS Itinerary:

http://www.semesteratsea.org/current-voyage/overview/itinerary/calendar.php

Ganesha Pancharatna Stotram: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTo_fttK6ys