“The Western Arti”

A Rendition of the Western Arti Featuring Darshan Scenes from the 1962 East West Gathering

Background

The “Western Arti,” aka “American Arti,” written by Hank Mindlin, is a mainstay, musical number sung at Baba’s tomb and throughout the world. The phrasing of the lyrics in this rendition lends itself to more of a solo arrangement. When presented during arti sessions, the chorus is repeated after each verse, and the first verse in repeated at the end.

Lyrics

CHORUS: Consumed is my mind in Your fire and flame;
Accept it, O Meher in Oneness.
Consumed is my heart in the sound of Your name.
Accept, O Meher my Arti. Accept, O Meher my Song.

1) How can one fathom Your fathomless being?
How can we know You, we see with gross eyes?
A glimpse of Your shadow has blinded our seeing.
How can your glory ere be realized?

2) Thoughts cannot reach You and words cannot speak You,
Infinite Ocean of unending Bliss.
Though we beseech You, how can we seek You?
How can the finite know limitlessness?

3) At Your command, suns and stars give their light.
What in the worlds can I offer as mine?
Even my gift of love would be naught in Your sight,
But veiled reflection of Your Love Divine.

4) You are the Ancient One, Lord of Creation.
How can we measure Your True Majesty?
You are the Christ, the Divine Incarnation.
Dear Lord, please don’t be indifferent to me.

5) You are the beginning and end of all things.
’Tis You alone Who assumes every role.
Sinners and saints, beggars and kings,
You are the Source and You are the Goal.

Arranged using Garage Band with tracks for:

  • Steinway Grand Piano
  • Lead Vocal
  • Male Chamber Choir
  • Flute
  • Fingerstyle Electric Bass
  • Blocks and Bells
  • Bongos
  • Conga Drums

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