Below are the chant selections complete with their story, mantras chanted, and loose translations: 1. “New Year Jai Ganesha” We invoke or chant to Ganesh first for any spiritual event or offering, or any new venture; as the New Year or The Now's first CD (Adi = first; primal). Ganesh is the elephant-headed god; son of Shiva and Parvati, who breaks or helps us overcome obstacles. Gam Ganapataye Namo Namah Jai Ganesha, Jai Ganesha, Jai Ganesha Pahimam Sri Ganesha, Sri Ganesha, Sri Ganesha Rakshamam Gam = Ganesha's “secret syllable” or bija mantra; the activating word which lends power to the mantra. Ganapataye = another name for Ganesha Namo Namah = to bow to; I bow, we bow Jai or Jaya = glory or victory (to) Pahimam; Rakshamam= protect me 2. “Maha Waltz” The maha (great) mantra; or Hare Krishna mantra set to a ¾ waltz time. This is the famous mantra brought to mainstream society by the Hare Krishna movement, but precedes it as we know ...