The following six compositions in manana have been inspired by Latha’s combined passion for Sanskrit poetry and Indian Classical music. 1. Gayathri Mantra, a chant from the Vedas interpreted as "We meditate upon the glory of the power that has produced this universe; may our minds be enlightened." 2. SuryashTakam, an octet from the Samba PuraNa expressing reverence to the Sun, the source of light and energy to “remove the darkness in our minds.” Surya namaskaara shloka offers salutations addressing the Sun by a variety of names. 3. YamunaashTakam, an octet composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, salutation to the beautiful river Yamuna, who “cleanses impurities from our heart and mind and washes away all sorrow everywhere.” 4. NirvaaNa Shatkam is a spiritual composition with six verses by Sri Adi Shankaracharya saying “I am neither the mind nor the intellect, I am neither matter nor experience, I am neither virtue nor vice, neither pleasure nor pain, I am the Ever Pure Blissful Consciousness.” 5. NarmadaashTakam, composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, salutes the beautiful river Narmada flowing with her blissful and mischievously playful waves, whose banks are calm and peaceful, filled with the delightful and soothing sounds of the birds. 6. Ganga Stotra, composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya salutes the majestic river Ganga who liberates us with her merciful waves. MangaLam Shloka and Shanti mantra are ancient Sanskrit verses wishing peace and joy to everyone, everywhere. Dr. Latha Nataraj is a scientist, singer, music composer, and artist, living in the Philadelphia area in the USA. She comes from a family of musicians and music enthusiasts and was initiated into Karnatak music at a very young age by her mother, Mrs. Vasantha Ramamurthy. Later, she continued her training in Karnatak music from Vid. Ramaa Krishnamurthy, Vid. Saraswathi Shankar, and late Vid. G.V. Ranganayakamma of Sri Rama Lalitha Kalaa Mandira in Bengaluru. Further, she learned some of her favorite compositions of the legendary Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna from his disciple, late Vid. M. K. Channakeshava. Having trained with Vid. Krianavali Vidyashankar in the Philadelphia area for some time, she currently continues her journey in Karnatak music with Sangeetha Kalaa Ratna Vid. M.S. Sheela. Credits Music Composition: Latha Nataraj Music Arrangement & Keyboard: Praveen D. Rao Sitar: Shruti Kamath Tabla: Pradyumna Soraba Flute: Varijashree Venugopal Creative Percussion: Praveen