Shanti / Ashtangi

When you immerse yourself in *Shanti / Ashtangi*, you encounter a sonic proposal that departs from the conventional. The foundation is an experimental, almost hypnotic electronic rhythm, over which Madonna chants a traditional Ashtanga yoga prayer, the one heard in Himalayan yoga classes. It's a fusion that blends the ancestral with the modern, adding touches of Indian music to create a unique atmosphere. The duration of this piece is 4 minutes and 29 seconds, just enough time to let yourself be carried away by its energy.

This track is part of Ray of Light, Madonna's seventh studio album, released on February 22, 1998. It represented a significant shift in her style, distancing herself from previous works like Bedtime Stories (1994). Ray of Light delves into genres such as electronic, trip hop, and techno-pop, with influences from new-age music, ambient, house, rock, and even classical. The lyrics and music are imbued with mystical themes, reflecting Madonna's interest in Kabbalah, her studies of Hinduism and Buddhism, and her daily practice of Ashtanga yoga. For the production of this album, Madonna initially worked with Babyface and Patrick Leonard, but not finding the desired direction, she decided to explore a new musical path with William Orbit, who was responsible for the production of *Shanti / Ashtangi*.