In-Person Vedic Chanting Circles
Monthly Vedic Chanting Circles
Join me throughout each month to sit in community and enjoy a powerful meditative chanting experience that is accessible to everyone.
Each circle will be themed to support the energy of the month. As of right now, there are three in-person practices scheduled, Portland, South Portland and Brunswick, along with one free community practice online that everyone will be invited to. There is also the potential for special pop-up locations.
Everyone who attends will receive a the text and a link to a recording of the monthly mantras for use as a personal sādhana throughout the month.
Each class will include:
Practicing sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet
Breakdown of mantra to be used, with pronunciation and translation
Mythology or context of the mantra
Intention setting ritual
Gentle breathwork to prepare the body for chanting
Japa practice (repetition of the mantra)
Guided meditation to close
Opportunity post-practice to relax and enjoy a cup of tea in community
No experience necessary. All levels welcome!
For more information on dates, times, themes and class rates, please click on specific locations.
If you are enrolled in the Online Introduction to Vedic Chanting program, or attend more than one circle monthly, please feel free to reach out to me about discounted rates.
Portland Circle at Rosemont Wellness
South Portland Circle at Breathing Room
Brunswick Circle at Forever Wild
What is Vedic Chanting?
Vedic chanting is the practice of reciting mantras from the ancient texts of India. In this circle you will have the opportunity to learn mantras as they were originally presented in the Vedas passed down through oral tradition for thousands of years.
Why chant?
Chanting as a personal practice strengthens the muscles of concentration, invites deep connections and promotes healing for the mind, body and spirit.
As a meditation tool: It gives the mind something to focus on that is not just "quieting the mind". Japa (repetition of a mantra), is a technology to retrain neural pathways to be more present. Both japa and chanting longer texts build muscles of focus and concentration necessary to attain a state of meditation.
As a healing modality: The vibration of Sanskrit mantras relax the nervous system, bringing it into the parasympathetic state. Research has shown innumerable health benefits from chanting including; lowering blood pressure, improving the immune system, as well as triggering the release of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and melatonin, which are the chemicals that help you feel happier.
As a devotional practice: Mantras serve as a key to opening a connection with a deep part of ourselves, where we can access both our own intuition and the wisdom and support of universal intelligence. Using a mantra regularly in your personal practice can make enormous transformations in both your inner and outer worlds.
In addition chanting can:
expand lung capacity and help repattern the breath in a healthy way
activate the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing you into a more relaxed state
develop concentration and focus
create new neural pathways
lower anxiety and stress
Chanting ancient texts is also a profound tool for personal growth and connecting with your idea of the divine, whatever that may be.