Vedic Chanting FAQ

 
 

Chanting is a very powerful practice that is used in different ways across many different cultural traditions in India and beyond. I get a lot of questions when I say Vedic chanting so I’ve put together this little FAQ.

What is Vedic Chanting?

Vedic chanting is the practice of reciting mantras from the oldest spiritual texts in the world. These mantras have been preserved by a rigorous oral tradition, precisely transmitting the knowledge from teacher to student for thousands of years.

The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts from which Indic knowledge systems including Yoga, Ayurveda, and Jyotish stem from. They are considered śruti, that which is heard, indicating their status as revealed texts that ancient seers brought back from states of deep meditation.

These ancient seers or Ṛṣis and Ṛṣikas, had direct experience of the nature of reality which they expressed through beautiful esoteric poetry that was passed on through oral tradition in the form of the mantras that were later organized and written down in Sanskrit as the four Vedas.

These mantras contain deep wisdom on many things, including how to live in harmony and alignment with nature, each other and ourselves. Veda recitation aligns your vibration with this wisdom and over time it begins to unfold inside of you, inviting new insight and understanding.

In my Veda chanting programs, you will have the opportunity to learn these mantras as they were originally presented in the Vedas. This is important because when we keep the integrity of the the mantra we keep the integrity of the wisdom intact. The wisdom is encoded in the sound.

What are the benefits of chanting as opposed to other meditation practices?

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.

What is the difference between your online programs?

All of my programs are geared towards developing a relationship with a Sanskrit chanting practice. This can be done from different angles and different levels of intensity based on your own personal goals.

Free Community Classes ~ Several times a year, I try to offer free community chanting practices. These are great if you’re new to chanting and would like to give it a try.

Sacred Sound 40-day Practices ~ These are 6-week themed containers focusing on establishing a regular daily chanting practice through japa (repetition of simple mantras). In this program, the emphasis is on developing a sādhana (spiritual practice) that works for you. Classes meet twice a week (recordings are sent if you cannot attend). During class, in addition to a group chanting and meditation practice, we explore the energies that the mantras contain through symbolism, mythology, and how you can identify them in your own life. These are a great fit if you’d like to sit in community and practice. One of the most amazing pieces of these programs is feeling into the silent support offered as we sit together in the space one the 40 days.

No experience is necessary to join these groups. Click HERE for more info.

Vedic Chanting for Beginners ~ This is a comprehensive 6-week course that gives a solid foundation, not only to chanting, but to the cultural context of the mantras that many Westerners may not be familiar with. You will learn the Sanskrit alphabet along with the six foundational principles of chanting mantras from Veda. You will also be introduced to six popular deities, the qualities that they embody, and some of their mythology. The course provides instruction in 12 mantras that can be used regularly in any daily practice. No experience is necessary for this course. Click HERE for more info.

Suktam Studies ~ For students wishing to dive into longer texts, I offer intermediate group study classes. Vedic Chanting for Beginners is a pre-requisite for these texts. I could write a whole blog about the benefits of learning longer texts…stay tuned.

If I’m new to chanting where do I start?

Key to any Sanskrit chanting practice is knowing the sounds in the alphabet. Alphabet recitation is included in all practices. The 40-day practices and Vedic Chanting for Beginners are great if you are new to Sanskrit. If you’re not quite ready for a course commitment but want to begin learning, try the Monthly Mantra Membership for bite size mantras to practice once a month. I’m always happy to hop on a free consultation call to chat about which programs might be a good fit for you. To set up a call, click HERE.

A Personal Note

For the past decade, chanting has been my primary spiritual practice. During the most difficult periods of my life, I would say it’s saved me, and I’m not alone. I’m grateful to all of the amazing teachers I’ve had on this path. Special thanks to my teacher Shantala Śriramaiah of Veda Studies for creating a path to be an authorized teacher within this lineage. I’m honored to be able to share with authenticity, this tradition of chanting.

CURRENT OFFERINGS

In Person & Online Group Classes

Monthly Vedic Chanting Circle in Portland

Winter 2026 Sacred Sound Online 40-Day Practice

Online Vedic Chanting for Beginners Winter 2026

Everyday Sacred : Monthly Mantra Membership

Sacred Sound Sangha

Retreats

Sacred Sound & Silence by the Sea - May 2026

Sacred Sound at Avalon Acres Mini-Retreat - Summer Solstice 2026

Sacred Sound at Morning Glory Farm Mini-Retreat - August 2026

Sacred Sound at Borestone Mountain - Fall 2026

Stay tuned and if you’re interested, sign up for my newsletter where I’ll be sharing info on new workshops and chanting circles both in-person and online in the coming season.

By shifting our own vibration we can shift the vibration of the world.

Om shantih