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 ancient texts of India. Vedic chanting can refer to any form of chanting that comes from Vedic traditions, including daily prayers, spiritual and yogic texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s sutras, as well as chanting the Veda-s themselves.
The Veda-s are ancient Sanskrit texts from which Indic knowledge systems including Yoga, Ayurveda, and Jyotish stem from.
The Vedas 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 Ṛṣi-s and Ṛṣika-s, 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 Veda-s.
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 Veda-s and passed down through oral tradition for thousands of years. 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 ~ At least once a month, I try to offer a free community chanting practice. These are great if you’re new to me and would like to see how I hold space.
Introduction to Vedic Chanting ~ This is a comprehensive 6-week foundational course that teaches the Sanskrit alphabet along with the six principles of authentically chanting mantras from Veda. The course provides instruction in 5-6 core mantras that can be used regularly in any daily practice. This is great for you if you’re ready to spend a little more time learning. No experience is necessary for this course, but you will want to allocate some time each day to practice in between the weekly classes.
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.
Suktam/Upanisad/Śloka Studies ~ For students wishing to dive into longer texts, I offer private sessions and periodic intermediate group study classes. Introduction to Vedic Chanting 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?
It’s always good to start with the Sanskrit alphabet. This can be learned in the Introduction to Vedic Chanting course or through private sessions. From there it’s up to you what your overall intention and goals are. 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 so grateful 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.
Private and small group study is available as well as many online and in-person workshops.
Private Study Opportunities:
Beginner:
Introduction to the Sanskrit Alphabet (Devanagari)
Introduction to Vedic Chanting
Invocational Mantras
Everyday Sacred ~ Sanskrit Mantras for daily life
Gayatri Upansana
Mantras for Healing
Mantras for Peace
Intermediate:
Śraddha Suktam ~ exploring faith and devoted commitment
Agni Suktam ~ cultivating the power of will
Durga Suktam ~ battling demons, support for difficult times
Medha Suktam ~ connecting to inner wisdom and discernment
Ganapati Artharvaśīrshā ~ a profound collection of mantras honoring Lord Ganesha, offering protection, connecting with strength, fortitude, clearing obstacles, and the ability to move forward in our lives with grace.
Devi Suktam ~ embodying the full power of the divine feminine
If you’re interested in studying privately or would like to organize a small study group please contact me directly for rates and scheduling.
In Person & Online Group Classes + Online Free Community Practices
Online Introduction to Vedic Chanting
Free Online Weekly Community Chanting Circle
In-Person Mantra Sãdhana ~ A Sacred Sound Immersion to Deepen Your Personal Practice
Invoking the Goddess ~ Fall Online 40-Day Meditation Practice w/Sanskrit Mantra
Stay tuned and if you’re interested, sign up for my newsletter where I’ll be sharing info on many 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 shanti