The Viniyoga of Vedic Chanting
Like any other aspect of yoga, a Vedic chanting practice is most beneficial when it is tailored to the individual. However, it is important to know the basics before embarking on a deeper, personal journey with sound. To that end, I offer four levels of practice, through which you will gradually come to understand the rules of Vedic chanting, while also coming to understand more about yourself, and how the chants impact you. Working in this way we will get to know each other, and through our shared process we will discover how best to incorporate chanting into your daily life.
Mantra Mālās
Four levels of practice for beginners and beyond.
I have chosen the term mālā to describe the various sets of chants that I offer at the initial stages of your individual practice. A mālā is a garland, or a string of beads. Each mantra in a particular set can be seen as a bead on the mālā. We can choose an appropriate starting point, and gradually work our way through the entire set. The mālā then becomes yours to practice again and again. Through repetition you will form your own special relationship with the chants, and absorb their positive vibrations.
The Green Mālā
The foundation
(NO PREREQUISITE)
This set of mantras is taken from Mantravalli, Volume 1
Śivapañcākṣarī-mantraḥ
Āyurmantraḥ
Pañcamaya-ślokaḥ
Candranamaskṛtya-mantraḥ
The Purple Mālā
Prerequisite:
mantra mālā 1
This set of mantras is taken from Mantravalli, Volume 1
Saha nāvavatu
Mantrapuṣpam
Laghunyāsaḥ
Ārogya-mantraḥ
Gāyatrī-mantraḥ
Sūryanamaskāra-mantraḥ
Gurvaṣṭakam
The Teal Mālā
Prerequisite:
mantra mālās 1 & 2
This set of mantras is taken from Mantravalli, Volume 1
Śam no mitraḥ (1)
Śam no mitraḥ (2)
Śraddhāsūktam
Sarasvati prārthanā
Gaṇapati prārthanā
Śiva mantraḥ
The White Mālā
Prerequisite:
mantra mālās 1,2 & 3
This set of mantras is taken from Mantravalli, Volume 1
Narayaṇa upaniṣat
Puruṣasūktam
Durgāsūktam
Bhūsūktam
Śrīsūktam
Prārthanā ślokaḥ
Kṣamā ślokaḥ
Sāttvika tyāgaḥ
Getting Started
If you are new to Vedic Chanting, you will begin by learning the mantras that make up the green Mālā. Once you have learnt all four of these mantras, you will work with them for some time until you achieve a level of confidence and proficiency in reciting them. During this process you will come to understand the basic rules Vedic Chanting through your own experience. You will also form your personal relationship with the mantras. This first level of practice has no time-frame attached to it. In time, and with practice, you will progress through the mālās.
If you already have a chanting practice, we will still begin with the green mālā, as these mantras form the foundation of the syllabus. This will give me an opportunity to listen to you and for us to establish our connection. In this way, we will determine you current capacity and level of practice, and proceed accordingly.
‘Mentoring & refinement sessions’ are available for Vedic Chanting teachers and experienced practitioners.
All private sessions are taught in person in Island Bay, Wellington, and online via Zoom. Please visit the Contact page if you have any questions, or go directly to Ezybook and make make your booking online.
Concession packages can be arranged for those who are ready to commit to a regular class. Attending a weekly or fortnightly session with me will help you to progress your practice and reap the benefits!
I look forward to sharing the joys of Vedic Chanting with you!