Introduction to Vedic Chanting (adhyayanam)

Potential benefits:

• Śabda brahma
  • Primal sound vibrations that can positively influence our physiological state
• Breath work
• Improve memory
• Directed focus and complete attention (dharana)
• Meditative
• Continual learning
• Personal/mental development
• Spiritual development
• Ease stress become more peaceful
• Re-connecting to our centre, ‘inner self’, essence

The Vedas (meaning knowledge) is an ancient collection of poetic texts thought to have been revealed to ṛṣis (seers) by God or the ‘ultimate highest form’ the teachings referred to as śruti meaning “that which is heard”. The Vedas, comprising of Ṛg Veda, Sāma Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda also referred to as the four pillars of thought. Often we chant from the Principle Upaniṣads (in particular the Taittirīya) these texts also written over centuries are considered to be Vedic revelation or the culmination of Vedic hymnodies. The Vedas are regarded as an authoritative source of ancient Indian wisdom and knowledge. Age old teachings that can still have tremendous relevance in today’s challenging world.

Originally transmitted orally with strict chanting rules, it is thanks to these rules that these texts can be brought to life and experienced today exactly how they were shared thousands of years ago. One can find this a truly magical experience.

This is not to say that Sanskrit chanting in kirtan with harmonious music is less meaningful or authentic, it is simply that the Vedic tradition has been the precise means (and for thousands of years the only means) of preserving and passing on the teachings of yoga since their realisation many millennia ago, and as such require the precision and preservation for future generations as well as our own present experience and benefit.

It is worth noting that from the Veda’s come mantras, words of power, the effects recognised on different levels by many of us, in-particular yoga practitioners. There is a real depth to this science that invites mindfulness and respect as we recognise that mantra at its highest level is certainly not the simple recitation of a few words.

Audio and supporting documents by Wendy Jupp

I’ve been surrounded by yoga my whole life. I trained with the Yoga Academy in 2016. A series of events led me to focus on Vedic Chanting which now and for the foreseeable future has become a significant part of my life and yoga studies.

I am privileged to have the tutelage of two Vedic chant teachers. Gill Lloyd (student of TKV Desikachar) who I have studied with for many years and since early 2020 with Shobana Srinivasan who is head of Vedic chanting at the KYM (Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai India). My chant practice is in the tradition of T. Krishnamacharya, Yajur Veda lineage.

I’m honoured to be able to share a sample of this with HomeYoga.

If you would like to go further with Vedic Chanting, you can book 1 to 1 sessions  and more with Wendy on her website Sanskrit Sound and Yoga.