Practice, repeat, and keep doing that until you refine each mantra, contemplate its meaning, and turn it into a good friend, advises Kadri.
By Sophia Ann French
This is my second interview with an Estonian, and I have discovered more of the mystical similarities between Indian and Estonian cultures — both use sound to access the divine, and both find divinity in nature. Kadri Ülenõmm was born and raised in Estonia, where she studied economics and worked in finance. While spirituality and spiritual practices were not part of her informative years, when she discovered yoga and Veda recitation, she chose to explore Indic Knowledge Systems and now has a regular daily chanting practice. She even recently graduated from the Indica Veda Studies Teacher Training Programme in 2024. From economics and finance to yoga and Veda recitation, here’s how Kadri transitioned from finance to spirituality.
Sophia: How did you learn about Veda Studies, and what inspired you to study Veda?
Kadri: I was first introduced to chanting when I attended a yoga workshop, where my teacher recited śānti mantras. I was studying Aṣṭāṅga with Sri Manju Jois and learned the śānti mantras with him. I wanted to learn more about chanting and refine my studies, so I started looking for Vedic chanting online and came across Veda Studies. I signed up for the Foundation Course and then studied a few sūktams… I just wanted to learn more and more…
Sophia: You were practising yoga and Ayurveda before you started reciting Veda. How has reciting Veda enhanced or added value to your existing spiritual practices?
Kadri: It has inspired me to explore the philosophical aspect of the practice. I have moved from a purely physical āsana practice to a more integrated approach that includes meditation and Veda recitation. I want to learn more about philosophy and understand what we know more deeply. Reciting Veda has made me more introspective. I also studied Ayurveda to an extent, and all these practices give context to my āsana practice as well — I understand the purpose of practising āsana daily.
Sophia: Did you find Vedic phonetics challenging?
Kadri: I didn’t struggle with most sounds except maybe the mūrdhanya (retroflex) and mahāprāna sounds. Many sounds used in Sanskrit are similar to Estonian. But, I think if anyone practices, they can recite Veda. You have to keep listening — recite and repeat, recite and repeat. That is the best and only way to learn. The more you practice, the more the mantra becomes a part of you, like a good friend (laughs).
Sophia: Tell us about the Indica Veda Studies Teacher Training Programme.
Kadri: It’s the best thing I have done. We were a group of students from across the world; we all came from different backgrounds, yet we shared a common goal of learning Veda. It was wonderful to be a part of that — I loved all the study groups that were formed and how we all came together to learn. Even after the TTC, we continue to connect and learn together. Even the actual live classes helped me to develop so much. Shantala offers in-depth teaching in the TTC programme, including the meaning of what we study and the background of each ritual. I love that she shares experiences of the practice from her personal life, and she has grown up with this knowledge, so her experience is unique in that way.
Sophia: Why do you think it is important to study Veda’s practical and theoretical aspects?
Kadri: What are you contemplating if you recite the Veda without knowing its meaning? It is essential to understand the mantra and meditate on its meaning. It is the same with yoga — when we read the philosophy, we know why we practice āsanas. Similarly, we have to develop śraddhā for Veda, which comes from understanding both (theory and practice) aspects of Veda recitation. I can appreciate the mantras better when Shantala explains the meaning and purpose of each mantra. She gives it logic, which helps the mantra stick in my mind.
Sophia: Did any particular point or incident inspire you to tread the spiritual path?
Kadri: It wasn’t a single moment. It was gradual. I started because I was overworked and stressed and wanted to take some time off and travel. I first started yoga by looking at YouTube (laughs), then I started practising Aṣṭāṅga; the more I practised, the more I wanted to learn about these practices. So, when I travelled to India, I explored the practices more and started understanding the philosophy and subtle practices like pranāyama. I began with Aṣṭāṅga, which led me to chant, so it was step-by-step…
Sophia: What does India mean to you?
Kadri: India interests me because its entire culture is based on spiritual practice, which is new to me. I last visited India 12 years ago and want to return. I studied in Mysore with Sri B.N.S Iyengar and want to revisit Mysore…
Sophia: Which mantras/sūktams resonate most with you and why?
Kadri: Every new sūktam I learn is very dear to me. But if I had to choose, I would say Durga and Agnī sūktams resonate most with me. The Durga sūktam was the first one that I learned. Whenever I need support, I recite the Durga and Agnī sūktams.
Sophia: What would you advise students who wish to study and teach Veda?
Kadri: Go to Shantala (laughs). I would ask students to keep an open mind. Sometimes, you have to do some unlearning to learn something new. I would also ask students to remain curious about Indic Knowledge Systems and explore different sides of this knowledge. Background knowledge gives you a better opportunity to understand the essence of the mantras. Lastly and most importantly, be patient. Learning mantras precisely takes time and effort.
To get in touch with Kadri, email her at [email protected]