by Shantala Sriramaiah | Jan 17, 2025 | Chanting practice, Sūktams
In the Vedas, Śraddhā is revered as both an attitude and a divine presence, guiding seekers towards truth and understanding. Unlike andha-viśvāsa (blind faith), Śraddhā does not demand unquestioning belief. Instead, it invites inquiry, comprehension, and a journey...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Jan 6, 2025 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
For the last four years, I have had the privilege of teaching a worldwide group of dedicated Śiva devotees the magnificent prayer known as Rudram. This prayer, a jewel from the Kṛṣṇa Yajur Veda, is both a challenge and a blessing—a journey that transforms all who...
by Sophia French | Dec 23, 2024 | Chanting practice, Personal & community, Uncategorized
Krupa compares reciting Veda to the work of Leonardo Da Vinci, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Salvador Dalí — you can’t experience any of them in a hurry. “Take your time to take them in,” advises Krupa… By Sophia Ann French The first time I heard Krupa recite Veda in an...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Nov 17, 2024 | Chanting practice
In collaboration with INDICA, we launched our first Chanting teacher training program in 2022. We are thrilled that our second cohort from this program graudated on 16 Nov 2024. Learning to teach mantras from both the Veda as well as the daily prayer Hindu tradition...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Oct 12, 2024 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
Vijayadaśamī, also known as Dussehra, holds immense significance in Hindu culture as the day of victory, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It marks the culmination of the Navaratri festival and is traditionally associated with the victory of Lord Rāma over...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Aug 28, 2024 | Books Published, Chanting practice
Chanting invocation mantras is a deeply rooted practice in India’s spiritual traditions, especially at the commencement of any sacred activity. The book Nitya Dhyāna beautifully presents the first invocation mantras dedicated to the Guru, Lord Gaṇapati, and...