INDICA – Veda Studies chanting teacher programme graduation

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 in South India, a strong focus on cultural context, theory, memorisation & refinement in chanting, getting organised and skilled to lead chanting classes were some of the key elements of this training.

The program was an intensive 108 contact hours of training, with additional time invested in four guest lectures of 1.5 hours each. Also, students have been assisting me in the Veda Studies Foundation programme for beginners, leading our weekly Gāyatrī upāsana sessions and actively participating in our community offerings.

A key feature of this program, has been the rigorous selection criteria for students to enter this program. Participants with an established chanting practice were selected so we could deep dive into the pedagogy of teaching and refining chanting skills to be able to teach.

Theoretical studies:

• Insights into the Śīkṣā literature with particular focus on Taittirīya Prātiśākhyā.
• Qualities of a chanting teacher as described in Śīkṣā & practiced in the Veda vidyālaya tradition.
• Overviews of Indic knowledge systems, Veda overviews, nomenclature of Veda – Samhitā, Brahmaṇa, Āraṇyaka & Upaniṣat.
• The tradition of feedback in Veda chanting – how to prioritise corrections with students.
• The living tradition of chanting in India, daily prayers, important festivals, chanting practices and terminology for various types of compositions.

Chanting (learning to perfect & teach them):

• Veda chants: Śraddhā, Agni, Medhā, Durgā, Devī, Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣā, various Śānti mantras, 12 Gāyatrī mantras of the Mahānārāyaṇa upaniṣat, Āyurmantraḥ, Sūryanamaskāra, Laghunyāsaḥ, Virajā homa mantras.
• Nitya prārthanā – 35 popular Śloka-s as daily prayers (not from Veda).
• Meditative practice – Gāyatrī upāsana (Saṅkalpa, prāṇāyāma & japa with Gāyatrī mantra).
• Special chant taught to the group: Saṃvāda Sūktam (the last hymn of the Ṛgveda).

Guest lectures:

• Mantra Upāya-s in Jyotiṣa by Dr. Robert Svoboda
• Vedic Psychology by Dr. Anuradha Choudry

Our graduating teacher group (40 teachers) consists of Sanskrit teachers, Yoga teachers, students of Vedanta & Indology, meditation teachers, Chanting teachers, Āyurveda therapists and some in the education sector. A diverse group but so focussed and committed to honour the lineage and tradition, we have been spending a lot of time together online. You can read many interviews by them on our blog here >>.

Some excerpts from our graduation event follow here, starting with a message to the graduating students from Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy from INDICA.

Medhā Sūktam by the Tuesday Study Group Members of this cohort:

Eddie Stern’s inspiring message to the group from the Taittirīya Upaniṣad:

“Having taught the Vedas, the teacher imparts these final instructions:

Speak the truth and fulfill your duties. Adhere to dharma and never waver in your study of the Vedas. Honor your teacher with a gift they hold dear, and ensure the continuation of your lineage and family traditions.

Never swerve from truth, neglect your welfare, or overlook your work and prosperity. Commit to the study and propagation of the Vedas. Honor your duties to the devas, and treat your mother, father, teacher, and uninvited guest as divine. Let only virtuous actions guide your life, emulating the noble qualities of your teachers.

Give gifts with faith, generosity, modesty, and empathy. When in doubt, follow the example of those who are wise, gentle, and devoted to dharma. This is the secret of the Vedas: to live with truth, compassion, and respect for all beings.

As you step into the world as teachers, may Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, dwell at the tip of your tongue and guide every mantra you chant. Congratulations, and may your journey honor this timeless tradition.”

Marco & Eunice with Śraddhā Sūktam:

Karin’s message on behalf of the 2024 cohort:

Swamini Shraddhananda ji’s message to the group:

We wish to thank everyone who joined us for this joyous event yesterday, including friends and family of our graduating teachers and the wider Veda Studies community. Your support means the world to us! (Thanks to Edgar for making everything work!).

For those interested in the 2025 teacher program, all details here: