Veda Chanting – Foundation Certificate Course (Live)
€249,00
Date and time
The course starts on Tuesday 14 January 2025. There will be 6 online LIVE classes on Tuesdays from 5pm to 6.15pm (Brussels time). Recordings will be made available quickly after each class.
Course level
This course is an all-levels or beginner level program.
Weekly homework & certificate
Students who meet the weekly homework requirements (6 assignments) will be awarded a certificate of completion at the end of this course.
Introduction
I’m happy to offer this popular Foundation Program for Vedic chanting to give the best initiation to beginners to the practice. Through these 6 weeks of Live classes and guided self-study, students will understand how to get started with Vedic chanting as taught by Pundits of South India. If you wish to study seriously in this lineage (The Challakere Brothers), this course must be studied.
This program is suitable for:
- Students completely new to Vedic chanting.
- Those who may have studied some chanting but would like to benefit from getting feedback on their practice.
- Students who would like a structured initiation to Vedic chanting & rules as taught in the living lineage of The Challakere Brothers.
- Students who would like to prepare for Sūktam (intermediate level) classes or have a long term view of teaching chanting.
- Those curious and looking to understand the Vedas.
- You wish to clarify all your doubts – is it Brah-ma or Bram-Ha, difference between singing/Veda, how/when to breathe etc.
Objectives:
At the end of this program, students will
- Gain confidence in the basics of Vedic chanting.
- Understand clearly the tonal, rhythmic nature of Vedic chanting and how it is different from music.
- Learn the basics of the Sanskrit alphabet to help the chanting practice.
- Establish understanding of the most important Vedic chanting rules.
- Learn how to organise your practice and develop a daily practice of chanting.
- Learn the most important mantras for beginners – Mantras for peace & invocatory mantras.
- Submit up to 6 recordings to receive feedback on their progress.
- Receive a certificate of completion.
Program dates and details (all classes at 5pm-6.15pm Brussels time):
Jan 14 – Tonal exercises + Śānti mantra
Jan 21 – Sanskrit alphabet + Gāyatrī mantra
Jan 28 – Invocation – Gaṇapati mantra + chanting rules
Feb 04 – Invocation – Sarasvatī mantra + chanting rules
Feb 11 – Introduction to Vedas + Śanti mantra
Feb 18 – How to do japa + Mahāmṛtyuñjaya mantra
(additional mantras possible based on individual progress)
TIME ZONES: Students are responsible to check local times for live classes. Use a tool like THIS.
Mantras taught:
- saha nāvavatu (Peace mantra)
- pūrṇamadaḥ (Peace mantra)
- gaṇapati prārthana (Invocation)
- sarasvatī prārthana (Invocation)
- Gāyatrī & Mahāmṛtyuñjaya mantra (Mantras for liberation)
- Additional mantras may be offered to students who may already know some of these mantras or are learning at a fast pace.
In my experience, most students who have felt they already know these mantras have had to relearn with accurate details and Vedic phonetics!
Your course includes:
- Workbook with step by step instructions on the program, chanting text, word by word meanings of mantras and questions for reflection. (value €25)
- Self paced courses (with complete learning resources & lifetime access):
Veda chanting essentials (value €35)
Veda chanting – Foundation course self-paced (value €197)
Invocatory prayers (value €45) - Zoom live sessions – 6 (value €150)
- Assignment evaluation – 6 recordings over 6 weeks will be evaluated. (value €120)
- Certificate of completion
Total value of program: €572 Special program fee being offered:
€249 until Jan 08, €279 after, including all resources!
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between this and the self-paced Foundation course?
The LIVE program includes 6 LIVE classes on Zoom and homework each week with individual feedback to each participant in the cohort. Those who complete the homework each week will receive a certificate of completion. There is also a different workbook for this program. The invocatory prayers are also taught in this program. None of these elements are included in the self-paced Foundation program.
2. I already bought the self-paced Foundation course, what should I do?
Please send us an email and you can easily “upgrade” to this LIVE program with payment of only the difference in course fees. Write to [email protected]
3. I have been chanting for many years, can I skip this program?
It is essential to follow the Foundation program if you have not studied with Shantala previously. Even if you have previous experience, this course will help you understand the lineage and method. The teachings follow the South Indian Mysore Tradition as taught by Shantala’s Gurus. Even senior and serious teachers in other traditions have taken this course and found it useful.
4. I already know all these mantras, can I skip this course?
In Shantala’s experience of having taught over 600 students this Foundation program, it is highly likely that most students have not studied these mantras with the correct text and or correct intonation. This program sets the tone for all further study in our lineage and is highly recommended as a starting place for ALL levels of students.
5. How long will the ZOOM class recordings be available?
The ZOOM class recordings will be available for up to 3 months after course ends. For privacy reasons, we cannot make these videos available permanently as students participate in these classes. However, the three self-paced courses will be available permanently which has all the recordings and learning resources you will need to continue practice after course ends.
6. Are there any scholarships or discounts offered on this course?
This course takes Shantala’s time extensively, especially as each student receives individual feedback. Payment plans are possible to make it convenient.
7. Can I follow this course through recordings as I’m unable to be there during this time (or time-zone inconvenient)?
Yes, absolutely, you can follow the course through recordings. Just make sure to send in your weekly homework on time and receive feedback. This is a very effective way to learn!
8. Do I need to have a Sanskrit background or be able to read in Devanāgari?
While helpful, this is not a requirement. All the material is available in English transliteration & Devanāgiri.
Veda Chanting Foundation Course
6 LIVE classes with homework
€249,00