Vedic chants are passed down traditionally from "mouth-to-ear". The Sanskrit language is among the oldest known to humankind, and is first and foremost a language which developed to express spiritual thought. The pronounciation of vowel sounds - "svaras"- and consonants, "vyanjanas" are held to be extremely important as the sound vibration elicits specific nuances of feeling and revelation for the one chanting. These chants have specific melodies which have uninterruptedly preserved the intent of the teachings embedded in the chants for centuries. Therefore please take note that it is necessary to obtain a qualified teacher in order to learn the correct pronounciation and melodies of these chants. The above material is provided only as a reference for those interested in the meanings of chants as they have been making their way more and more into the mainstream through popular music, etc.

According to the teachings of the Upanishads, the greatest way that a student can repay the kindness of a teacher is to share the Dharma with others. It is in this spirit that I offer my humble gratitude and pranams to my original teachers in Vedic chanting and mantra:

Bhavani, of Mount Madonna Center- who was the first to share the Sanskrit alphabet with me in 2003;

Kofi Busia- who has remembered so many precious
wisdoms embedded in these chants to so many
fortunate Yogi/nis;

Mataji (Sadhvi Abha Sarasvati)- who I have gratefully studied with for years and who gave me permission to share what I have learned

Dr. Sarasvati Mohan- my honorable and continuing teacher in Sanskrit language

The sacrifice and dedication of these remarkable Yogacharyas to uphold the impeccable transmission of Sanskrit and Yogic wisdom have made it possible for me to share, in whatever small way I can, these sacred teachings with you.

I encourage you to study with them and learn more about their teaching at:

mountmadonna.org
kofibusia.com
parmarth.com
sanskrtam.org