In yoga, movement and breath are combined to promote physical and emotional well-being. In the Krishnamacharya and Desikachar’s lineage, this coordination of breath and movement is a fundamental aspect of asana practice but sound can also be added as a third component of practice. Sound is indeed the first expression of breath: think of the first cry of an infant at birth, and then think of the sound of breath being like a spontaneous and unuttered mantra which energizes and purifies our system day in and day out. When introducing sound in practice, the first step is usually one of uttering simple vowel sounds. Then simple phrases are taught in a traditional “listen & repeat” fashion.
Vedic Chanting is an active practice where the vibrations are created by our own voice. These vibrations coming from the inside of your body help melt physical and mental tensions and clear some energetic pathways. It also teaches us to focus our mind.
Even though chanting has long-lasting therapeutic and transformational effects, we are fully aware that many people feel self-conscious about letting their voice be heard, but the particular form of chanting taught here is a relatively “user-friendly” one. It basically uses three simple notes and it is done collectively with our voice always supported by the voices of others. No one is ever asked to chant alone.
What type of chanting will be taught?
We teach traditional Vedic Chanting. The reason it is called “Vedic” is because we chant passages from “the Veda”, a corpus of invocations from India. The Veda carries universal wisdom which can support anyone in their search for timeless truths, regardless of gender, age or beliefs. The mantras are explained in such a way that everyone can find comfortable and relevant meaning.
The Sanskrit term which is often associated with the practice of Vedic Chanting is “adhyayanam”. “Adhyayanam” means "coming closer to yourself.” In the Indian tradition, sound, especially as embodied in the Veda-s, is said to stimulate and open the “hrdayam” or heart chakra, thus making it “a pilgrimage to the heart”.
Vedic chanting is also a practice that uses language to experience “That” which is beyond language. It allows us to be in the now and loosen up our ego and has the potential for deepening our connection with “what is beyond words, time and space”. It is a form of meditation and practitioners often report experiencing a state of deep peace and oneness after chanting.
Who will teach these classes ?
Mantra chanting affects our system at a subtle vibrational level. It is therefore important to learn the mantras according to the rules of pronunciation, grammar, meter, and continuity, so that the hymns are chanted as they were by the ancients.
Martine Burat was introduced to Vedic Chanting 35 years ago by her yoga mentor, Mary Louise Skelton, a direct student of Desikachar, and the original founder of Upstate Yoga Institute. Martine had no musical background whatsoever. After Mary-Louise Skelton’s passing, Martine continued the study of Vedic Chanting for years with Sonia Nelson, another direct student of Desikachar and director of the Santa Fe Vedic Chant Center,. Martine is currently continuing her education in Vedic Chanting under the guidance of Sheela Shankar, here in the US and during a trip to India last year.
Practical information can be found on our schedule page. Should you have questions or want to register, write to Martine at info@upstateyogainstitute.com.
