Sanskrit Peace Chants for Wellbeing

Join us for a Vedic chanting workshop where you will learn the art of chanting Sanskrit mantras using traditional auditory techniques (śruti) and classical intonation marks.

This workshop introduces the foundational principles of mantra chanting by focusing on the essential sounds of Sanskrit. You’ll explore how each sound vibrates through your body, awakens spiritual energy, and leads to a distinct state of awareness.

Through direct listening and repetition, you'll learn to pronounce and chant the following Vedic Sanskrit mantra:
1. Gaṇapati invocation for wealth and prosperity
2. Peace chant to begin a teaching session
3. Peace chant to begin an auspicious ceremony or function
4. Peace chant to invoke the fullness of consciousness
5. Other chants (time permitting) that utilize the full scope of Sanskrit sound partitions

Alhough not a pre-requisite, learning or familiarizing yourself with Sanskrit vowels, consonants, and composite sounds from the free audio recordings on our website will make this workshop easier to follow. See below for the link to the recordings.

The workshop will emphasize recognizing the intonation marks (specifically as per the Kānwa branch of Vedic recension) emphasizing correct pronunciation, cadence, voice tonality, and synchronizing the mantras with your breath. You will also practice breathless chanting versions and experience how to chant in alignment with your stamina.

This workshop is suitable for beginners, intermediate and experienced practitioners alike. No prior knowledge of Sanskrit language is required, even though some basic idea of Sanskrit mantra chanting will be helpful. The key to success in this workshop is your intent listening and ability to replicate sounds.

Immerse yourself in this rare opportunity to learn authentic chanting techniques from the Himalayan Vedic tradition and experience the spiritual energy of Sanskrit mantras.

A light vegetarian lunch will be served after the class concludes at 1:30pm and is included in the workshop registration fee.

His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda is a Himalayan siddha monk, who hails from unbroken lineages of the combined heritage of rishi sages and nath meditation adepts. He is among the very few adepts outside of India who has been awarded the degree of DLitt et Phil (Mahāmahopādhyāya) by the erstwhile President of the Association of Indian Universities and by the Sanskrit scholars of Calcutta, India. The degree was conferred in recognition of his meditative interpretation, scholarly analysis, and ability to articulate the philosophical nuances of Sanskrit literature. Learn more about His Holiness here.

While not compulsory, you may wish to review the Sanskrit letter sounds ahead of attending this workshop.

Introducing Sanskrit Letter Sounds – Review the 5 free recordings on sound partitions from our Hansavedas Academy site and mobile app.

Avoid mucous generating (mucogenic) foods one day (24 hours) prior to the workshop. Avoid eating at least 2 hours before the Workshop and make yourself feel light and agile. Supper that you have the day before the workshop should be very light. Fruits and herbal tea are acceptable snacks. For those who are sensitive to a drop in sugar, a handful of nuts is an acceptable snack. There will be a short break at around 11:30am. A light lunch will be served after the conclusion of the classes at around 1:30pm.

Arrive at 9:15am to check-in, use the restroom and get settled before the instruction begins. Avoid arriving late as the session will be recorded. Bring a refillable water canteen with you. Meditation cushions for floor seating and chairs will be provided. You do not need to bring your own. Wear layered clothing based on local weather conditions.

• Please stay home if you are experiencing a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue or any COVID symptom.
• The Nonprofit will issue a full refund of your registration fee if you must cancel attendance due to illness.
• Please follow basic infection prevention and control practices by regularly washing hands with soap and water or with an essential oil (such as lavender oil), and by covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow.

Please note that you must be breathing freely without any migraine headache at the time of chanting and be well-hydrated.

Teenagers under the age of 18 years may attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We do not recommend this Workshop for anyone under the age of 12. Please write to us if you have a particular inquiry.

Registration Cancellation

In order to receive a refund, please notify Self Enquiry Life Fellowship’s main office either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 909-543-6003. No refunds or credits toward registration amount will be offered if you cancel within 7 days of the start date of the event, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason.

Registration Amount Refunds

Full refunds are available if your cancellation request is received at least 15 days prior to the workshop or retreat check-in date. A 75% refund of registration fees is available if your cancellation is received between 8 and 14 days prior to the retreat or workshop check-in date. Please check the description to see if your event has a special cancellation policy. No refunds or credits toward registration amount will be offered if you cancel within 7 days of the start date of the event, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason.

Cancellation by the Organizer

Self Enquiry Life Fellowship reserves the right to cancel any event at any time. In the instance an event is cancelled, registrants will be notified and offered the option of receiving a refund or credit toward a future event. While Self Enquiry Life Fellowship never anticipates cancelling an event, due to unforeseeable circumstances some events may be canceled. Self Enquiry Life Fellowship does not refund travel related expenses, including airline tickets, in the case of event cancellation. Therefore Self Enquiry Life Fellowship advises all participants to refrain from purchasing non-refundable airline tickets.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple (SSAUSM), 10825 Clodine Road, Richmond, United States