The sound of meditation
Introduction
Sound has always been of great importance in every tradition. Sound is the first thing we perceive, even before we are born, when we are growing up in our mother’s womb. Then the sound is our first expression. Listening and expressing sounds is therefore a natural activity for all of us. According to many cultures, the origin of the universe is to be found in Sound. When we try to connect with the Source of everything, we do so through sound.
What is a Mantra?
Mantras are powerful sounds that pronounced in the right way and with the right intentions produce specific vibrations within us. These vibrations positively affect our physical, energetic, mental and spiritual bodies.
Some mantra-s have energetic effects, others are relaxing or balancing. There are mantras related to the 5 elements, to the Prana, to the mind, etc. The most powerful of the mantras is the sound Om, which contains within itself the entire Vedic knowledge.
Why chanting the Mantra-s?
Concentration and memory
The attention required to repeat exactly what you heard from your teacher improves memory, concentration and the ability to stay focused without any distractions.
Silence and Meditation
Vedic Chant allows you to experience a very special silence. This is because, as you listen to your teacher, there must be silence in your mind. Nothing else has to enter the mind, otherwise you won’t be able to repeat exactly. The more the mind is silent and absorbed in listening, the more the ability to stay focused for a long time develops. We can say that the practice of reciting the Vedas is a powerful form of meditation.
Breathing
The process of Veda chanting requires a good exhalation which calms the mind and strengthens the Praṇa, the vital force connected with the breath.
Overcoming of fears
Chanting Mantra-s is a joyful and invigorating practice. Regular practice helps students to overcome fears and develop creativity and personal skills.
Shanti Mantra – Saha Navavatu (chanting by Antonella Valentinetti)
About me
I’m a certified Yoga and Vedic Chant teacher in the tradition of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and Sri Desikachar (Viniyoga). I started studying the Vedas in 2008. Since then mantras have become more and more important to me. In 2013 I went to India for the first time and started studying Vedic chant more deeply at the kym.org in Chennai. I have been to India every year since then to continue this exciting study. I received the diploma of Vedic Chant Teacher in 2016 from the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. Since the start of the pandemic, I have continued to study and teach online.
My courses are recognized in Italy by YANI, National Association of Yoga Teachers.
My classes are mainly composed by yoga teachers. They are studying Veda mantras to extend their knowledge of the source of Yoga. But anyone with a concrete interest in this discipline is welcome in my classes.
My deep gratitude to all my teachers which are generously transmitting this invaluable treasure to me.
Antonella Valentinetti
