SANSKRIT CHANTING

"Since the Vedas employ words as a means of knowledge, great care was taken to evolve a system of phonetics that would protect the meaning of the words as they were intended by the Vedas.ä

Students learn Sanskrit mantras after they have participated in an introductory level Sanskrit class. This is to insure that the students have an idea of where in the vocal apparatus various sounds are formed. Understanding consonant formation and vowel duration is key to maintaining the integrity of the mantras themselves. Vedic chanting is specific not only to pronunciation but also to meter and intonation. Mantras that are incorrectly pronounced cannot bestow upon the person their intended meaning. Linguistic consideration is essential to maintaining the prayerful beauty of Sanskrit mantras.