by Shantala Sriramaiah | Jul 29, 2026 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
At the end of the course of study, the teacher of the Taittirīya Upaniṣad gives the departing student a parting address. It is a set of plain instructions. Speak the truth. Do what is right. Do not be negligent about your recitation. Look after your parents and your...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Jun 13, 2026 | Chanting practice, Courses, Sādhanā, Studying Online
Most people today know the sun salutation from āsana practice. It is a set of postures, a way of greeting the sun with the body. In the Veda the salutation to the sun takes another form. It is mantric. It is offered in sound. Here the ṛṣis recognise the sun and...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Mar 31, 2026 | Chanting practice, Personal & community
We have reached an important milestone in our Viṣṇu Sahasranāma course: the completion of the Pūrva Bhāga, the opening section that precedes the thousand names themselves. What is the Pūrva Bhāga? The pūrva bhāga, literally the ‘prior section,’ is...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Mar 21, 2026 | Chanting practice
This article is a work in progress and may go through further revision as I learn to articulate my views in a more refined way. I wish to express my deep gratitude to NIna Rao for her contribution to the western style Kīrtan column in the contrast made between the...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Nov 11, 2025 | Chanting practice
The Viṣṇu Sahasranāma, the thousand names of Lord Viṣṇu, is one of the most beloved hymns in the Vedic tradition. Many of us know it as a prayer of protection, healing, and grace. Yet, when we approach it deeply, we begin to discover that each name is also a window...
by Shantala Sriramaiah | Oct 13, 2025 | Chanting practice, Festival chanting
The Festival of Renewal Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness – a time to rekindle clarity, joy and auspiciousness.For me, it is also a moment to turn inward, to engage in sādhana – a daily practice that aligns sound, thought and intention.This...
