In a court filled with duality and opinion, Susanne Huiberts’ job as an interpreter is to remain neutral. She finds that reciting Veda mantras helps her to stay equanimous and balanced.
Susanne Huiberts was born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, but moved to the East of the country when she was 18 to study French — she then lived in France, Spain and England. Given her knack for languages (she is fluent in Dutch, English, French and Spanish), she is an interpreter for Business Communication, a yoga and Veda chanting teacher, and occasionally, she offers Ayurveda massages. Susanne’s introduction to Indic Knowledge Systems was through yoga (she started practising around 2007) and Āyurveda. Mantras first caught Susanne’s attention when she was attending an Āyurveda course and heard chanting there. “At the time, I couldn’t get any explanation about the chanting, but in 2020, I discovered Veda Studies through a Yoga Centre in Amsterdam, and I was immediately interested in learning more. I actually studied the Yoga Sutras first at Veda Studies, as I was already a yoga practitioner and teacher. I knew about the Yoga Sutras, but this course really expanded my understanding, and I realised how much there is to study. I signed up for the Veda Studies Foundation Course,” says Susanne. She is an alumna of the first Indica Veda Studies Teacher Training Programme Level I (2023), and is currently attending the Level II Teacher Training Programme focused on the Pañca-Sūktam — in conversation with Veda Studies.
The Language and Phonetics of Veda
Susanne Huiberts: When I was studying Spanish or even as a child, there were certain sounds that I found challenging, and I found similar sounds challenging in Sanskrit, too. For example, the sibilant sounds are so nuanced, and it is a challenge to ensure I pronounce them correctly. What helped is the phonetic guide and the alphabet sheet that Shantalaji has created. When I teach mantras, I actually start by repeating the letters — the origin of all these sounds and which part of our mouth we use for each is stated very clearly in the sheet that Shantalaji made available — that’s very helpful. My students like these sound exercises, and it piques their curiosity, too. They are interested in knowing how to utter each sound correctly, so these guides and sheets help everyone.
The Teacher Training Programmes, Level I and II
Susanne Huiberts: I liked the logic behind the choice of which mantras and sūktams we studied in the first level. It set the foundation for future studies. In Level I, Shantalaji explained the purpose of the sūktams, and that really helped. The Agni sūktam resonated with me right from the start. I think I need that fire (laughs). Every time I am upset or down, reciting this sūktam uplifts me and makes me feel more balanced. I also like reciting the Bhadraṃ Śanti mantra, the Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣam and the Sattvika Tyaga from the Gāyatrī Upāsanā…
I recite the Śraddhā, Agni and Medhā Sūktams every day. My thoughts move in every direction, and I have so many. Reciting these sūktams is very helpful for better focus. As an interpreter, I work a lot in court, and it is the nature of court that there are always dualities in opinions. As an interpreter, I have to be neutral. This is difficult as the mind has a tendency to form opinions, so I also chant to remain neutral and equanimous.
We only just started the Level II programme, but I already feel it is more thorough in terms of how deeply we are now paying attention to consonants and the gripping sounds, etc. This Level II training has inspired me to study Sanskrit more seriously.
A Fine Balance of Practice and Theory
Susanne Huiberts: I knew there were many stories and many deities, but I didn’t know much about them. In the Veda Studies theory sessions, I learned that it is all a representation of our inner self and inner balance — the various emotions that we all experience are all represented by the different deities. I also realised that what we feel and think is not good or bad — it’s all different energies and emotions that all human beings are struggling with, and it is all a part of the human condition. There are positive and negative emotions, and Veda taught me that everything is a part of life. Where our attention goes is where energy flows, so focus on the positive.
On Spirituality
Susanne Huiberts: Spirituality means seeing and experiencing that life is just a flow of energy. Sometimes there are ups and sometimes there are downs, and these spiritual practices equip us to be ok with life as it is.
Advice for Beginners to Veda
Susanne Huiberts: Just start. I think most people who have practised even one mantra immediately notice that it creates a feeling and an experience that most people want to experience again. And, find a good teacher. These two are the most important things: find a good teacher and then start.
To get in touch with Susanne, email her at [email protected]