Viṣṇu Sahasranāma

Course objectives:

At the end of this course, the student will:

1. Be able to recite the entire Viṣṇu Sahasranāma - the Pūrvabhāga, Nyāsa, Sahasranāma & Phalaśruti.
2. Understand the spirit of the genre of Sahasranāma-s.
3. Gain an insight into the teaching that lies behind the names of Lord Viṣṇu.
4. Join a community of committed practitioners of the Viṣṇu Sahasranāma on astrologically powerful days for this practice. (If there is enough interest and attendance for this ongoing practice).

Course fee: 

• €1247 (until 30 November)
• €1347 (until 31 December)
• €1447 (from 1 January)

Pay in 3 or 6 bi-monthly instalments:

There are no scholarships available for this course. However, if you do not want to pay the full fee at once you can pay in three or six easy bi-monthly instalments (so just every 2 months). The first payment must be done online (see links below). For European students, the follow-up payments can be done through a regular bank transfer to the Veda Studies account in Switzerland. Bank details will be provided after booking your spot. Non-European students can use a cheap transfer service like Wise (preferred) or through a credit card payment (we will provide you with payment links). Important: once you make the first instalment, the other two or four instalments are required as well (even if you withdraw from course, the remaining payments still need to be honored).

• €459 x3 bi-monthly instalments (until 30 November)
• €489 x3 bi-monthly instalments (until 31 December)
• €519 x3 bi-monthly installments (from 1 January)
• Click here to pay in 3 installments >>
  ...
• €239 x6 bi-monthly instalments (until 30 November)
• €254 x6 bi-monthly instalments (until 31 December)
• €269 x6 bi-monthly installments (from 1 January)
• Click here to pay in 6 instalments >>

Teaching times 

Thursdays 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm (Brussels time). Attention: due to the long duration of the program, there will be several time-changes (daylight saving time). We will do our best to update you when this happens, but be aware that we always meet at Brussels / Central European Time, so your time may shift plus or minus one hour!

Teaching dates

This program runs for 15 months. The below dates are scheduled in our calendar, but changes may still happen due to unforeseen events. We will inform you of any changes and provide alternative date(s) if required. Since recordings will be made available quickly after each session, you will always be able to catch up if you cannot join on a scheduled or alternative date.

2026 dates
Feb: 05 (class 1: orientation & general chanting rules, mandatory to attend or watch recording)
Feb: 12, 26
March: 05, 12, 26,
April: 16, 23, 30
May: 07, 21, 28
June: 04, 11, 28
July: 02, 09, 16, 23
Sept: 03, 10, 17
Oct: 08, 15, 22
Nov: 12, 19, 26
Dec: 03, 10, 17

2027 dates
Jan: 14, 21, 28
Feb: 10, 17, 24
March: 03, 10, 17
April: 15, 22, 29
May: 06

Course Level
Intermediate to advanced

This course is for:

• Anyone who wishes to immerse in the divine names of Lord Viṣṇu.
• Students, teachers and practitioners of Jyotiṣa.
• If you have experience in the recitation of long Sanskrit texts, it is an advantage. We will provide practice material in order to help students of all levels learn the text eventually.

Included in this course:

• 45 Live classes taught by Shantala
• Recordings of all classes organised in a self-paced course.
• Additional 15 practice classes with Poornima - one a month through the duration of the course. Possibility of these practice classes being offered at a different time suitable for Asian countries, Australia, NZ.
• Text in English Transliteration, Devanāgiri.
• There will be no homework recordings for this course - which is why we are offering the additional practice classes.

Benefits of Learning the Viṣṇu Sahasranāma

• Deepening Concentration and Devotion
  Immersing in a thousand names of the Divine trains the mind in one-pointedness and steadiness, while cultivating sincere devotion.
• Immersion in the Divine Form of Viṣṇu
  Over fifteen months, the Sahasranāma offers a rare opportunity to dwell on a thousand aspects of Lord Viṣṇu, offering our adoration to the sustaining principle of the universe.
• Purification through Sound
  The precise recitation of this intricate chant refines the Sanskrit sounds in the body and mind. This process of purification is both subtle and transformative. The Viṣṇu Sahasranāma presents aspirated sounds in powerful combinations.
• Astrological Alignment
  Reciting this Sahasranāma is said to harmonise planetary influences, especially those governed by Viṣṇu (Mercury/Budha). It brings clarity, steadiness, and protection during challenging planetary periods.
• Scriptural Authority
  As taught by Bhīṣma in the Mahābhārata as the supreme prayer, learning this chant connects one with a living tradition, deeply rooted in śāstra.
• Community and Continuity
  We aspire to create a community of committed practitioners on astrologically powerful days. (Just as we have an established Śivarātrī & Śani vrata community).