Silva Pukšić says she doesn’t know what benefits she receives from reciting Veda, but she continues to recite because she enjoys it and can’t stop.
By Sophia Ann French
Silva Pukšić (Spiritual name: Karuna Devi) has been studying the effects of Yoga on well-being since she was in college — her PhD was on the Effects of Yoga on Rheumatoid Arthritis. Silva was born in Croatia and lives in Sweden, where she is a rheumatologist and yoga teacher. Recently, she graduated from the Indica Veda Studies Teacher Training Programme. Silva was introduced to yoga when her mother was practising, and she feels her inclination to Indic Knowledge Systems happened organically. “My Phd was about the effects of yoga and rheumatoid arthritis. So I connected my profession to my love of yoga. I started practising yoga around 25 years ago, and I practise a system called Yoga in Daily Life founded by Sri Viswaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, who is also my teacher. We practise a very traditional system that includes āsana, prāṇāyāma and meditation. Spirituality came to me very organically because I was raised Catholic, and my family was religious. I transitioned into yoga and Indic traditions to enable a broader perspective on my understanding of the world. Religion and spirituality have always been a part of my life,” says Silva.
On Finding Veda Studies
Silva Pukšić: I think it was around Christmas time in 2000, and my mum gave me this book on Yoga in Daily Life, which has a lot of āsana-s. It also has mantras. This was the first time I came across a mantra. I remember thinking how beautiful it was and had even tried writing it in my diary. Even Swami Maheshwarananda encouraged us to explore the Veda and study the Yoga Sūtra-s. I tried teaching myself at first, but that isn’t possible. When COVID happened, I remember looking online for a chanting teacher, and I found Shantala. I did the Yoga Sūtra course first and then started studying Veda, as that has been a long-term wish.
On the Effects of Veda Recitation
Silva Pukšić: Studying Veda requires effort. I was drawn to the practice from the first mantra. When I finish studying one mantra, I am ready to learn another immediately. Honestly, I don’t know what the benefits are (laughs)…I just find the practice very beautiful and I enjoy it a lot. We follow several rules and need to concentrate, so it requires effort, but I love that.
On Vedic Phonetics
Silva Pukšić: I speak a Slavic language, so the phonetics were not very difficult to grasp. We have similar sounds in our language. I did struggle a little with retroflex sounds, as we don’t have those sounds. The way Shantala structured the study material also helps immensely. The phonetic guide makes it easy to get the pronunciation right.
On the Indica Veda Studies TTC
Silva Pukšić: The pedagogical framework is fantastic, and Shantala explains everything in a structured manner. I knew many of the mantras in the syllabus, but this course helped me refine mantra recitation and also how to teach mantras.
The student group was supportive throughout the long process, and it was a demanding course. It required time and effort but in the end, I was glad that I did it. Shantala is doing a special thing by transferring this traditional knowledge to us. I also enjoy the theory classes. When you teach something rooted in tradition, you must teach it correctly, and for that, you need to understand the tradition and context.
On Her Favourite Mantras
Silva Pukšić: It is difficult to choose one because they are all so beautiful. They all resonate with me. Recently, I have resonated a lot with Rudram because I have been reciting it. But all the sũktams are equally beautiful. Su is a prefix meaning something sweet and pleasant, and uktam means to say or describe, so a sūktam is the description of something sweet and pleasant. I find them all beautiful.
On Spirituality and Some Parting Advice
Silva Pukšić: Spirituality means knowing yourself so you can function and develop to live in harmony with yourself and your surroundings. Anyone who wants to recite Veda, join the Veda Studies Foundation Course. It is the best way to receive this knowledge in a structured and correct way.
To get in touch with Silva, email her at [email protected]