Mónika began her spiritual journey at the Sri Ramana Ashram in India, and feels the biggest benefit of reciting Veda mantras is how much it has deepened her devotion to the divine.
By Sophia Ann French
Hungary-based Mónika Kraulis is a Talent Development Specialist, and after spending years working with corporate executives, she now develops talent with children. Mónika traces her spiritual initiation to when she met the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi in 2001. “I was attending a Christian Meditation Group, and one of the speakers at that group, Malik, delivered a talk about Ramana Maharshi. Incidentally, Malik is also a student of Shantalaji. After the talk, a few other participants and I asked Malik if we could visit Arunachala. Four months later, we were at Tiruvannamalai, and that’s when I became a devotee of Sri Ramana Maharshi. It changed everything in my life. I was 40, and having a family was my great wish. During one of my visits to the Sri Ramana Ashram, I met my husband, and we have a beautiful daughter, Bhavani. In Sri Ramana Ashram, I realised that the main purpose of my life is to know my true nature, the Self,” says Mónika. Her spiritual studies led her to Veda Studies, and in 2024, Mónika graduated from the Indica Veda Studies Teacher Training Programme.
Finding Veda Studies
Mónika Kraulis: Malik introduced me to Sri Ramana Maharshi, and he was also the one who introduced me to Veda Studies. He was already a student of Shantalaji, and when we met at a Ramana Group in Hungary two years ago, he told me about Veda Studies. I attended a few community events that Shantalaji hosts for free, and I signed up for the Veda Studies Foundation Course. With Shantalaji’s encouragement, I studied a few sūktams, and when she announced the Teacher Training Programme, I wanted to join. I was hesitant at first, but she guided me on how to prepare for the Teacher Training, so I started preparing in advance.
Reciting Veda and Feeling Its Benefits
Mónika Kraulis: I visit the Ramana Ashram for three weeks every year, and Veda chanting is part of the Ashram’s daily routine. I had heard Rudram and Durgā Sūktam for years, but I didn’t know much about these mantras. When I started practising with Shantalaji, I discovered that I could chant these mantras and sūktams. Shantalaji is a very intuitive teacher and attuned to the student’s spiritual path. When I study a sūktam, I develop a connection to the deity associated with it. For example, when I practise the Durgā sūktam, I feel close to the devī, and when I recite the Gaṇapati Atharvaśīrṣā, I feel deeply connected to the energy of that deity and mantra. I feel glad that I can turn to these deities and feel connected to them. I experience how each deity influences my life, my practice and my whole being. My spiritual path began with the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, and it was shaped by surrender and devotion. Veda chanting deepened my devotion to the divine.
The Indica Veda Studies Teacher Training Programme
Mónika Kraulis: I didn’t have any exposure to Sanskrit, and the most important resource for me was the colour-coded guide that Shantalaji has created. It is essential to chant Veda correctly and pronounce it correctly to preserve the integrity of these sacred texts. I had a wonderful time in the TTC. The members of our group formed strong bonds as if we were brothers and sisters, and we felt we were studying in a safe place. Shantalaji is strict about following tradition, which is important. We are following an age-old system that focuses on the correct grammar, pronunciation and rules, so it must be transmitted according to tradition. Shantalaji ensures we follow the rules and creates a safe place in which she corrects us.
Personal Path to Spirituality
Mónika Kraulis: Ramana Maharshi always reminded seekers that we are the Self, and we can either surrender to the Higher Power or practice self-inquiry to realise it. From the first moment I met my Guru, I did my best to turn to Him in earnest devotion. Ever since, I surrender the most difficult as well as the happiest moments of my life to my Guru, Ramana.
Words of Advice for New Students
Mónika Kraulis: Find a good teacher. I appreciate studying with Shantalaji, especially as a Western student, because she makes the knowledge accessible with resources like the colour-coded phonetic guide. There are several Veda chanting schools in India, and they’re all good, but more suitable for Indian people. Shantalaji offers Veda chanting courses that work for Western students. I mentioned before that she is an intuitive teacher and guides students on how to learn each sūktam and also which mantra or sūktam to study. So leave your ego behind and let her guide you on this road.
To get in touch with Mónika, email her at [email protected]