Vedic Chant

Mysticism of the Vedas is enchanting. The more one explores the depths of the knowledge of the Vedas, the deeper it gets. Interestingly, the aroma of its wisdom remains all encompassing under all circumstances and at all times. Starting from its origin, its scope, its division to its chanting, every aspect is awe inspiring. Let us venture to taste the beauty and the secret of Vedic chants with humility of a student, for I do not possess any qualification to even attempt to share anything on this topic.

Veda has no author. Its origin seems to be as old as the human race. The wisdom of Veda has been revealed and bestowed upon our spiritual scientists, the sages, seers and saints, in the process of their spiritual quest. As this knowledge is passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth, Veda is also called ‘Shruti’, meaning to listen. It is retained and passed on from generation to generation by remembering or ‘Smriti’.

I dare say, there is nothing which Veda does not cover. Be it life or life after life; the secret of Being or the mystery of death; physical or metaphysical science; health (Ayurveda & Yoga), architecture (Vaastu Shastra) music or art; commerce or administration; or even the truth of the creation and its Creator, Veda has it all.

Those great recipients of this knowledge, I guess, must have been aware of our limitation and the influence of the time to limit our grasp of this knowledge. Revered sage Vyasa penned it down for our benefit & posterity. Because of this he is also addressed as Veda-Vyasa – the father of Vedas. Knowledge of Veda resonates in the words of many philosophers, prophets and spiritual masters of the world. The grandeur of Vedic wisdom is not only in its prophetic words but also in its sound. These hymns of Veda are composed and organized in a most sophisticated & scientific manner to help mankind draw the maximum advantage out of it. By chanting these Vedic hymns in a particular manner and with a specific intonation these verses have acquired the status of ‘mantras’.

Mantras are spiritual formula or equations that hold the answers to the knottiest of human puzzles. They serve as spiritual conduit, surcharged with extraordinary vibrations which can be used to accomplish anything, be it basic material or highest spiritual treasures. Their potency is embedded at various levels. It is the combination of the power of their words and their sequence, metre, sound and rhythm that lends extraordinary charge to each mantra of the Vedas. They are charged with varied energies to bear immediate impact upon the force field around us, benefitting all that is within its range and beyond.

Some mantras are potent enough to conquer even death, for instance the Maha Mritunjaya mantra – ‘Triyambakam….’ The beauty of these chants is that it is beneficial to those who chant and also to those who listen to it. Understanding this mantra would certainly enhance the impact and deliver higher benefits. Nevertheless, mere chanting too has the potential to bestow unimaginable boons.

One may wonder how chanting (the sound of it) can be of so much impact. Think of it like a concentrated doze of medicine. When the medication is given it to the patient even without his or her knowledge, they get benefited. Of course, if the patient is an active participant in the process and understands the treatment, believing in the efficacy of the medication, the result could be better. Still one may argue on the sound aspect of Veda – why is it important to chant it with a particular intonations and with correct pronunciation. This is like a chemical formula where the ingredients need to be mixed in a particular and measured manner to arrive at a given result. By chanting them in a particular manner for centuries, these mantras have acquired great potencies which emanate even today by their mere recitation.

Let me give another analogy. When we hear some one say “love”, we only get good feelings. The love has been associated with soft, caring and most sanctified emotions. The moment we say or hear such words, positive vibes naturally flow. Likewise, if we hear “War” ‘anger” we are surrounded by negative energy. When these words alone can generate such varied emotions and feelings, imagine the impact of the mantras which were revealed to the seekers with a specific reason and intent of bringing peace and love in the world.

These chants have the potency to bring peace in the world and control the negative vibes. That’s the reason these chants are promoted by various spiritual master to be performed regularly around the world.

Extensive studies of Vedic literature reveal that mantras of the Vedas are replete with blessings for the entire creation and speak of life affirming values such as peace, harmony, progress, understanding, health, love …for all humanity, Can you think of a better time in the history of human civilization when the need for such values has been greater.

It is important to accept that good remains good even if we don’t understand or acknowledge it. By following the words of the masters we can only derive joy and benefit but by not following them we can only deprive ourselves of the blessings that could come our way.

Om Sri Sai Ram