Offerings

A journey through traditional Sanskrit mantras. In these sessions we cover 10 mantras, focusing on correct pronunciation, meaning, philosophy and sources, for the experience of union (yoga) created through sound vibrations. Each mantra contains a particular intention or sankalpa. Perfect for beginners to mantra chanting and those who have an established practice, but would like to refine and deepen their connection to these sacred sounds. There are three courses available, part 1, part 2, and part 3 (10 mantras per course). Note: none of the courses are prerequisite to the others, as each course contains different mantras.

The mantras contained in part 1 include: Ganesha, Guru, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Durga, Yogasana, Pranayama, Surya, Navagraha, and Saha Navavatu

The mantras contained in part 2 include: Pavamana, Purna, Karadarshana, Hanuman, Prakrti, Tvameva Mata, Surya Arghya, Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Mahamrityunjaya, and Shantakaram

The mantras contained in part 3 include: Atma Puja, Pavitra, Shayana, Snaana, Dipa, Bhumi, Sarasvati Mahabhage, Ganesha Gajananam, Narayana, and Narayani (& this course also includes one short bonus mantra!)

course duration: 10 sessions, 1 hour each (for each part)

The Bhagavad Gita, meaning “Song of the Lord,” is a philosophical text which is fundamental in its discussion of karma, dharma, yoga, and liberation. In this course, we cover the full first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, teaching you how to recite the text traditionally, with focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation. Each session is accompanied by audio recordings and handouts for your practice, alongside supplementary texts you can study alongside our recitation sessions, and philosophy handouts which give insight on the main themes from the chapter.

course duration: 13 sessions, 1 hour each

Translated from Sanskrit, Rudrashtakam means “eight verses to Rudra” while stotram means “verses of praise,” often referring to compositions of numerous verses of dedication to a particular deity. The Rudrashtakam Stotram is dedicated to Rudra, another name for the deity Shiva. It is a composition of eight verses dedicated to the deity Shiva, and is recited for protection and removal of all sorrows and suffering. In this course, you’ll learn how to pronounce the stotram with correct Sanskrit pronunciation and melody. In addition to the focus on pronunciation and recitation, we’ll also look at the meaning of these verses and the philosophy of Śiva expressed within them.

course duration: 5 sessions, 1 hour each

These sessions are dedicated to the warrior Goddess, Mahishasuramardini who is a manifestation of Durga. In each of the 20 sessions we cover one verse of the stotram, including how to recite with focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation, followed by meaning and philosophy surrounding the text. Each class recording is also accompanied by a detailed handout and audio recording for your practice. These verses are recited to bring strength, energy and become victorious over any challenges we encounter in life.

course duration: 20 sessions, 1 hour each

This course teaches you to recite the full Hanuman Chalisa in a traditional style with accurate pronunciation, discussion of the meaning and stories contained in the recitation. Hanuman is the monkey deity revered for his bhakti or devotion and loyalty to Lord Rama. The Hanuman Chalisa is not a Sanskrit composition, but is in the Awadhi language, a precursor to Hindi and a modern Indian language in its own right. The sessions are accompanied by a comprehensive handout including Devanagari, transliteration, and the meaning of each of the 40 verses contained in this composition. There are also audio recordings to accompany each session for your practice.

course duration: 9 sessions, one hour each

In this course, you’ll learn to recite mantras dedicated to the Goddess or Devi from the text called Devi Mahatmya, through recorded classes and a daily self-paced practice. The mantras you will learn describe the Goddess as being present in all beings in many different forms, expressing the true essence and shakti (divine energy) of Devi as being the creator, maintainer, and dissolver of all. She is expressed as the essence of the three main archetypes of the Goddess, who preside over each three days of Navaratri, the nine-night celebration of the Goddess. In these sessions, we focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation, translation and meaning, as well as philosophy. The sessions are accompanied by audio recordings for your daily practice and a handbook with the mantras, translations, explanations about Navaratri and the different manifestations of the Goddess or Devi you will learn about in each session. This course is tailored to the celebration of Navarātri, however, you may take it at any time to learn these mantras.

course duration: 3 sessions, 1 hour each

Translated from Sanskrit, devi means “goddess” and kavacham means “armour” or “shield.” The mantras of the Devi Kavacham are recited to bring the Goddess’s ultimate protection and strength to the one reciting. These verses are found at the beginning of the text called Devi Mahatmya (also known as Durga Saptashati). It is traditional to recite the Devi Kavacham before any other section of the text, so it is the first step in learning to chant the Devi Mahatmya. In these sessions, you will learn how to recite the entire Devi Kavacham, with focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation. We also share information on the key themes and overview of the meaning of the verses. The verses of the Kavacham mention many specific names of the goddess alongside parts of the physical body, and through the recitation, each part of one’s body is understood to be protected by a different aspect of Devi. The various names of the Goddess are mantras in themselves, and by reciting them, we can invoke her qualities to bring more protection, strength, energy, and abundance into our lives during these auspicious days. This course was recorded during Chaitra Navaratri, an auspicious celebration of the Goddess that takes place each Spring. All sessions are accompanied by audio recordings and handouts for your practice.

course duration: 10 sessions, each between 30-40 minutes

This practice consists of 25 Sanskrit verses found in the text known as Devi Mahatmya or Durga Saptashati. The Argalastotram is an anga or “ancillary portion,” traditionally recited before the main text. In the traditional recitation of Durga Saptashati., the Devi Kavacham anga is recited first, followed by the Argalastotram. Translated from Sanskrit, argala means “bolt,” that which secures. In this course, you’ll learn to recite the full Argalastotram with focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation, as well as understanding the word by word meaning and philosophy of each verse. Recitation of these verses brings success, good fortune, strength, and protection of the Goddess. This course was recorded during Navaratri, an auspicious celebration of the Goddess that takes place each Autumn. All sessions are accompanied by audio recordings and handouts for your practice.

course duration: 9 sessions, each between 30 mins-1 hour

This practice consists of 14 Sanskrit verses found in the text known as Devi Mahatmya or Durga Saptashati. The Kilakastotram or Kilaka is an anga or “ancillary portion,” traditionally recited before the main text. This Stotram can be recited alone, or alongside the Devi Kavacham and Devi Argalastotram. Once you have completed these three angas, you are ready to begin chanting the main text of Durga Saptashati. Translated from Sanskrit, kilaka means “nail” or “pin” which is the seal or fastening for the sanctity of the mantras.

By reciting this stotram, we unlock the power and benefits of the mantras. In this course, you’ll learn to recite the full Devi Kilakastotram with focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation, as well as understanding an overview of the meaning and philosophy of each verse. Recitation of these verses removes obstacles, brings protection, & fulfils desires. All sessions are accompanied by audio recordings and handouts for your practice.

course duration: 5 sessions, each between 40 minutes-1 hour

This course is dedicated to mantra recitation for the nine planets or navagraha in Vedic astrology. In these sessions you will learn to recite the Navagraha Stotram, which contains a verse dedicated to each of the nine planets. In addition to these nine mantras, we’ll also be sharing a mantra which is dedicated to all nine planets collectively. These mantras can be recited individually, if you wish to invoke the energy of a certain planet at a specific time or day of the week (each planet has its corresponding day), or they can all be chanted together as one stotram. Throughout the sessions we’ll be focusing on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation and recitation, the meaning of each mantra, and discussion of relevant topics from Vedic astrology (jyotisha), particularly understanding each planet and its associated qualities, along with many illustrations and examples from painting and sculpture. Through reciting mantras dedicated to the navagraha we can bring positive and harmonising effects to overcome challenges and invoke what it is we desire to achieve and attain in life. All sessions are accompanied by handouts and audio recordings for your practice.

course duration: 10 sessions, one hour each

This course teaches you to recite the full Aditya Hridaya Stotram, 31 verses dedicated to the Sun, also known as Aditya in Sanskrit. These verses express the qualities and nature of the Sun, as expressed by the Sage Agastya to Rama on the battlefield. These verses are recited to invoke the strength, energy, pure radiance, and power of the Sun to overcome all negativity and hardship in life.

course duration: 10 sessions, one hour each

this is an “advanced” course meaning a working knowledge of Devanagari script or IAST transliteration is required.