Offerings
Our online classes include Sanskrit language and literature, mantra recitation, Yogasūtra chanting, and Indian philosophy. We offer both live online sessions taught via Zoom and pre-recorded classes for you to work through at your own pace with support from us throughout. Our sessions are taught from a lifetime of learning and experience from being immersed in authentic Indian traditions and culture, combined with academic qualifications from both East & West.
We frequently update this page with new offerings, as well as announcements of any in-person retreats, trainings, and workshops.
संस्कृत Sanskrit
THE SOUNDS & SCRIPTS OF SANSKRIT
Learn to pronounce the Sanskrit alphabet accurately, alongside reading and writing in both IAST transliteration and Devanagari script. Each session is accompanied by written and spoken exercises, with plenty of support to cultivate self-sufficiency and confidence. These 7 immersive sessions are the perfect starting point for learning the Sanskrit language, a great tool for deepening your mantra chanting practice, and an excellent complement to deepen your yogic knowledge and skills, whether you’re a teacher or student of yoga.
Level: Beginner, no prior experience required
course duration: 7 sessions, 1.5 hours each
THE SELF & SANSKRIT
Today, we find many spiritual practices and philosophies deriving from Sanskrit texts and traditions. In order to cultivate a deeper connection with this wealth of material and find its original meaning, we must return to the source in the Sanskrit language. This 6 session course combines the individual experience with language learning, bridging spiritual, theoretical and practical approaches to the study of the Sanskrit language. In these sessions, you’ll learn the rudiments of Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar, while acquiring the tools for text comprehension through practical application by reading excerpts from the Upanishads. Each class is accompanied by practice exercises and detailed summary sheets containing references and concise explanations of key topics covered.
Level: Intermediate, basic Sanskrit knowledge equivalent to our level 1 Sounds & Scripts of Sanskrit course is a prerequisite to join
course duration: 6 sessions, 1.5 hours each
Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-European language with a history of use spanning millennia. Sanskrit texts are traditionally imparted through recitation, and pronunciation plays a vital role, enabling us to experience the essence of meaning. Today, we find many spiritual practices deriving from Sanskrit texts and traditions. In order to cultivate a deeper connection to this wealth of material and find its original meaning, we must return to the source. Our Sanskrit language sessions are taught by Kamala, who holds an MPhil in Indian philosophy and Sanskrit from Oxford University, and has studied Sanskrit traditionally in both Varanasi & Karnataka, India.
योगसूत्र Yogasutra Recitation
Patanjali’s Yogasutra is one of the foundational texts on yoga philosophy, and learning to recite it in the original Sanskrit with accurate pronunciation enables you to unlock the essence of yoga through sound. All sessions are suitable for beginners and those who wish to deepen an established chanting practice.
YOGASUTRA CHAPTER 1 — SAMADHI PADA
These sessions cover the first chapter of the Yogasutra, called the Samadhi Pada, or the chapter on “pure consciousness.” This section of the text includes Patanjali’s definition of yoga as “stilling the fluctuations of the mind” and describes the foundations for attainment of the goal of yoga. All classes in our Yogasutra courses move sequentially through the sutras, with focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation, as well as creating and sustaining a chanting practice. Audio recordings and handouts are included.
course duration: 11 sessions, 1 hour each
YOGASUTRA CHAPTER 2 — SADHANA PADA
The second chapter of the Yogasutra is the Sadhana Pada, or chapter on “practice.” It discusses kriyayoga, the practical application of the philosophy of yoga, through cultivation of the eight limbs or ashtanga. These sessions focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation, as well as creating and sustaining your own sadhana or practice of the sutras. Audio recordings and handouts are included for your practice.
course duration: 14 sessions, 1 hour each
YOGASUTRA CHAPTER 3 — VIBHUTI PADA
The third chapter of Patanjali’s Yogasutra is known as the Vibhuti Pada, meaning the “chapter on manifestation” or “abundance.” This chapter explains samyama, which is the practice of the three final limbs of ashtanga yoga. Samyama leads the yogic practitioner to the development of siddhi, meaning “perfection” or “accomplishment and the fulfilment of yogic practice. It is the ability for the yogi to manifest and experience the fruits of practice. These sessions focus on learning to recite with accurate Sanskrit pronunciation. Audio recordings and handouts are included for your practice.
course duration: 14 sessions, 1 hour each
YOGASUTRA CHAPTER 4 — KAIVALYA PADA
This is the fourth and final chapter of the Yogasutra, the section on "final liberation" or "complete unity." Each session focuses on recitation with accurate pronunciation, and includes learning the summarising verses for opening and closing the recitation of the full Yogasutra, as well as information on Sanskrit terminology for various aspects of pronunciation. All sessions are accompanied with audio recordings and handouts for practice.
course duration: 9 sessions, 1 hour each
मन्त्र Mantra
Chanting Sanskrit mantras with correct pronunciation creates sound vibrations that have positive effects on mind & body. All our mantra recitation sessions are suitable for beginners and those who wish to deepen an established chanting practice.
MANTRA — THE SOUND OF YOGA
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 two courses available, part 1 and part 2 (10 mantras per course). Note: part 1 is not a prerequisite to part 2, 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
course duration: 10 sessions, 1 hour each (for each part)
LINGASHTAKAM STOTRAM
This stotram is dedicated to the aniconic, abstract form of the deity Shiva. This deity is associated with dissolution and destruction of the Universe, while simultaneously embodying a deep, meditative essence, encapsulating both dynamism and silence at once. The eight verses of this stotram, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, are recited for peace, confidence, success, and willpower. This course covers the full stotram in 3 sessions, with focus on accurate Sanskrit pronunciation, meaning of each verse, and philosophy of Shiva.
course duration: 3 sessions, 1 hour each
MAHISHASURAMARDINI STOTRAM
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
HANUMAN CHALISA
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
MAHALAKSHMI ASHTAKAM STOTRAM
Learn to recite verses dedicated to the goddess of abundance and prosperity, Lakshmi. This stotram is recited to bring auspiciousness, good fortune, abundance, success, and prosperity in life. This session comes with a detailed handout and audio recording for your practice.
course duration: 1 session, 1 hour
षड्दर्शन Indian Philosophy
The six principal Indian philosophical systems are known as shaddarshana in Sanskrit. Darshana means “sight,” and these philosophical systems present ways of seeing to enhance and substantiate your spiritual practices.
YOGASUTRA — SAMADHI PADA MEANING & PHILOSOPHY
Sutra texts present a distillation or concentration of an idea or teaching in the most compact way. Each individual verse in a sutra text is like a thread or fibre that is woven into the next, creating a sequence and unfolding of understanding that stitches or weaves together knowledge of the Universal within the individual. This 5 session course focuses on the translation, word by word meaning, and key themes found in the first chapter of Patañjali’s Yogasutra, the Samadhi Pada. This chapter focuses on the definition of yoga and theme of samadhi or pure consciousness and through the sessions we explore these topics with a firsthand look at the original Sanskrit text. This course is perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding of yoga philosophy and learn new Sanskrit vocabulary along the way.
course duration: 5 sessions, 1 hour each
This course is an excellent accompaniment to our Yogasutra: Samadhi Pada chanting sessions and can be purchased as a bundle together with the chanting course.
DEVI MAHATMYA - PHILOSOPHY OF THE GODDESS
In this course we take an in-depth look at the identity of the Supreme Goddess, her many manifestations, and her heroic triumphs, as presented in the Sanskrit text known as Devi Mahatmya. This text is situated at the heart of Indian philosophy and is widely studied and recited for its profound truths, which are expressed in a lively narrative format. In this course, we’ll also be sharing a special Navadurga Mantra from the text, which is dedicated to the 9 aspects of the Goddess who preside over each day of Navaratri (a celebration of the Goddess which happens 4 times a year). This mantra offers protection and energy to the one who recites it.
course duration: 5 sessions, 1 hour each
Please Contact Us for full information & to sign up for courses
Testimonials
“I feel so blessed to have found Kamala and Jahnavi (Samādhi Collective) through their beautiful, educational and inspiring instagram page. Their mastery of Sanskrit, Yoga Sūtra recitation, mantra and philosophy is so complete that they are able to teach it with utter simplicity, clarity and ease to anyone with a desire to learn. Kamala and Jahnavi are both immensely knowledgeable, detail-oriented, alert and attentive while possessing devotion, humility and artistry in equal measure. I find them both incredibly inspiring. Their teachings have enriched my life immeasurably . It would be a blessing for anyone to have them as teachers.”
— Talia Sutra, Portugal
“The bright, lovely souls of Samādhi Collective wholeheartedly share the richness of oral traditions rooted in Mantra and Sanskrit. Wonderful energy is created in an atmosphere conducive to learning. Clarity and balance is felt after each Mantra session. It is obvious that Kamala and Jahnavi are dedicated to these studies and practices. With combined depth of knowledge, they team together to explain concepts and translations in relatable ways. Deep curiosity is promoted using systematic guidance, positive encouragement, and a bit of fun. I am sincerely grateful to Samādhi Collective for creating fruitful experiences, dedication rewarded, and a yoga journey expanded.”
— Tiffany, Hong Kong
“The Sounds and Scripts of Sanskrit is highly recommended for those who are willing to start walking into the magical world of Sanskrit. The course structure and the teacher's expertise will give you a firm and well-grounded base. After completion, you will be able to write, read, and pronounce Sanskrit correctly. Moreover, Kamala and Jahnavi’s commitment, patience, and good energy will make the journey very enjoyable, and you would not like to skip any of the lessons.”
— Jun, Colombia/Japan
“I have attended many, many yoga classes in my life with a great variety of teachers and few still remain in memory. Jahnavi's is one of those special ones. Her opening mantra, sounding so smooth and enchanting, allowed me to ease into the essential mind concentration space. The class flowed from posture to posture, united by the calm guidance of Jahnavi's voice, and her demonstration of the asanas was clear and elegant. I would go back to re-live the experience.”
– Julia, Namibia
“It has been a joy and a privilege to undertake 'the Sounds and Scripts of Sanskrit' with the Samādhi Collective. Kamala and Jahnavi are fun, professional and naturally emanate the knowledge they teach. The course content was engaging, inspiring and activating. I am delighted to have learnt to write, read and recite the Sanskrit alphabet and feel I have been gifted with such a beautiful opening for further explorations of Vedic literature. Taking this course alongside the Sadhana Pada mantra chanting sessions allowed me to put theory into practice and integrate more deeply what I had learnt. I am so grateful to have participated and encourage each one who feels called to this opportunity to take it.”
— Lucy, New Zealand
“Although I’ve grown up speaking Hindi, I think it is easy to take pronunciation for granted, especially when chanting mantras. I’ve also never formally had anyone teach me mantras and their meanings so these sessions truly mean a lot to me!”
— Deepa, UK
“From the very first moment of hearing and seeing the Samādhi Collective chanting videos, I felt transcended beyond space and time. It was so great that soon after, they began offering chanting sessions. Both Kamala and Jahnavi bring a peaceful patience paired with their passion for sharing knowledge to each session.”
— Priyanka, UK
“I loved this mantra course (Mantra: the Sound of Yoga)! The knowledge, support with pronunciation and the group environment was a really beautiful, elevating experience. Already these mantras have enriched my practice and brought more vibrancy to my days.”
– Julia, Australia
“Thank you Kamala and Jahnavi for the chanting classes. I have to say that I have tried taking a few classes to learn longer manta chants with other teachers and it wasn’t easy to learn, but with you it felt much easier and closer to the heart. I really appreciate how patient you are in teaching this to people and I can absolutely feel that you are doing this from the heart.”
— Nada, Saudi Arabia
“I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude not only for the beautiful content I have learnt throughout the courses but especially for the purity, the clarity and the grace of your way of teaching. It really inspires the world to see the beauty of what you have created by combining your different skills into a masterpiece of sharing with purpose.”
— Roberta, Italy