TAITTIRIYA UPANISHAD – 1 : by Rishi Yajnavalkya

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Friday, February 04, 2022. 19:30.

Shiksha Valli : The Science of Vedic Chanting

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Reflections : by Swami Gurubhaktananda : on the Series of 14 Lectures by Swami Advayananda Ji Acharyaji for 15th Batch Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Powai, Mumbai. March 1st – March 16th, 2013.

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Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Sivananda, Swami Tapovanji, Swami Chinmayananda.

SERIES THEME: “Piercing the Clouds; Crossing the Seas”.

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SHIKSHA VALLI : THE SCIENCE OF VEDIC CHANTING : PART 1: 12 No.Chapters ( Anuvakas )

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1.INTRODUCTION :

Although the Upanishads are Artha Pradhaan, i.e. they have the predominant purpose of conveying a spiritual message, that does not make it less important to chant the verse correctly with proper intonation. The Rishis do want us to chant in the right way, for the words themselves have their own impact on our mind. Indeed, if we are careless in the chanting, it is easily possible in a language like Sanskrit that we change the meaning of the word, and sometimes even convey the very opposite of what is meant.

Shiksha.  as it is used here under Vedic license, is the science of Vedic phonetics. It governs the correct pronunciation of the syllables which make up the text. Knowledge of all the rules of this science is necessary for the correct recitation and intonation of any Samskrit verses, particularly those found in the Vedas.

At the very start of our Course at Sandeepany, we underwent a thorough training in the art of Vedic Chanting. The recitation of the most important Suktams in the early part of the Course, in accordance with all the rules mentioned in this Part, was an essential part of the Course. We studied the Ganesha Atharva Sheersha, Medha Suktam, Purusha Suktam, Narayana Suktam, Shree Suktam, Durga Suktam and Ayushya Suktam.

This very Upanishad was chanted over a period of two full months, learning it line by line, by breaking up the words as well as chanting it in its final form with Sandhee. The Rudram and Chamakam were then learnt under expert guidance, following a few other rules specific to them. Strict Brahmacharya and application of ash on the forehead were among these rules. The right pitch and speed of chanting was given special attention. Acharyaji also made sure that students did not break up the flow at the wrong points, especially at the Sandhees. Every rule of Anuvaka 1.2 was obeyed to the best of our ability.

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NEXT : MANGALACHARAN : Anuvaka 1.1 : Invocatory Chant (Santhi Mantram)

To be continued .....

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