Some Tips
“The chanting of mantras should always be synchronised with practising of the prescribed karma. By such practice one can realise the Divine.”
– Bhagavān Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Discourse on 18 October 1993
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How one should not chant Vēdam?
– gītī: is one who chants in a singsong fashion
This is not correct. Though sāmavēda is musically recited, the Vēdam can be recited only in the approved musical way and not as one pleases. Further, since the sound and its variations have potency, recitation other than in the proper svara is not only improper but harmful. It should be recited only in the prescribed mode.
– śhīghrī: is one who chants in a quick tempo and ends the recitation quickly
This is also wrong. The Vedic words should be intoned by closely adhering to the time limits prescribed for uttering each word-sound for full benefits.
– śhiraḥa kampī: is one who shakes and nods his head needlessly while chanting
One should sit straight in concentration and allow the pure vibrations to occur naturally by themselves. Nodding of the head like a musician disturbs the vibrations.
– likhitapāṭhakaḥa: is one who reads from the written script
This is not right. It should be learnt by the ear from oral chanting by a teacher and committed to memory in the proper manner.
– anarthajñaḥa: means one who does not understand the meaning
It is necessary to know the meaning of the words of the mantras in order to have the full beneficial effect.
– alpakaṇṭha: is one who recites in a feeble voice
In order that the sound vibrations have a good effect, the sounds should be properly audible and not mumbled.
The proper way of chanting Vēdam
– The Vedic letters must be spoken very lucidly.
– The letters should not be blurred.
– The sound should not slip down or fade-out. On the other hand, they should not be barked out.
– They should neither be loosely or casually chanted nor spat out in staccato tones.
The comparison is with a mother tiger carrying its cub. Cats and tigers carry their young by their teeth. The cub is held firmly so that it does not slip and fall, but, at the same time, the teeth do not cause any hurt or pain. Likewise, words are to be pronounced delicately but firmly.
(extracts from Sruti, the eternal echoes – Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust)