vedic chant circle
NEW
- both Vedic chant circle classes held at Christchurch hall are now also accessible via Zoom.
This means you can enjoy chanting as part of the group from anywhere in the world
summer Vedic chant: 21 April - 30 June
Vedic Chant Circle; harmonising body, mind & soul
ZOOM & IN PERSON @ CHRISTCHURCH HALL
Classes
Tuesday: 12 - 2pm - Christchurch hall - fortnightly
Tuesday: 7 - 8.30pm - Christchurch hall - weekly
Tuesday: 12 - 2pm - Christchurch hall + on Zoom
Beginners & Experienced group - commencing 21 April
fortnightly - 6 sessions - £84:
summer term dates: weekly - see timetable page
book via Cheese & Grain or in person/ring box office: 01373 455420 - before the terms start,
but once the term has started contact Elaine
Summer term theme - we will learn to chant the Durga suktam; durga embodies strength & courage, helping us to gain knowledge and the power of this fiery energy to overcome obstacles in our life - literally giving you fire in your belly to move forward in life.
Tuesday: 7 - 8.30pm - Christchurch hall + on Zoom
Beginners group - commencing 21 April
weekly - 5 weekly sessions - £52.50
summer term dates: weekly - see timetable page
book via Cheese & Grain or in person/ring box office: 01373 455420 - before the terms start,
but once the term has started contact Elaine
Summer term theme - we will learn to chant the Svādhyāya-praśaṁsā - a beautiful chant to the benefits of self study and teaching & how both lead us to a deeper understanding, wisdom & calmness
Tuesday: 7 - 8.30pm - Christchurch hall + on Zoom
Beginners group - commencing 2 June
weekly - 5 weekly sessions - £52.50
summer term dates: weekly - see timetable page
book via Cheese & Grain or in person/ring box office: 01373 455420 - before the terms start,
but once the term has started contact Elaine
Summer term theme - to be confirmed
What to expect
Elaine warmly invites you to explore this powerful practice of sound in a fun & friendly supportive group. You’ll learn simple & more complex chants, the Sanskrit alphabet, and the meaning and modern relevance of the Vedas.
Both groups, will learn to follow Elaine's voice, plus how to read the chant from a written form.
Chanting is a way to help memorise the words of the chant by using a simple melody of 3 notes.
There are no parts - we all chant together in a supportive circle and there is no need to be able to sing.
The aim is to lead you into a calm, meditative state that is supportive to your particular emotional, mental and physical needs. We typically chant a mantra out loud once and then pause with a meditative silence. Some chants can last a few seconds, others can be 30 minutes or more.
Unlike the euphoric, musical expression of kirtan, which focuses on devotion through call-and-response, Vedic chanting is quieter, more inward, and deeply contemplative—offering a profound path to stillness and self-awareness.
For both groups, there will be a mid-session break to have a bite to eat/drink & chat.
Benefits
Chanting the Vedas, India's ancient texts of wisdom, creates sounds in the beautiful resonating language of Sanskrit and can bring confidence, a clarity and calmness of mind, improved breathing and more and emotional balance.
Meditative and reflective in nature, these chants gently support and steady you in any state of mind.
Better health through chanting (and meditation) is now being supported by science: read more
Missed Classes
Miss a class? Attend another one of Elaine’s weekly classes that term, plus you will have access to recordings of all the chants if you wish to practice in your own time.
Teacher
Elaine is a compassionate, qualified Vedic Chanting teacher with over 24 years’ experience - read more here
Where
we will be in Christchurch hall - a large space with beautiful acoustics.
The class is also going to be live on Zoom - contact Elaine before the start of term if you wish to join via Zoom and she will provide you with Zoom invites and resources to ensure your experience is seamless with the in person attendees at Christchurch hall
Dates
for all dates - see Timetable page
Who
These are fun and friendly groups, with no auditions or ability to sing required.
Testimonials
"There's something special about being part of the vedic chanting circle, there's much to share about the benefits of the practice. It's meditative and brings a sense of balance and relaxation. Chanting the sanskrit language and learning to honour it feels like a benefit to my mind as well as my spirit.
Elaine's method of teaching, with endless patience, insight and generosity sets the tone of what is a lovely supportive and warm group.
Thanks to Elaine's intuitive approach I always leave the session feeling I've gained what I needed."
Abbie Cranham
"Elaine is a very clear and thorough teacher. She helps with the pronunciation, gives snippets of interesting information and teaches at an appropriate level and pace for both beginners and advanced chanters. I feel very calm and relaxed during and after her sessions. Thanks Elaine"
Kürbisse, Radstock
"Since the very 1st taster with Elaine in 2023, I'd known that something magical was about to unfold and be experienced.
Chanting with Elaine brought a deeply grounding experience and sense of inner peace and clarity. It also provided support in some difficult times.
Elaine leads her Vedic chanting classes gently and attentively. She weaves in some stories and meanings behind some of the verses and teaches details on right and exact pronunciations. It is a beautiful blend of technical precision and heartfelt connection.
Chanting together in a group is like becoming a whole united, breathing organism, dipping into the healing and transformative wisdom of the vedas.
Join Elaine’s vedic chanting classes to experience something beyond words and be part of a shared, human space. Regardless of your background or experience level, you will always be welcomed with genuine warmth, love and acceptance. Elaine holds such a special and inclusive space for everyone.
Thank you Elaine! Thank you also for providing the remote opportunity to attend the classes from another corner of the world."
Desislava Petrova