CHANTING

Listen to Sai Maa speaking about Chanting:

During the next few months while our Beloved Sai Maa is in India, it is especially important for us to continue the practices that She teaches.  Many people have had the experience of living their Mastery when Sai Maa is here with us in the USA, and then when She physically goes away, that feeling also slips and we sometimes go back to old habits that no longer serve us. 
 
In order to stay in the Her Shakti, Sai Maa has offered us a plethora of techniques, including breathing practices, centering techniques, seva or selfless service, working with the Violet Flame, chanting and even getting loose and shaking it while dancing to drumming music!  We can choose the Light and embody our gratitude towards Sai Maa by consciously choosing to engage in some or all of these practices.  For the next few months, we'll remind you of several techniques that Maa has taught us, and invite you to practice them.  This month we'd like to focus on the transformative practice of chanting.  
 
Why Chanting?
 
In the New Year's 2000 Celebration of the Millenium CD, Sai Maa says, "What will it take you to move into your Godhead, your Godly Energy?  Answer me this question.  Choice is the main mantra."
 
"When you chant, this is the time where we're working the most with you, the most, and it goes very fast. When we chant any name, to whom are we chanting?  To your Self.  It's like we live together for 40 years, 50 years we do not look at each other.  Here's my Supreme self, my soul, and here's the personality.  What do I do?   I go everywhere to talk to everybody, look for therapy, inquiries, weekend retreats, but we forget the Self which is here (inside you). So when we chant any name, Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, Shalom, whatever name, how do you think the Self feels?  Loved, yes. You're inviting your Self to embody you.  Why do we get into ecstasy when we chant?  Because the Supreme Self's essence is ecstasy.  I can prove to you, for anyone who can come into the hall...I put the same people in total silence and meditation.  I put the same people chanting for 10-15 minutes...their aura changes colors, their vibrations change, their chakras change, their minds change--I can prove it to you.  When I say chant, open yourself, you are praising the Self...and the Self comes closer, closer, closer and it's good!"
 
How to Chant:  Sai Maa emphasizes chanting fully, with the mouth completely open.  She has said to give yourself completely to the chant, and encourages us to chant with our whole body.

What to Chant:  Often, we receive questions about where one can get some of the chants that we have heard, in order to incorporate them into your own personal practice.   Click here to link to a page where you can view those chants, with further links to places where samples can be listened to and they could be purchased, if you choose.
 
Where/When to Chant:   Sometimes people report that their schedule is too busy for a practice like chanting.  Here are some practical ideas of how you can incorporate chanting into your day:
 
Chant in the car:   This is a wonderful practice, and definitely reduces the stress of traffic jams!  Just be sure to watch your speed and make sure you are paying attention to the road!
 
Chant in the shower:  Many people have a fondness for singing in the shower, so why not sing to your Highest Self?  Some people have taken a portable CD player, plugged it in their bathroom, and chant while they get ready for the day in the morning.  It may only be for 5-10 minutes, yet you'll likely feel dramatically different starting your day that way. Imagine chanting along with Shma Israel in the shower! Try it and see for yourself!
 
Chant at Work:  You can bring a CD player to your office or cubicle at work, and softly play a chant or two throughout the day.  Though it's more effective to chant fully and out loud, even listening to a chant will help to ground you.  Much like love songs often evoke memories associated with a special someone, even listening to a chant can bring back the memories of times spent with Sai Maa, and that can help take you back into the experience.

Chant on a Walk:  Sai Maa has also emphasized taking good care of the body and the value of exercise everyday, and it is true that you can chant and walk at the same time!  Take a chanting CD with you in a walk-man or disc-man and go for a nice long walk while chanting the whole way.  By multi-tasking in this way, you nourish body, mind and spirit all at once!