Chanting Ślokas from the Bhagavad Gītā

An online workshop with Zoë Slatoff and Daniel Simpson

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2020

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (New York)
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Oxford)

Sanskrit texts were traditionally taught through oral transmission, or śruti paramparā.

It was thought that through chanting and memorization, knowledge seeped into one’s consciousness on a level beyond the literal meaning of the words.

There is a specific method to how verses are structured and categorized and this affects the intonation. Through both discussion and practice, we will explore the way meter works in Sanskrit texts, focusing on proper pronunciation and its effects.

We will also look at some of the ideas that the verses convey – about yoga philosophy, selfless service, enlightening knowledge and control of the breath as a means to tranquillity.

PRACTICALITIES

The workshop takes place on Zoom, so you can join us from anywhere. All sessions are also recorded to watch again later.

The price is £75 (about $95), including access to recordings and digital materials. 

Click the button below to register – via a checkout at danielsimpson.info.



Timetable

 

INTRODUCTORY SESSION

We will take a few moments to reflect on our own personal relationship with our voice and chanting / singing. We will think about how this influences our connection to ourselves and to others, then share some words of introduction. 

10:00 – 10:30 AM (NY)
3:00 – 3:30 PM (UK)

Daniel Simpson and Zoë Slatoff

THE MEANING AND FUNCTION OF METER

We will begin by looking at the origin of poetry in the Rāmāyaṇa. We will then look at the structure of verses and talk about meter, particularly śloka or anuṣṭubh. We will look at how verses break down into short (laghu) and long (guru) syllables, looking at examples. We will then chant the beginning part of Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gītā.

10:35 – 11:50 AM (NY)
3:35 – 4:50 PM (UK)

Zoë Slatoff

CHANTING AND THE SPREAD OF IDEAS

Ancient texts were originally shared by an oral tradition. Meter made them easier to memorize, providing accurate recordings from the distant past. However, it also helped poets to add extra verses when telling a story, which led to many different versions of India's epics. We’ll consider how this history affects what we study.

11:55 AM – 12:30 PM (NY)
4:55 – 5:30 PM (UK)

Daniel Simpson

--- BREAK (60 MINUTES) ---

COMMUNAL CHANTING

Putting our discussions into practice, we will chant all of Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gītā, which is in anuṣṭubh meter.

1:30 – 2:00 PM (NY)
6:30 – 7:00 PM (UK)

Zoë Slatoff

PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY

We will reflect on philosophical teachings from the verses we chanted. Chapter 5 of the Gītā outlines various forms of yoga, including a brief description of controlling the breath in prāṇāyāma.

2:05 – 3:35 PM (NY)
7:05 – 8:35 PM (UK)

Daniel Simpson

INDIVIDUAL GUIDANCE

Group conversations and chanting practice: Zoë will listen to everyone chant and offer feedback, while Daniel facilitates discussion of ideas in the text (overlapping with the session above).

2:05 – 3:35 PM (NY)
7:05 – 8:35 PM (UK)

Zoë Slatoff

CONCLUDING SESSION

We will end by chanting together again, joining our voices, intentions and spirits.

3:40 – 4:00 PM (NY)
8:40 – 9:00 PM (UK)

Daniel Simpson and Zoë Slatoff

 

About us

Zoë Slatoff

Zoë teaches yoga, Sanskrit and chanting in New York. She also runs courses at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, based on her popular Sanskrit textbook.

Daniel Simpson

Daniel teaches yoga philosophy at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, on teacher trainings and online. His book, The Truth of Yoga, will be published soon.


Endorsements

Feedback from online workshops in 2020:

Beautiful, informative, timely, and timeless... Presented with insight, humility, and deep knowledge.
— Albert (New York)
A memorable experience... The instructors were supportive, engaging, dynamic, stimulating, pacifying... A true treat!
— Judita (Canada)
I really liked the way you are able to integrate tradition, Sanskrit, and present issues... Very inspiring and helpful.
— John (Maine)
A depth of intensity I had not expected in a virtual meeting. So wonderful too to co-create an international community.
— Christopher (UK)

Learn to chant verses in Sanskrit
£75.00

Saturday, October 3, 2020

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (New York)
3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Oxford)