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.”
“A memorable experience... The instructors were supportive, engaging, dynamic, stimulating, pacifying... A true treat!”
“I really liked the way you are able to integrate tradition, Sanskrit, and present issues... Very inspiring and helpful.”
“A depth of intensity I had not expected in a virtual meeting. So wonderful too to co-create an international community.”
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)
