Ever wondered what makes a mantra truly powerful? Is it the precision of pronunciation, the ancient lineage it comes from, or the sincerity of the heart behind it?
In this episode, Dylan speaks with Purnesh (formerly Swami Purnachaitanya), a teacher and practitioner who has spent over twenty years immersed in the Vedic tradition of mantra. Together they explore what mantra really is – not just words or sounds, but vibrations that carry & enliven consciousness itself. The conversation traces Purnesh’s own journey of initiation and study, the importance of authentic transmission, and how mantras can shape not only our spiritual practice but also our daily lives.
This is a grounded, heartfelt exploration of a subject often clouded by mystery and misconception. Whether you’re curious about starting a mantra practice or seeking to deepen your understanding, this episode offers clarity, wisdom, and inspiration for engaging with sound as a profound tool for transformation.
ABOUT OUR GUEST: PURNESH
Purnesh (formerly Swami Purnachaitanya) is an internationally respected teacher of Sanskrit mantras and Vedic wisdom, with over 20 years of dedicated practice. Trained under Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and later initiated into the Shaiva Agama tradition, he has mastered Vedic hymns, rituals, and the deeper science of mantra śāstra.
As a former monk, he travelled for more than 15 years across 30+ countries, teaching meditation, yoga, and mantras to diverse audiences from heads of state to prison inmates. His bestselling book Looking Inward has been translated into over 10 languages and is a practical guide to meditation and inner peace.
Now based in the Netherlands with his partner Rowena, Purnesh leads Just Be (justbe.org) and offers online courses on mantra practice, bridging authentic tradition with modern seekers eager to unlock the transformative power of sound and vibration.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Table of Contents
Purnesh’s Personal Journey with Mantra
- How Purnesh was introduced to mantras as a child in the Netherlands through Vedic chants on cassette tapes.
- His early fascination with Sanskrit sounds that sparked a lifelong pursuit of deeper knowledge.
- Leaving Europe to immerse himself in India, undergoing the Upanayana Samskara (sacred thread initiation) to formally study Vedic mantras.
- Years of training with pandits in Bangalore, mastering Vedic hymns.
What Makes a Mantra Effective?
- The difference between prasiddha mantras (universal, safe for everyone) and more specialised mantras that require proper initiation.
- Why devotion, sincerity, and presence matter more than mechanical repetition.
- The role of correct pronunciation, rhythm (chandas), and the Sanskrit script (Devanāgarī) in unlocking a mantra’s full potency.
Mantra, Consciousness & the Science of Sound
- How each Sanskrit syllable (akṣara) represents a specific vibration or aspect of cosmic energy.
- Mantra śāstra as a precise, scientific system of sound, comparable to Ayurveda and Jyotiṣa.
- The interplay of sound, vibration, energy, and consciousness – mantra as “quantum physics in action.”
- Why internal chanting can sometimes be even more powerful than vocal recitation.
The Myth of the Cosmic Churning (Samudra Manthana)
- A retelling of the ancient story of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk as a map of inner transformation.
- The symbolic meaning of the devas and asuras (light and shadow forces), Mount Mandara (the mind), Vasuki (kundalinī), and Kurma the tortoise (stability, Saturn’s energy).
- How the 108 beads of the japa mālā mirror the 108 devas and asuras churning the ocean, bringing both poison and treasures to the surface.
- The appearance of Dhanvantari, the celestial healer, with the pot of amṛta – linking mantra to health, healing, and Ayurveda.
Mantras, Eclipses & Auspicious Times for Practice
- Why eclipses are considered powerful portals for spiritual practice in Vedic tradition.
- The unique energetic influence of Rāhu and Ketu (shadow planets) and how they magnify mantra and meditation effects during eclipses.
- The importance of stability (enlivening Kurma energy) and a steady seat (āsana) when engaging in mantra practice.
Bringing Mantra into Daily Life
- How to choose and practise a mantra safely, starting with universal prasiddha mantras like Om Namah Śivāya, Om Gum Ganapathaye Namaha, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, and others.
- The difference between popular devotional chanting, kīrtan, and structured mantra sādhanā.
- Practical guidance for building a personal practice with both outer (vocal) and inner (mental) recitation.
- The responsibility teachers hold when giving mantras, and why initiation through lineage is so important.
RESOURCES:
- Mantra Mastery (Level 1) Course with Purnesh | Use Discount Code VITALVEDA for 20% OFF
Just Be Community
Just Be – a free initiative co-founded by Purnesh & his partner Rowena, offering live group meditations and Vedic wisdom gatherings.
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