Introduction to Vedas Workshop in KZN

The Introduction to Vedas workshop series previously took place in Western Cape (May 2024) and Gauteng (July 2024), and it culminated in a grand finale in KZN on 24 September 2024 at the Umhlatuzana Civic Hall in Chatsworth. By divine design, the workshop coincided with Heritage Day, which is beautifully fitting, as the Vedas represent the true heritage of mankind!

Approximately 250 brothers and sisters attended the workshop. Upon arrival, they registered and received a notebook and pen to take notes during the sessions.

At 10:00 AM, the workshop commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by five minutes of Vedic chanting to create a positive vibration and aura within the hall.

The first part of the workshop provided an overview of the Vedas and touched on topics such as:

• Terms associated with the Vedas: Shruti, Apoureshaya, Chandas, the 4 Mahavakyas, the 4 Vedas, etc.

• The universal teachings and values found in the Vedas

• Inspirational stories linked to the essence of the Vedas

• The power of the Vedas in our daily lives

• Science-backed case studies on how the Vedas can positively impact sleep, academics, career growth, peace of mind, stress management, etc.

A question-and-answer session followed each section, where attendees received a Veda Shruti book as a gift for asking questions. These books were kindly donated by one of the Veda students.

We were also honored by the presence of Dr. Anasuya Boligarla from the KZN Indian High Commission's office, who addressed the gathering and expressed her joy at seeing the Vedas spreading throughout the country.

This was followed by a lunch and refreshment break, where Vegetable Biryani, lovingly prepared from 6:00 AM that morning, was served to everyone in biodegradable packaging, reflecting the Vedic teachings of gratitude and respect to Mother Nature.

Part 2 of the workshop commenced at 12:45 PM, during which the facilitators shared tools and techniques for chanting correctly, so that the vibration and energy could manifest through the sounds of the Vedic syllables. All attendees received a worksheet to follow along, and they were taught how to chant five Vedic hymns:

1. Ganapati Prarthana

2. Saha Na Vavatu

3. Durga Gayatri

4. The first few lines of the Rudram Namakam

5. Shanti Mantra

A very touching moment occurred when a senior aunty shared how she had traveled for more than two hours and taken two taxis to attend the workshop after hearing about the event on the radio. We were all moved by her sacrifice and determination. Another Veda student shared how she was stuck in a snowstorm with her family while driving from Johannesburg for 27 hours, yet she still made it to the workshop! May Veda Mata bless these amazing souls.

At around 2:15 PM, the workshop concluded. Attendees received resources to continue learning the Vedas and were invited to join weekly classes. It is heartening to see so many nurturing the seed of Vedic wisdom that was planted in their hearts during the workshop.

It is said that "Veda is Seva in vibration, and Seva is Veda in action." In that same spirit, 300 biryani meals were served to local communities in need on Heritage Day.

This workshop was made possible by the blessings of Mother Veda. We also wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the decor team, catering team, sevadal team, content and presentation team, audio-visual team, logistics team, and registration team for their kindness, love, and generosity.