So, You Want to Chant?
by Tabby Biddle
Tabby Biddle on an episode of AnnikaTV, “A Beginner’s Guide to Chant,” July 2013.
Ever been curious about chanting?
Many years ago I was honored to be a guest on AnnikaTV, an online show for people newer to exploring their spirituality to help them build a spiritual practice on their own terms.
Each week host Annika Martins interviewed a spiritual seeker and/or teacher who was living a daily spiritual practice on their own terms. She sought me out for my practice of chanting.
Annika said she used to avoid chant because she didn't think she was 'spiritual enough.' She thought it wasn’t accessible to regular folks just getting started on their spiritual journey. “Nonsense! Chant is for everyone,” I told her.
While AnnikaTV is no longer around (Annika moved on to new endeavors), I am sharing excerpts from our interview below to support those of you who are curious about chanting and wondering how to get started.
Excerpts from my interview on AnnikaTV
A Beginners Guide to Chanting
Annika: What does the word 'spirituality' mean to you?
Tabby: To me, spirituality means connecting with a Source that it greater than ourselves and feeling our universal connection to life and to all beings.
Annika: How do you define chanting? And what's the point of it?
Tabby: I define chanting as using your voice to connect with a Source that is greater than the individual you. It is a way to channel Divine Power into your everyday life, and particularly into your body. Your body becomes healthier, more vibrant, and your entire vibration is raised. The point of it is to tap into that ultimate Source and draw upon those powers to refresh yourself and bless others with your presence.
Annika: What do you say when you chant? How do you decide what words to use each day?
Tabby: I vary my chants depending on what I’m feeling that day. I kind of just go with what comes forth. Since I’ve been chanting for awhile, I have a bit to choose from.
Lately, I’ve been going very simple with phrases like Om Shanti Om. Om is the sound that connects us to Universal energy. It is said to be the sound of all things. And Shanti is a Sanskrit term that means peace. Sanskrit is the language of the earliest religious texts of India, and is considered the original language of yoga. Many of the chants I practice come from the yogic tradition.
Another chant I’ve been doing lately is Jai Jai Ma, Om Jai Jai Ma. In Sanskrit, Jai means “I celebrate” or “I honor” and Ma is the Divine Mother energy. I also like to dance to this one.
A third one that’s been coming up for me is Om Mani Padme Hum. This is an ancient Buddhist mantra that is commonly used by Tibetans in prayer. It helps one embody compassion.
Annika: Do you feel anything happening or changing in your body as you chant?
Tabby: Yes. I feel my throat chakra open — I guess that’s kind of obvious — and I feel much more space around my heart. I feel more energized. Light. Clear. Connected. And like I’m in the right place. In a way, I feel like I’m practicing my dharma and that all good things will come from that.
Annika: Have you ever felt self-conscious, silly or awkward about chanting? If so, how'd you respond to that?
Tabby: For years, I chanted at kirtans as part of a collective, and I never felt awkward. Kirtans are singing circles and gatherings where people chant mantras in a call and response format. I never felt awkward in that format because I’ve always loved singing and singing in a group is so powerful. I loved it!
However, when it became time for me to lead chanting, I felt awkward. I questioned whether I had the ability to lead people in the way that I had been led through the years.
I do a lot of solo chanting in my personal practice, so I don’t necessarily think in the “call and response” format when I’m deep in my practice. Sometimes my chants are more like songs. But “call and response” is usually how you do group chanting.
The way I responded to the awkwardness was to just do it. Keep showing up.
For the past three years, I have been leading chanting at our monthly Goddess Collective, and as a result, I now get invited to lead chanting at other women’s events and conferences.
Let’s just say, it’s been a growth process for me.
Annika: If someone thinks chanting sounds kinda craaazy but they're still a bit curious, how would you suggest they start experimenting with it?
Tabby: First, I would suggest that they start their morning by chanting the syllable Om 3x and see how it feels for them — in their body, their heart, their throat, and their overall energy. Continue that for a week. Second, I would suggest the following week they experiment with another chant, Jai Jai Ma. That’s specific to calling in the Divine Mother energy. They can make up their own tune, and see how they feel. What do they notice? If they’d like to go further, they can visit my Soundcloud where I offer a few different chants they can choose from.
- July 2013, excerpts from interview with Tabby Biddle on AnnikaTV
For those of you who want to go further, I have included three different chants I recorded in my home studio to use in your chanting practice. I suggest listening to all three and seeing which one gives you the best feeling. That's the one to start with first.
3 Chants Dedicated to the Divine Feminine
Divine Mother
Divine Mother, Goddess chant. This chant is in honor of and in devotion to the Great Mother, in all of her aspects. The specific goddesses mentioned in the chant are the Hindu goddesses Lakshmi, Sarasvati, and Durga.
Here are the words: Om (3x); Jai Jai Ma; Maha Lakshmi Om; Om Eim Sarasvati Swaha; He Ma Durga; Divine Mother; Peace, Love, Grace
Tara Chant
This is a chant in honor of and in devotion to the Goddess Tara, who is known in the Tibetan tradition as the Mother of all Beings. She is the Compassionate Mother, who is dedicated to the health and well-being of all. She will not rest until all beings are free from suffering.
Here are the words: Om (3x); Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha; Om Mani Padme Hum; Peace within my heart; Peace around the world; Peace, Love, Grace; Divine Mother
Ma Shakti
This is a chant in honor of and in devotion to the primordial power of the Mother. Shakti represents the Feminine aspect of the Divine. Whether you are female or male, this chant will help you connect with your feminine wisdom and power.
Here are the words: Ma, Ma, Ma (3x); Divine Mother, Mother; Shakti Shakti Maha Devi Shakti; Divine Grace, Mother; You are Grace, You are Love, Mother; You are Grace, You are Peace, Mother; Divine Grace, Mother; You are Grace, You are Wisdom, Mother; Aham Prema, I am Divine Love; Aham Prema, You are Divine Love; Aham Prema, We are Divine Love; Ma, Ma, Ma (3x)
Enjoy!
Tabby Biddle, M.S. Ed., founder of TAB Media, works at the intersection of women’s leadership, feminine spirituality and social change. She is the co-founder of 50 Women Can Change the World in Media & Entertainment, the bestselling author of Find Your Voice: A Woman’s Call to Action, and an internationally celebrated women’s leadership coach, educator and group facilitator for her unique approach to activating women’s leadership. Her new group, the Divine Feminine Writer’s Group, recently launched. Learn more.