Nina Rao
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Experience an auspicious inner state of gratitude, intention, and wellbeing through the ancient devotional practices of Vedic and kirtan chanting… to access fortitude, focus, guidance, and inner peace during life’s most challenging times.
You know the soothing feeling that comes over you when you step out of the daily grind and into nature — to replenish, rejuvenate, and relax?
How would you like to be able to carry that feeling of deep peace, calm, and connectedness with you in every moment…
… to have a spiritual practice that brings a sense of refuge, solace, sustenance, and harmony during times of challenge or stress — or when circumstances feel out of control?
According to beloved chantress Nina Rao, spiritual seekers have for centuries turned to the ancient devotional practice of chanting mantras to cultivate a powerful internal sanctuary, much like what nature offers — providing a sense of security and the kind of inner refuge we all long for.
Even in our busy modern world, you can access this space of strength, comfort, and safety whenever you need… with the discipline of a daily chanting practice.
Join Nina for a transformative 4-week, 5-module journey into the practice of Vedic and kirtan chanting — a sacred tradition that aligns with the elemental energies of the universe to help you cultivate a deep sense of confidence and security in every moment.
Chanting offers spiritual sustenance that feeds and supports you… providing inner strength, resilience, and peace that you can return to time and again when life throws you off your center.
Chanting is more than music. It’s potent sound medicine that helps you navigate life’s challenges and grants you sustained access to your own divinity.
Mantra chanting in the form of kirtan is easily accessible to everyone — it’s now practiced all over the world for those who long to immerse themselves in the ocean of divine love through prayers sung from the heart…
… turning darker moods into positive actions.
Drawn from the highest authority in Hindu dharma, Vedic chanting is the practice of repeating a mantra without music, in which exactness in notes, rhythm, and pronunciation is vital…
… while kirtan, which evolved from the original roots of the Vedic mantras, is the sung, call-and-response style of chanting that may be more familiar to you.
The Vedic style is a structured concentration practice while the kirtan style is more flexible. Both styles produce greater wellbeing of your physical, mental, and emotional bodies.
Nina will lead you in both traditional Vedic and kirtan chanting so you can have an experience of the spectrum of practices available to you.
During this illuminating and experiential course, you’ll discover:
- How mantras create an auspicious inner state of gratitude, intention, and wellbeing — a sanctuary for refuge and sustenance in times of duress
- The practice of both styles of chanting in each session — the Vedic and kirtan — diving deep, in particular, into the Gayatri Mantra
- That mantras connect you to your heart, where your own divinity resides — and guide you to experience that same divinity in the people and environment around you
- The precision and rule-driven nature of Vedic mantras and how they help you develop stronger concentration, deepen your practice, and honor the ancient tradition… compared to the kirtan that most of us are used to hearing (and singing!) in the West
- How the nature of sound can usher you into the subtle realms of consciousness where you can experience profound healing
- The peace and love that can wash over you as you dispel fear through chanting mantras
- How reciting or singing mantras with constant repetition will nurture you as you align with the elements of nature in your body and in the universe
- The love of the divine beings whose names you’re chanting and a sense of security and confidence that all will be well
- Why the knowledge of Vedic mantras holds the power to harmonize and uplift your individual existence, as well as your relationship with nature and your community
- That a sustained chanting practice can evoke and invoke qualities that help you positively experience life — surrender, patience, courage, gratitude, generosity, compassion, trust, love, devotion, clarity, and wisdom
- And much more…
Throughout this heart-nurturing program, you’ll find that a mantra practice can help you become more attuned to the interconnected web of life and develop a greater sense of compassion for yourself and all beings. As a result, you naturally experience a stronger sense of belonging and oneness with All That Is.
You’ll explore mantra as a powerful vehicle for cultivating focus by continually drawing you back to your heart and the core of your being. With every repetition, you’ll immerse yourself in the sacred vibrations that reverberate through your body, mind, and spirit — anchoring your attention in the present moment.
By consistently returning to the essence of your being through mantra, you’ll forge a deep connection with your true self — building resilience and mental fortitude, and nurturing a sense of focus that extends to all aspects of your life.
Nina explains that mantra is like a precious jewel and that it has the power to unlock profound insights and foster inner transformation. It sharpens concentration, calms the mind, and elevates consciousness.
Like a radiant gemstone, this practice brings to light the intrinsic beauty and potential that lie within you — guiding you on a path of self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual awakening.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the ability to develop your own daily practice and devote yourself to the mantras that speak most to you.
— Mirabai Starr, Bestselling Author: “Nina Is a Master
of the Spiritual Practice of Call-and-Response Chanting”
What You’ll Discover in These 4 Weeks (5 Modules)
In this 4-week, 5-module transformational intensive, Nina will guide you through the fundamental skills and wisdom you need to cultivate an auspicious inner state of sustained fortitude, focus, and guidance — no matter what life brings to your door — through Vedic chanting and devotional kirtan.
Join the Livestream — or Stream Later to Watch at Your Convenience
You’ll connect with Nina and experience her teachings through livestreaming video via any connected device. This connection is easy to use and will enhance the impact of Nina’s transmissions. Can’t make it live? After each class, you can stream the video and audio recordings to enjoy anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Course Sessions Are Tuesdays (With One Final Class on a Wednesday) at 5:00pm Pacific.
This course will feature LIVE teachings, interactive training sessions, experiential practices, and Q&A with Nina. Each session will build harmoniously upon the previous ones, so you’ll develop a complete holistic understanding of the practices, tools, and principles you’ll need to develop your own mantra chanting practice, so you can access inner peace during life’s most challenging times.
Module 1: Cultivate Heightened Consciousness, Courage, Gratitude, Compassion, Wisdom, Clarity & Love Through Mantra Practice (April 25)
The Gayatri Mantra remains the most widely practiced of all the mantras over the eons. By invoking the brilliance of your inner sun, you illuminate and open your heart and mind.
In this opening module, Nina will teach this mantra in the traditional Vedic style, leading you in pronunciation and the use of svaras — or correct notes — for chanting this mantra. You’ll then chant one of the most widely chanted mantras in kirtan, the “Maha Mantra”: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
In this session, you’ll:
- Experience greater wellbeing through your connection with nature
- Use ritual to welcome in and cultivate personal qualities of expanded consciousness, patience, courage, gratitude, compassion, generosity, wisdom, devotion, clarity, focus, love, and healing
- Learn correct pronunciation for the Gayatri Mantra and the Maha Mantra
Module 2: Allow Mantras to Ground & Stabilize You & Provide Sustenance as You Connect to Divinity (May 2)
Obstacles can arise from good as well as bad circumstances, but they should never deter or overpower you. Be like the earth, which supports all living creatures indiscriminately, without distinguishing good from bad. The earth is simply there. Your practice should be strengthened by the difficult situations you encounter, just as a bonfire in a strong wind is not blown out, but blazes even brighter.
— Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
In India, the Creator as the sustainer is worshiped in the form of Vishnu, also known as Narayana, and his feminine aspect Narayani — the goddess who has many other forms including Bhumi Devi or Mother Earth. Vishnu manifests all the planes of the Universe, unveils its laws, and manifests the universe under these laws.
Narayana — with 1000 heads, eyes, and limbs — is also hidden in the hearts of all beings. Resplendent like a flame, you can visualize him through meditation and ask him for help.
Nina will share some stories about her guru, Sri Siddhi Ma, and other saints as told by devotees. Hearing of these saints is a practice in and of itself and an important part of bhakti yoga, or the yoga of devotion.
You’ll build on the structure of the Gayatri Mantra by chanting the Vishnu Gayatri mantra — from the ancient sacred text — learning the pronunciation and structure. You’ll repeat this mantra 108 times, which is an auspicious number. The repetition of mantra, called japa, helps put an end to samsara — the cycle of birth and death and consequent suffering — and removes all obstructions for liberation from this cycle.
Nina will also lead you in an extended call-and-response kirtan chanting of “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” — the mantra that has been emblazoned in Nina’s heart and mind since her visit to Badrinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage spot in the high Himalayas. It’s meant to invoke the presence of Vishnu/Narayana.
In this session, you’ll:
- Engage in a full 108 rounds of mantra repetition (or japa) to create a deep meditative space
- Be nurtured by the recitations of mantras that bring you closer to the elements of nature
- Enjoy singing call-and-response chants to feel more grounded, stable, and connected to divinity
Module 3: Practice Mantras for Long Life & Greater Mental, Emotional, Physical & Spiritual Health (May 9)
In this session, you’ll review the Gayatri Mantra, which you learned in the first class, and chant 108 repetitions together. You’ll then have a chance to ask questions about this practice.
Nina will also guide you through a kirtan mantra in devotion to White Tara. She learned this practice from the Tibetan spiritual master Garchen Rinpoche, who practiced the dharma from a young age. He’s considered to be an emanation of White Tara and while he’s experienced a great deal of suffering throughout his life, White Tara always came to his aid. Eventually he brought his learnings and teachings to the West out of compassion for all beings.
In this session, you’ll:
- Deepen your practice and understanding of the Gayatri Mantra with review and repetition
- Invoke the healing and protecting powers of the White Tara mantra
- Cultivate greater mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health through the chanting mantras
Module 4: Create an Environment of Auspiciousness to Experience Unfathomable Bliss (May 16)
What does auspiciousness mean to you, and how do we create an environment of auspiciousness?
In this module, Nina will share about asking for not only what you need on the material level, but also the ability and stamina to do practices in which you wish everyone well. This is called raising bodhichitta — the Buddhist concept of praying with compassion for the awakening of all beings to the reality of life.
You’ll focus on the goddess, the feminine aspect of the Divine — the goddess who is Mother Nature herself and provides for all our needs — in the forms of Lakshmi, Sarasvati, and Durga. The goddess in both the Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions has different names and forms that reflect the light of the multi-faceted jewel that she is. Nina will guide you in kirtan in devotion to these three goddesses.
When you chant the Devi Navaratri Puja, you invoke Durga, whose energy and weapons destroy inner demons. Sarasvati gives the gift of knowledge and practice for purification and enlightenment. And you’ll implore the goddess in her form as Lakshmi to stay for an enduring auspicious environment.
Lakshmi casts the spell of the intoxicating sweetness of the Divine. To be close to her results in profound happiness… and to feel her within your heart is to experience rapture and marvel. Grace, charm, and tenderness flow out from her like a light from the sun — and wherever she fixes her wonderful gaze or offers the loveliness of her smile, the soul is seized, made captive, and plunged into the depths of an unfathomable bliss.
In this session, you’ll:
- Invoke auspiciousness to enter to the space of the goddess through the singing of prayers
- Connect with the feminine aspect of the Divine to call abundant sweetness into your life
- Call upon the energies of the goddesses of Durga, Sarasvati, and Lakshmi to cleanse, enlighten, and create auspiciousness in our lives
Module 5: Contribute to Your Own Peace & Peace on Earth by Chanting Mantras That Wish Others Well (May 17)
Nina says that the combination of harmony and alignment dispels fear.
Before we can contribute to any peace-keeping efforts among people, animals, and nature, we first have to find peace within ourselves. This is why we practice.
Practicing together with teachers and community (satsang) helps us along this path. With our combined efforts and energy we help each other — and everyone around us responds synergistically.
Grace is raining down on you all the time, and all you have to do is cup your hands to receive it. By offering gratitude for what you have, you can wish grace and wellbeing for others with love and an open, compassionate heart.
In this closing module, you’ll learn the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra in Vedic style, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the absolute, who liberates our minds so we merge with the Oneness that connects us all. As you chant in devotion to Shiva, you begin to expiate your karma as fruit ripens in the sun, and when ready, releases from the tree with ease.
You’ll also sing Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, wishing all beings happiness and peace.
In this final class, you’ll:
- Welcome harmony, peace, and alignment into your life through the devotional practice of chanting
- Connect with the energy of Shiva who liberates our minds and connects us with higher consciousness
- Cultivate gratitude that showers us with grace, wellbeing, love, and compassion for others
- Allow peace and love to wash over you as you sing to wish all beings well
The Chanting & Kirtan as Sound Medicine Bonus Offering
In addition to Nina’s transformative 4-week, 5-module online course, you’ll receive this special bonus offering to complement the course and take your understanding and practice to an even deeper level.
The Hanuman Chalisa in Song
Video Recording of Live Event With Nina Rao
This recording is from an uplifting and immersive event, in which Nina Rao leads a group through the Hanuman Chalisa in a variety of melodies. Nina's attention and devotion are palpable. Watch and sing along, as Nina’s accompanied by Benjy Wertheimer on tabla, Mark Gorman on bass, Brad Stoller on guitar, and Genevieve Walker on violin.
What Graduates of Nina’s Courses Are Saying…
“This course with Nina was truly transformational.”
This course with Nina was truly transformational. My favorite part was learning the Hanuman Chalisa with Nina. I’ve been working on this mantra for a while and Nina helped me move to a different level with profound connection and meaning. Nina did such a good job personalizing the course with her storytelling and reference to other resources and her experience. She is warm-hearted and so generous with her teachings.
— Tamara, Seattle, Washington
“Thank you, Nina, for sharing your expertise, humility, truthfulness, and love.”
Nina’s course was really delightful, the chant as well as all the explanations about them. I had a wonderful time listening to her, as if I were traveling through time and space to connect directly with universal wisdom. Thank you, Nina, for sharing your expertise, humility, truthfulness, and love. I’m so grateful!
— Joëlle Pierry, Belgium
“I found myself looking forward to Tuesday nights, almost like I was having a date with a friend!”
I found myself looking forward to Tuesday nights, almost like I was having a date with a friend! I knew Nina would bring her energy, her smile, and her wisdom — and I’d leave both having learned something and feeling relaxed in my body, mind, and spirit.
— Christyn Thompson, Denver, Colorado
“The greatest impact by far from taking this course was to be in Nina’s presence.”
The greatest impact by far from taking this course,was to be in Nina’s presence. More than the thoughtful, deeply insightful words she spoke or the beautiful sound of her soulful voice, was the impression of her essence upon us, magically conveyed through the zoom screen and recording! Through all the distance of time and space, I was able to have the experience of sitting at the feet of a true guru (one who removes the darkness with humility, kindness, wisdom and grace). I leave this course uplifted and inspired, not so much because of the head knowledge I gained, or the chants I learned, but because of meeting this remarkable, most inspiring woman, who has clearly walked her talk and lived her practice in every moment of her life.
— Erika Faith, Saskatoon, Canada
“The respect and love for Nina was evident and another reason I would take future classes from The Shift Network.”
Nina Rao radiates kindness. Her beautiful voice, patience, depth of knowledge, and the ability to answer the most esoteric spiritual questions in an accessible manner are just a few of the reasons I will take future courses she may offer. Nina’s course fit the description perfectly. It opened understanding for me and was clearly the next step on my path. I was hesitant to take this course because of money and time constraints. I have an ancient computer which is not able to access the site. The Shift Network made access easy on my phone and tablet. The respect and love for Nina was evident and another reason I would take future classes from The Shift Network. This one took on an urgency that prompted me to put all concerns aside and immerse myself in practice.
— Carol Garlington, Reno, Nevada
Join the Global Community
Traditional Vedic Chanting & Devotional Kirtan as Sound Medicine offers some of the most transformational online teachings available, within a thriving global community of learning and practice.
Join fellow students and practitioners to support and inspire each other as you integrate the teachings and practices Nina Rao will share in this powerful training.
You’ll join an international community on the leading edge of manifesting a world grounded in the principles of cooperation, harmony, and reverence for all of life.
Here’s What You’ll Receive
Five 90-Minute Class Sessions With Nina Rao
Experience a unique opportunity to be mentored by and learn from seeker and chantress Nina Rao — from the comfort of your own home. Each class session includes a livestreaming video option and will guide you to experience an auspicious inner state of gratitude, intention, and wellbeing through the ancient devotional practices of Vedic and kirtan chanting. Course sessions are on Tuesdays, with one final class on a Wednesday, at 5:00pm Pacific.
Five Video Recordings of Class Sessions
After each class, the video will be available for you to stream in a high-quality format. You’ll never have to worry about missing a session, and you can watch anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Five Audio Recordings of Class Sessions
After each class, the audio will be available for you to stream. You’ll never have to worry about missing a session, and you can listen anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Five Transcripts of Class Sessions
You’ll also receive the entire class transcription after each session is completed. You can then review, print, and highlight the most important insights and practices you were given.
Interactive Exercises and Suggestions for Integrating Each Lesson
Between class sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to review the previous modules and other materials Nina will suggest to accelerate your learning and integrate each week’s lesson.
Online Community
Our exclusive Facebook online community is the perfect place to continue your discovery process after each class. Here, you can continue the discussion about your course materials and interact with your fellow students to take your exploration to an even deeper level.
The Traditional Vedic Chanting & Devotional Kirtan as Sound Medicine Bonus Offering
- The Hanuman Chalisa in Song
Video Recording of Live Event With Nina Rao
An Unprecedented Opportunity to Join the Online Training, Traditional Vedic Chanting & Devotional Kirtan as Sound Medicine
We feel honored that Nina Rao has chosen to partner with The Shift Network to offer this exclusive LIVE online training. This is a unique opportunity to interact directly with a seeker and chantress whose powerful insights and pioneering work are helping us heal and awaken ourselves and our world.
If you’re serious about cultivating a spiritual chanting practice that brings you harmony, sustenance, and connection to your truest self and the world around you, then you owe it to yourself, your loved ones, and our world to take this one-of-a-kind training.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your own evolution, click the register button below to reserve your space now.
Your Satisfaction Is 100% Guaranteed!
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed! If you don’t absolutely LOVE Traditional Vedic Chanting & Devotional Kirtan as Sound Medicine — or don’t feel that it meets your needs — please submit your refund request form on or before May 2, 2023 and we’ll happily issue qualifying customers a refund.
More Praise for Nina Rao…
“[Nina Rao’s] chanting is rich with timeless longing... calling us to live in the love that is our true being.”
From deep in the heart-cave Nina calls us... Her chanting is rich with timeless longing... calling us to live in the love that is our true being.”
— Krishna Das, worldwide icon and bestselling Western chant master
“Her vocal style is so pure and clear...”
I know Nina well through my role as Krishna Das’ music producer and guitar player. On our retreats I have also sat in with Nina for her own kirtan sets and workshops. Her vocal style is so pure and clear, and when she sings I am transported to the inner chambers of the Hanuman Mandala. She is also gifted at explaining the meaning and essence of these practices. I have learned a lot from Nina about the Bhakti tradition and consider her one of my teachers and a dear friend.
— David Nichtern, author and founder of Dharma Moon
“A combination of deep soul and melodious magic.”
Nina Rao has the voice of a genuine practitioner in her tradition. A combination of deep soul and melodious magic. She also comes from India and so has experience in that tradition since birth. Personally, I love her music and always have it with me. What an opportunity to have her at The Shift Network!
— Lama Tsultrim Allione, author and founder of Tara Mandala
“Nina’s chanting is an angel’s lullaby fused with the divine energy of awakening.”
Nina’s chanting is an angel’s lullaby fused with the divine energy of awakening. I listen to it in my car, in my office, on long walks, and after I meditate. It’s the soundtrack of love.
— Mirabai Bush, author and teacher of contemplative practices
“Nina’s loving, soaring, ecstatic voice... lifts the soul...”
The first time I heard Nina chant live on her own, I thought I was in the presence of the late immortal Anandamayi Ma — transported instantly into a transcendently easy way of being right where I had always been. Now that I hear Nina’s loving, soaring, ecstatic voice so beautifully recorded, I can echo back to that moment any time. It lifts the soul, stirs the unsought but welcome inner bliss, and is a wondrous gift that sweeps me into the clear stream of gratitude and devotion to the infinite yet gentle force of the clear light of love.
— Tenzin Robert A.F. Thurman, student of life, author, and grateful upholder of the Buddha teaching found in all ways of love and in every flower and blade of grass
About Nina Rao
Nina Rao learned traditional chants (bhajans) from her grandfather in a village in South India when she was nine years old. Her childhood was spent living in and moving between many countries around the world. Prior to rediscovering chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996, she worked in banking before switching to organizing and leading photographic wildlife safaris in Africa and India. For many years, she has been Krishna Das’ business manager and accompanist as well as a chant leader in her own right.
Nina tours with Krishna Das, playing cymbals and singing with him. In 2007, she recorded the track “Nina Chalisa” on Krishna Das’ CD Flow of Grace: Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. In January 2013, she released her debut album, Antarayaami: Knower of All Hearts, which includes a duet with Krishna Das. Later that year, she was honored to accompany him at the Grammy Awards webcast performance. Her second album, Anubhav, released in 2018, was entirely crowdfunded.
For over 20 years she has supported conservationists in preserving the sacred wilderness and forests of India via her charity, Saving Wild Tigers. Nina regularly leads kirtan, chanting in Hanuman Chalisa workshops and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s a virtual course?
A: It’s a great way to engage live and pre-recorded teachings and each other from the comfort of your home! All you need is a computer, mobile device, or telephone. If there’s more than one person in your household taking the course, you’ll each need your own connection. We use Zoom video conferencing to make it just like an in-person event, where you can ask questions and deepen your exploration of the course themes.
There’s no additional charge for connecting to Zoom with your computer or mobile device. Please note that dialing Zoom from your telephone is a toll call; your telephone service provider will charge you according to your existing long-distance calling plan. International access numbers are available.
“I’ve never seen a course so well put together ever...”
I had never participated before in an online course. The packaging, presentation, inclusion, and Facebook postings created a wonderful, safe cocoon within which to participate. I’ve never seen a course so well put together ever — not in all the years of taking college classes — and I had my doubts about doing an online course. The wealth of organization and ease of learning materials and support made this fun as well.
— Claudia F., Medford, Massachusetts
Can I still benefit from the course if I miss the live classes?
A: Absolutely! You can stream the recordings and download the transcripts of all course sessions, so you never need to worry about missing live calls. You can also engage with the full community and leaders in our private online community group.
Q: Can you tell me about the private online community group?
A: We’ll have a private online community group for all course participants on Facebook that will support you in making connections with others, sharing insights, engaging in discussions, and completing homework assignments that can supplement your transformational journey. You’ll have the ability to share your experiences, projects, and growth throughout the course.
Q: Are there scholarships available for this training?
A: Yes, we always make a certain percentage of spaces available for partial scholarships, for those who otherwise would not be able to enroll at the regular rate. If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, please review our guidelines, which include a link to our online application form.
Q: What’s your refund policy?
A: Your satisfaction with The Shift Network and this course is our highest priority! We offer a satisfaction guarantee so that you can sample the course risk-free. The deadline to receive a full refund is May 2, 2023. To request a refund, please click on this refund request form and submit your request. Qualifying refunds will be processed within five business days and an email confirming the refund will be sent. However, we’d love to have a chance to address and resolve your concerns first. If there’s something we can assist you with, please email us at support@theshiftnetwork.com and we’ll be happy to help! (No refund requests accepted after the above date or with scholarship awards.)
Q: How can I reach Customer Support?
A: Please visit our Customer Support Center, where you should be able to find the answer to your question or the solution to your problem. And if you can’t, you can submit an online request form and we’ll get right back to you.
