Vedic Mantra Meditation

Vedic Meditation

Vedic Meditation is a simple, effortless technique that uses a personal mantra—a specific sound vibration—as the anchor for meditation. Rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition of India and passed down orally for thousands of years, this lineage-based practice was brought to prominence in the West in the 1970s by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and is widely known today through its popular form, Transcendental Meditation (TM).

What draws so many to this technique is its ease and immediate impact. With no need for apps or devices you can practice anywhere—just 20 minutes, twice a day. Over time, it becomes a natural and deeply nourishing habit.

The use of a mantra allows the mind to settle from the active, surface layers of thought into quieter, more subtle states of awareness—eventually transcending into pure stillness. This deep rest activates the body’s innate capacity to release accumulated stress and tension, restoring balance to the nervous system. As Maharishi taught, the quality of our nervous system defines the quality of our life, and unresolved stress lies at the root of much disease and disconnection.

Avril is a trained Initiator and Teacher of Shakti Mantra Meditation, a feminine-led branch of this lineage guided by Devi Ananda Vdovic. Learn more about this tradition → www.shakti-meditation.com

Avril offers in-person and online courses for those ready to begin. The course fee is $999, payable upon booking. Concessions are available for those experiencing financial hardship—please reach out to discuss this privately with Avril.

As a student of Vedic Meditation, you are entering into a lifelong relationship with your teacher and this sacred tradition. Once initiated, support continues for life.

Course Format
The course consists of knowledge, instructions and practice delivered over four consecutive days in 4 x 2-hour sessions.

Session 1 - Introductory Talk
• Intro to VM technique
• Why VM is so effective for mental and physical health
• What are benefits of transcending into the Self
• Why everyone can easily master Vedic meditation
• The powers of Mantra
• Rules for stress accumulation and stress release
• Question and answer session

Session 1 : Principles of Meditation & Initiation
• Interview
• Performing of a short ceremony of Mantra initiation and gratitude to the Masters of the Tradition
• You’ll be given your personal mantra
• Learn how to meditate effortlessly with your mantra
• Guided meditation
• Checking meditation
• Dive deeper into the profound Vedic knowledge
• Question and answer session

Session 3 : Mantra Instructions Theory & Practice
. Meditation intro and checking meditation
• Learn about the systematic science of consciousness
• Intro to the ‘Body feeling’ technique
• Three powerful yogic techniques – for dealing with emotions, anger and depression
• Stress release chart
• When, where and how to meditate
• Learn how to integrate the practice into your daily life
• Technique to settle the nervous system and bring deep rest
• Guided meditation
• Question and answer session

Session 4 : Perfecting the Practice
• Checking progress
• Two kinds of meditation; every meditation is successful
• Basic knowledge of Vedic philosophy
• Understanding higher states of Consciousness
• Pranayama technique, theory and practice
• Learn tips and tricks on how to manage different experiences in meditation
• Guided meditation
• Final meditation instructions
• Question and answer session

Three follow-up mantra checking & meditation sessions are included after the completion of the course and a lifetime of support with spiritual guidance from your teacher & Initiator.

What is Rounding?

Rounding is a specialised practice within the Vedic Meditation tradition—a gentle, structured sequence designed to deepen your meditative experience. Developed as a scientific process to settle the body and mind, a single “round” includes a series of specific elements:
asana (yogic postures),
pranayama (breathwork),
meditation (using your personal mantra), and
rest (integration).

This full cycle prepares the nervous system for profound stillness and release. When several rounds are practiced consecutively under the guidance of a trained Vedic Meditation teacher, the benefits are significantly amplified.

Rounding is not only a beautiful enhancement to an existing meditation practice—it’s also a powerful way to reset and reestablish consistency. Practicing in a group setting further strengthens your experience, offering deep rest, renewed energy, and shared support.

Avril hosts a monthly Rounding and Meditation session for initiates of her community, creating an opportunity to deepen your practice, connect with like-minded meditators, and receive continued guidance on your journey.