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.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🕉️ Purnesh’s personal journey with mantra — from childhood fascination to deep study and initiation in India.
🕉️ What makes a mantra effective
🕉️ The difference between universal (prasiddha) mantras and specialised mantras.
🕉️ Mantra Shastra as a systematic, scientific tradition — and its connection to other Vedic sciences like Jyotish and Ayurveda.
🕉️ The inner symbolism of the Samudra Mantana (Churning of the Ocean of Milk) and its link to mantra practice and the 108-bead mala.
🕉️ Why meditation and emptiness are essential foundations for effective mantra practice.
🕉️ How modern seekers can responsibly approach mantra, initiation, and daily practice in today’s world.

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.

RESOURCES:

- Mantra Mastery Level 1 program in English (20% OFF Discount Code: VITALVEDA)
- Purnesh's Website
- Purnesh's Youtube Channel
- Japa, Mantra, Sound Energy, Rites of Passage & Expert Guidance | Swami Purnachaitanya #102
- Sanskrit & Vedic Chanting: Vibratory Sounds of Cosmic Intelligence | Samadhi Collective w/ Kamala & Jahnavi #066

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Step into the aromatic world of Indian chai with Mira Manek, author of The Book of Chai and founder of Chai by Mira. In this episode, we trace the surprising history of how tea became India’s most beloved beverage - through colonial trade routes, opium, and clever British marketing.

Mira shares chai-making secrets passed down through generations: from the Ayurvedic ritual of boiling milk three times, to unlocking spice potency with proper preparation (spoiler: whole ginger slices won’t cut it). You’ll learn why different Indian regions brew chai in unique ways, and how spices like cardamom and saffron offer profound medicinal benefits.

This is more than a conversation about tea, it’s a journey through heritage, healing, and the unseen wisdom in everyday rituals. Whether you're a lifelong chai lover or simply curious about the deeper stories steeped in your cup, this episode will enrich your connection to this timeless tradition.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

☕️ How British marketing and the opium trade shaped Indian chai culture
☕️ Family chai rituals and spice secrets passed down through generations
☕️ The Ayurvedic approach to chai
☕️ Medicinal benefits of chai spices like cardamom, ginger, clove, and saffron
☕️ Regional chai variations across India and the logic behind them (yes, even salty Kashmiri chai)
☕️ How to make chai a deeper, more mindful ritual in your day

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mira Manek

Mira Manek is an author, wellness coach and expert, and has her own chai brand. Her third book, The Book of Chai, follows on from the success of her first two books, bestselling cookbook Saffron Soul and a book on Ayurveda and happiness called Prajna. Mira was born and raised in London, where she grew up in a large joint family with her grandparents, strongly rooted in their Indian heritage. She grew up speaking Gujarati, learned Sanskrit at school and has travelled extensively in India, inspiring her passion for Indian philosophy and spirituality, chai and chaiwalas, Indian food and spices, and especially Ayurveda.

RESOURCES:

Mira Manek’s Website: miramanek.com

Chai by Mira (chai blends & products): chaibymira.com

Books by Mira Manek:

• The Book of Chai
• Saffron Soul
• Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness

Mira Manek’s Instagram: @miramanek

Vital Veda Podcast Episode: "The Ancient and Stimulating Spice Industry" with Ian 'Herbie' Hemphill

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For millennia, honey has been treasured across cultures as a symbol of nourishment and healing, particularly for infants. Yet in 1978, Western medicine abruptly deemed it unsafe for babies under one year old due to concerns about botulism. But was this ban truly justified, or did precaution overshadow ancient wisdom and emerging scientific insights?

While infant botulism is an extremely rare condition, modern research reveals that most cases stem from environmental spores, not honey consumption. Meanwhile, traditions spanning Egypt, Africa, and Ayurveda have safely incorporated honey into infant care for thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts even describe Swarna Prashana—a revered practice of giving gold-infused honey to newborns to enhance immunity, intellect, and vitality.

In this episode, we challenge the stigma around honey in paediatric care, exploring its rich history, scientific evidence, and time-tested applications. Whether you're a parent or health practitioner, this conversation will empower you to navigate infant nutrition with confidence and clarity.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🍯 The Honey Ban: How a Nutritional Staple Became "Forbidden"
🍯 Infant Botulism: Separating Myth from Science
🍯 Ancient Cultures & Honey in Infant Care
🍯 Ayurveda’s Perspective on Honey for Babies
🍯 The Science Behind Raw, High-Quality Honey
🍯 Debunking Common Concerns: Sugar, Allergies & Choking Hazards
🍯 Swarna Prashana: Ayurveda’s Time-Tested Immunisation Ritual
🍯 The Importance of Responsibly Sourced Honey
🍯 Reintroducing Honey with Confidence and Wisdom

RESOURCES:

Further Reading & Related Articles:

• Ayurvedic Immunisation Over Vaccination For Babies
• Honey – Nectar or Poison?

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Natural Immunisations for Babies & Children: Building Resilience with Ayurveda
• Bees: Crucial Beeings for Health on Earth | Simon Mulvany #031
• Immunising your Baby Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006
• Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092
• Heavy Metals, Minerals and Bhasma in Ayurvedic Herbology and Herbal Products (3rd Biggest Myth in Ayurveda) | Dylan Smith #084

Ayurvedic Products & Herbal Formulations:

• Swarna Prashana (Ayurvedic Herbal Immunisation for Babies)
  • Pushya Nakshatra Dates for Swarna Prashana – Check Here
    
    

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
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