Champaklal Speaks

Mother Teaches Sanskrit Recitation

Do you remember the period when the Sanskrit recitations of Panditji of Rameshwaram were played in the Playground during meditations?

One of those days Mother said to me: “Satyakarma says that you recite the Chandi shlokas nicely. I would like to hear it. If it is nice, we will record it and play it at the meditation.”

I never expected that. I started reciting as I was used to—like an express train. Mother said, “No, no, no.” Then she taught me how to recite. At that time her expression was worth seeing. She was not actually reciting, words were not uttered physically, but her lips moved as if she spoke. She showed how the recitation ought to be done—slowly, each word distinct and separate, in quietness. Then she added: “Champaklal, you recite like this every morning. It will help you very much.” I did so and truly it was much help.

Madhav: “Why did you recite so fast?”

C: “I knew of no other way. From my childhood I had heard people reciting that way.”