The Secret of Mantra

How and why would we want to practice mantra?

Mantra, from man (mind) and tra (vehicle), is an ancient practice designed to steady the restless currents of the mind. In today’s language, we might say it softens anxious thoughts, re-tunes our inner rhythm, and opens us to balance and well-being. Yet mantra cannot be fully understood through intellect alone — its secret power only reveals itself through direct experience.

Over 5 weeks, seasoned yoga teacher and facilitator Odette Slater invites us into an embodied exploration of mantra: not as theory, but as living practice. Each gathering begins with a glimpse into the roots of mantra — its philosophy and the history of Iti Hasa (pre-colonial India) — before moving into the body and voice. With gentle warm-ups and simple vocal practices to free expression, we’ll learn a new Sanskrit mantra and chant it 108 times, entering the subtle field where vibration becomes meditation. You’ll also discover a traditional method for counting repetitions, grounding this timeless practice in your own hands.

✨ Bonus Event: On November 21, the circle deepens with an extended evening session, flowing into a luminous Sound Bath (6–9pm) with Odette and her partner Dhar.

5 Fridays, November 7 – December 5
6:00–7:30PM (Nov 21: 6:00–9:00PM)

By the end of the journey, mantra will no longer be a concept, but a living companion — a vibration you can return to in Odette’s weekly classes and in your daily life, steadying the mind and awakening the heart.

*Our Partnership with Promoga

At Green Room Yoga and East Van Wisdom School, we know that wellness begins within — and then naturally extends outward into the choices we make to nurture community, local well-being, and social connection. That’s why we’ve chosen to partner exclusively with Promoga for our workshops and special series.

Promoga shares our values: creating space where people can gather, move, and learn in ways that spark friendship, joy, and meaningful connection. Rooted in our local community, Promoga helps strengthen the fabric of East Van’s wellness culture by making it easier to come together in practice.

✨ When registering for a workshop or series, you’ll be asked to create a Promoga account — it’s quick, simple, and keeps you connected.