Rudram 11 - Western Cape June 2025

Rudram 11 at the Unitarian Church: A Sacred Offering of Sound and Unity

On a quiet, winter afternoon, the halls of the Unitarian Church echoed with the sounds of the Sri Rudram — a powerful hymn from the Krishna Yajur Veda, chanted eleven times as part of the Rudram 11. This gathering was a shared spiritual experience that honoured the oneness behind diversity, and the unifying power of sacred sound.

An Offering in an Interfaith Space

This event marked a significant step forward in interfaith collaboration, showing that ancient traditions and contemporary inclusive spaces can support one another. It was not about converting, convincing, or comparing — it was about contributing: offering a sacred sound for the wellbeing of all. Therefore, hosting the Rudram 11 at the Unitarian Church was both historic and symbolic. The Unitarian tradition, rooted in openness, reason, and respect for all paths, provided the perfect space for a Vedic chant that invokes the Divine in all forms — in forests and rivers, in animals and humans, in the peaceful and the fierce.

The Rudram does not address one deity alone, but acknowledges the formless presence within all of nature, all beings, and all moments. The essence of Unitarianism — embracing diverse spiritual truths is reflected in the Vedas. The Rig Veda states "Ekam sath; viprah bahudha vadanthi". One alone is; the wise speak of It as many.

The Power and Purpose of Rudram 11

The Sri Rudram calls forth inner and outer transformation. It is a prayer for:

• Peace and protection

• The healing of nature and humanity

• The awakening of higher consciousness

By chanting it collectively, the vibrations are magnified, purifying not only the space but also the inner environment of each participant.

The first mantra of Rudram, is the essence of Christianity. The first mantra of Rudram represents integrity of our heart, the head and the hands. These three H's (heart, head and hand) represent the Cross, the symbol of Christianity. This cross represents Jesus sacrificing His ego in the place where the integrity of heart, head and hand meet. This represents the connection of Sri Rudram and Jesus Christ. (https://youtube.com/shorts/5oeaT4g0JvY?si=-bxpZs8qEi9vm700)

Many in the room, regardless of their religious background, felt the resonance — not just of sound, but of something deeper: presence, stillness, connection. In the words of Karin, a member of the Unitarian Church:

Karin - Member of the Unitarian Church

“ This Sunday, I arrived, not really knowing what to expect. When I had settled in my chair, and the chanting had started, I understood that I needed to decide how to approach this, for me, new and somewhat strange experience. My decision was to just sit there and let it all wash over and through my body. To let sound, the chanting, just engulf me. And, that worked beautifully! I was so moved, so uplifted and I felt so peaceful. I experienced the inner peace, divine bliss and so on, which your invitation talks about. I also was surprised that the three hours just passed, somehow. For us busy, busy westerns, three hours is a really long time. So, before leaving the building, I made sure that I was on some sort of mailing list to be notified of future prayers. Thank you for letting me share my experience."

Hans from the Unitarian Church also shared:

“ It was such a gift, and tremendous honour to have you and your community bless our spiritual home and our community, with your Vedic prayers for peace. Thank you so much to all of you, for sharing your knowledge, for your shared kinship, and including us in a celebration of the omnipotent universal Godhead

We thank the Unitarian Church for opening its doors and heart to this offering, and to all the chanters and volunteers who held the space with reverence and humility.

As we move forward, may such sacred collaborations continue to blossom — across traditions, across languages, and across boundaries — reminding us that in the silence behind every sound, we are one.

May all beings be at peace.

Group Photo of attendees