Learn Wahe Guru, a Powerful Sikh Healing Mantra, with Punnu Wasu
I had the honor of sitting down with Punnu Wasu, an incredibly talented musician and spiritual teacher from Hyderabad, India. His journey through music, yoga, and mantra chanting has touched countless lives, and his insights provide a unique perspective on how these ancient practices can awaken peace and joy within ourselves.
Exploring the Healing Power of Mantras: an Interview with Punnu Wasu
Punu’s connection with music began at a very young age, learning Kirtan from his father at the age of five and later diving into Hindustani classical music. Throughout his life, music has been his gateway to meditation and spiritual practice, leading him to teach and share his wisdom globally, including in Bali. His passion for serving the community through sound, meditation, and yoga is truly inspiring.
From a family of devotional musicians, Punnu Wasu is a celebrated musician and a meditation teacher based in Bali. In our interview, Punnu shares the essence of some of the most important Sikh peace mantras and speaks on the power of sound and mantra for transformation.
“Once you install the mantra within your being, it starts resonating. It starts cleansing the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and bliss bodies. It makes you more and more peaceful, calm, and happy! Whenever I’m disturbed by any situation, if I chant, I am relaxed and power of mantra and music tunes the environment all around me.” - Punnu Wasu
The interview video below was for our Mantras for Peace: A Wisdom Gathering project.*
What does Wahe Guru Sikh Healing Mantra mean?
When asked about mantras, Punu shared a personal connection to his first mantra, Waheguru. He explained that this Sikh mantra is a combination of several powerful syllables, each representing different deities. The beauty of Waheguru lies in its meaning— "Wahe" expresses awe and astonishment, while "Guru" signifies a spiritual teacher who guides one from ignorance to wisdom. The mantra, like many others, is designed to connect us to the divinity within and lead us toward awakening.
How do I use Wahe Guru Kundalini Yoga Healing Mantra?
As Punu emphasized, the process of chanting mantras goes beyond words. These sacred sounds resonate within the body and mind, cleansing our consciousness, balancing our energy centers, and guiding us toward deeper states of peace. He explained that mantras, when practiced regularly, help cleanse various layers of our being, from the physical to the mental and spiritual.
Can you Awaken to your True Self through Mantra Meditation?
Punu’s journey is rooted in the idea of awakening. According to him, true awakening happens when we strip away the interpretations and distractions of the mind and see reality as it truly is. This awakening leads to higher states of consciousness, the flowering of the heart, and ultimately, the realization of our divine nature. It’s a path that requires dedication, patience, and passion.
While awakening may seem like a distant goal for many, Punu reassures us that the journey begins with a single step. Whether through mantra chanting, yoga, or meditation, there are many paths to awakening, and each individual can find the one that resonates with them.
Anandra George in celebration of the International Day of Peace and the Equinox. The mantra we use is Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu, which you can find in our FREE Peace Mantras e-book as well as in our FREE Peace Mantras Chant Leadership Course. This meditation (filmed with permission with part of our Kaua'i Retreat group in a bamboo forest at the temple), we do a simple peace mantras meditation starting with gratitude, then moving through the spheres of influence in our lives.
Healing Mantras: Create Peace Through Sound
One of the most profound aspects of Punu’s teachings is the role that sound plays in this process. Through his Kirtan sessions, sound healings, and mantra chanting, he creates an environment that invites peace and transformation. He describes how mantras, when chanted with intention, not only bring peace to the individual but also to those around them. The vibrations created by mantras can cleanse the atmosphere, spreading peace, love, and happiness to all who experience it.
As Punu puts it, "Once we are peaceful, once we are happy, all we're going to do is spread that peace and happiness outside." It’s a reminder that our personal practice not only benefits ourselves but also contributes to the collective well-being of the world.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and stillness can feel elusive. However, through practices like mantra chanting and meditation, we can reconnect with the deeper parts of ourselves, experience awakening, and ultimately contribute to a more peaceful world. As Punu beautifully expressed, "May all the beings in all the world be happy, free, peaceful, full of love and joy."
Whether you’re new to mantra chanting or have been on this path for years, the journey towards inner peace is one that benefits everyone. If you’re curious about incorporating mantras into your life, consider starting with one that resonates with you, practicing it consistently, and allowing the sound to guide you on a transformative journey.
You can find more about Punnu Wasu's great work on his website.
Free sound healing and mantra training!
Discover the best sound yoga therapy, mantra meditation, and nada yoga free resources here:
- Download and explore the free Mantras for Peace eBook
- Discover FREE sound & mantra training
- Dive deep with the world's first and only online sound and mantra 200HR & 500HR Teacher Training
- Chant with us LIVE during our next FREE Online Yoga of Sound event
- More free sound baths and chant experiences of all different types are available at HeartofSound on YouTube / Sound Bath Playlist
Mantras for Peace: A Wisdom Gathering Online
Many of the world’s indigenous wisdom cultures acknowledge that the unseen sound of prayers keep the delicate fabric of life in harmony.
Learn about ancient and innovative subtle activism practices from thought leaders, teachers, and artists from 6 continents in Mantras for Peace: A Wisdom Gathering Online
👂🏽 From labels to listening
🤝 From divisiveness to deescalation
🤗 From extremism to empathy
💞 From disassociation to deep connection
Featuring radically inspiring and thought-provoking conversations with global thought leaders dedicated to a vibrant future through ancient and innovative subtle activism practices, Mantras for Peace: Wisdom Gathering is an all-volunteer project dedicated to empowering people with peacemaking skills. (Originally aired 2019 & 2021)
Hosted by Anandra George, a pioneer in the transformational personal practice of sound and mantra and founder of the Heart of Sound.
45 profound, provocative, inspiring conversations with a diverse panel of global thought leaders.
Together, let's explore ancient and innovative subtle activism practices for a vibrant future!
Featuring radically inspiring and thought-provoking conversations with
- Neuroscience Educator Dr. Sarah Peyton
- Trauma Informed NVC Facilitator Meenadchi
- Biologist Bruce Lipton, Arhuaco
- Medicine Keeper Biskungwi Marquez
- Futurist Christine Mason
- Sanskrit Scholar Dr. Katy Jane
- Tantra Expert Devi Ward Erickson
- Marketing Queen Mari Smith
- Devotional Musician Punnu Singh Wasu
- Voice Expert Chloe Goodchild
- Yoga Philosophy Teacher Bhavani Maki
- Artist Activist Zena El Khalil
- Sound Medicine Expert Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary
- Peace Activist Michelle Button
- Mantra Researcher Gemma Perry
- Musician Gina Salā
- Wellness Entrepreneur Ayana Dake
- Devotional Singer Radhamadhav Das
- Non-Violent Communication Trainer Jori Manske
- Yoga Misfit Dana Trixie Flynn
- Musician Sheela Bringi and More...
