At first instance, it appears to be meaningless mumbo jumbo. But as the skepticism of the west wears thin in the face of increasing global interaction and acceptance, the benefits of chanting specific sounds or mantras manifest clearly.Some of the most prominent chanting traditions in the world are Tibetan and Indian Vedic chants (though there are many others). The healing power of these chants is being used by millions across the world to cure their bodies and minds.
In his research conducted a few years ago, Dr Herbert Benson observed that chanting of specific mantras produced a “relaxation” response, causing reduction of heart beat, brain waves and respiration. According to Dr David Shananoff-Khalsa, during mantric recitation, the tongue stimulates acupuncture meridians inside the mouth (particularly on the roof), enhancing help. Another researcher, Dr. Ranjie Singe, found the chanting of specific mantras released the hormone melatonin. He is investigating how this helps the healing process.
More than a Mere Ritual
In India, chanting of mantras has been a revered part of the culture for centuries. Ironically, a large number of Indians try to recite mantras solely as a religious ritual today, without realizing why the ancient sages placed so much importance on them.
As an increasingly inquisitive younger generation began asking questions about the rationale of certain practices, the vast reservoir of knowledge contained in different Vedic mantras, including the immense benefits they have on the practitioner, was rediscovered.
Interestingly, many Indian beliefs have their roots in scientific research, including the tradition of mantra chanting. We know sound affects the mind and body. One feels relaxed listening to slow, lilting melodies, while peppy numbers leave one feeling excited and happy.
The same goes for a mantra, which can be defined as a grouping of sound vibrations that have a profound effect on the mental and psychological plane, besides the body. The brain wave emission patterns with the chanting of certain mantras like Omkar or the powerful Gayatri Mantra, can be observed on EEG (Electro Encephala Graph).
When it comes to improving the quality of life, mantras do so by subtly acting on the sub-conscious mind to remove negative feelings like fear, anger, jealousy etc. With regular practice, one can see improvements in concentration, memory and logical thinking.
Effect of Mantras on the Mind
While mantras generally relax the mind, free it of negativity and improve concentration, thereby improving all-round efficiency, different mantras have different effects.
One may need a guru or teacher to understand one’s psyche and prescribe a suitable mantra. However, if a guru is not available, chanting a universal mantra will do. The mantra simply uses phonetics to subtly act on the mind. In times of stress, chanting a mantra can be especially helpful.
Effects on the Body
The civilizations where the tradition of chanting mantras originated believe most physical disorders originate from the mind. A number of doctors would agree to that. Proper chanting of a mantra calms the mind and soothes the nervous system. The benefits then branch out to other areas, like regulated blood pressure, greater cardiacdefine health, control on stress disorders and better sleep patterns.
Regular practitioners report an uplifting feeling of physical and mental well-being as well as improvement in behavior. An accomplished practitioner will typically be serene and mild mannered, even though steely-willed and determined.
The relationship of sound and body chemistry has been accepted by modern science without a doubt. Mantra meditation uses this phenomenon to bring about what many would call a state of grace. The process is based on science and nature and one need not be religious to reap the benefits of the practice.
One can start practicing chanting any time. However, instead of turning to medications or worse, addictions in times of stress, regular mantra chanting can help one bounce back on one’s feet.
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