Saturday, December 31, 2011

Scientific basis of Chanting Hindu Mantras

Another ritual that scientists have investigated is mantra chanting. A team of researchers in India, at the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation in Bangalore, reported in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, that chanting the mantra ‘OM’ mentally, achieved a significant reduction in heart rate, which led to a deep form of relaxation, with increased alertness In 1998, the same team also reported that chanting a meaningful syllable such as ‘OM’, caused a decrease in heart and breath rate, compared to a neutral syllable such as ‘ONE’, which did not produce a similar effect.
Such research clearly indicates that mantras are not just empty syllables or meaningless phrases. They are loaded with mystical power, which manifests during chanting. This power of a mantra creates some form of vibration in the body and brain, triggering beneficial health effects in the body. More important is their effect on the atma, which experiences peace.

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