Science behind Mantra Shastra
Tradition of Mantras
Vaidik Dharma or Hindu religion as it is popularly known, has focused on Mantras for millennia. A mantra in Vedic tradition is a sacred utterance denoted by syllables and words (often in Sanskrit) and recited with attention to details to its meter and tone. Mantra Shastra is methodology of reciting these mantras and how to syndicate them with other tangential aspects such as rituals, attire, posture, location, diet and thoughts. It also encompasses principles of propagation of the mantras across generations and time. From the beginning of Vedic period, Hindu scholars were fascinated by the inspirational power of mantras and found them effective in meditation, medicine, dealing with uncertainties and exploring spiritual connection. For centuries, they have deemed this so important that they protected and proliferated this knowledge at the cost of time, efforts and their lives. Although other faiths and languages also have mantras, Vedic schools went rather overboard with research on different aspects of sounds, part of which also led to development of Sanskrit as a refined and controlled language, Indian classical music and several aspects of yoga.
Science behind the Techniques
The ingenious techniques of mantra recitals employed by Vedic schools to preserve the texts intact over thousands of years are recognized by UNESCO as world heritage. These complex recitation techniques based on tonal accents and hand gestures were created by rishis — ancient sound therapists — to keep sound of each word unaltered. The techniques are not only protected by concept of parity but are also mathematical.
Mantras in Sanskrit are traditionally upheld over other languages due to the scientific arrangement of Sanskrit syllables along with visarga and anunasika. Sanskit — as the name suggests — is a formulated language that has passed through controlled change cycles and has a wide background of research in forms and tones, unlike other natural languages where irregularities are normal. A a result, mantras in Sanskrit give effects of pranayama — breathing technique widely used in yoga for stress relief and long-term health.
Modern research
With modern means, scientists have started to explore the psychological, physiological and environmental effects of mantras shastra. The modern sound therapy already knows about effects of wavelengths on mind, body. The yoga practices that have grown quite popular in Western world have also been focusing on Aum — the first fundamental mantra in Vedas.
Research has proven that Vedic hymns have peculiar distinct notes dissimilar to most musical forms and prayers, and they have a better capability of reducing stress. Effects of mantras such as Vishnu Sahasranama and Gayatri Mantra on stress, cognition and autonomic functions have also been quantified. They are proven to have reduced cognitive activity of the brain to give meditative calming effect. The long-term recitals have shown substantial increase in the grey matter of critical verbal memory organs that plays a vital role in both short and long-term memory.
A few other studies have shown how wavelengths of mantras affect objects and environment. Rudraksha acts in presence of various dissimilar wavelengths to benefit brain and body. German Association of Homa Therapy has published extensive research on environmental benefits of agnihotra — a Vedic ritual that combines mantras with fire and cow produces.
Most research admit that we haven’t yet devised adequate tools to quantify long term psychological outcomes of neurons on wide range of emotions. The apparatuses we have today are restricted to measuring stress and merely a few more emotions, that too with proximate effect. The promising results that we have today from modern research of this ancient science only reiterate the logical thought behind Hindu faith.
Detailed discussions and references to follow in future posts…
