Mantra Chanting, Its Effects on the Brain, and Its Benefits?

What are Mantras?

Mantras have the power to transform the mind, body, and spirit. A Mantra is a word or phrase that people chant repeatedly (aloud or silently) to achieve concentration and spiritual qualities like mindfulness and self-awareness. Yogis chant Mantras to harness certain energies and states of being, like love, compassion, wisdom, peace, and joy. Mantra meditation can even alter our brain chemistry and create new neural pathways. This can help us attain inner peace and equanimity. ‘Manas,’ the Sanskrit root word, means ‘mind’, and ‘tra’ means ‘tool’. Thus, Mantra means “an instrument or tool for the mind.” Mantras make us feel calm and focused. Research has revealed that Mantra chanting brings many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It is a spiritual practice that keeps us grounded and connected. It can also soothe our main bodily systems. Mantra practices and chanting are spiritual tools used in many cultural and religious traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Shinto, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism. In Hinduism, Mantras are regarded as sacred syllables or unique mystical formulas which were originally revealed to certain sages or seers (Rishis) when they were in very deep meditation. They are usually in the Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, and Prakrit languages. Mantras may be one of the earliest components of yoga and the first type of meditation. A Mantra has 3 parts: intention, meaning, and vibration/sacred sound. Mantras can be spoken aloud, softly whispered, or recited silently in the mind. Chanting is called Japa. When one recites the Mantra aloud, it is Vaikhari Japa. Upamsu Japa is Whispering or humming the Mantra quietly is Upamsu Japa. Manasika Japa is Chanting within the mind is Manasika Japa. Silent chanting is supposedly 100,000 times more effective than chanting aloud.

Types of Mantras

There are three main types of Mantras. They are Bija (seed) mantra, Saguna (with form) Mantra, and Nirguna (formless) Mantra. The Bija Mantras are associated with the 7 chakras or energy centers in the body and Hindu deities. Saguna Mantras invoke the forms of individual deities. Reciting Saguna mantras is said to give rise to the actual form of a particular deity, thereby manifesting its power. The Nirguna Mantras come from the Vedic texts. They are the oldest of the 3 kinds of Mantras. They are very hard to interpret and do not have a specific form or meaning. Also, they can be identified with all of creation and comprise the essential truths in yogic philosophy. They are never recommended for beginners. Each Mantra invokes a specific power, so they can be used for specific purposes, like healing illness, spiritual power, and for achieving worldly desires. In combination with the user’s intention, they become more targeted and powerful. Mantras form a link between the devotee and God. The more the repetitions of a Mantra, the more powerful it becomes.

How Mantras Work

When chanting Mantras, we create energetic vibrations within us. Repeating the sound again and again helps us to feel more connected with the Universe. The mind becomes calm and still, and we start seeing things differently.

Choosing a Mantra

Usually, a Guru gives the student a unique mantra to meditate with. The Mantra has to be kept secret as they’re given only to the one chosen by the teacher. The Guru whispers this secret and personal Mantra into the initiate’s ear during a special ceremony. One can also do Mantra yoga oneself by choosing a suitable Mantra and practicing it every day.

Benefits of Chanting Mantras

Mantras are very beneficial for the brain. Mantra chanting has many positive effects on the mind and nervous system. Research proves that certain brain parts get activated when we recite Mantras. Mantras bring peace and eliminate negativity. Here are some of the benefits of Mantra chanting:

Relaxes the Mind and Body

When we recite Mantras, the mind and body will begin to relax. A scientific study showed that chanting ‘OM’ increased mental awareness and reduced the heart rate. Even 10 minutes of mantra chanting can block the release of cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones). This effect can last for up to 48 hours. Regular mantra chanting can reduce social anxiety, too.

Boosts Digestion and the Immune System

Chanting out loud stimulates the vagus nerve, which in turn activates the parasympathetic nervous system that is behind our rest-and-digest response. In this mode, the brain transmits signals to the stomach (through the vagus nerve) that it can now focus on digestion. The heart then pumps more blood from the brain to the digestive tract so that our gut gets more oxygen and nutrients. Stomach acidity reaches an optimal level, which promotes healthy digestion and increases metabolism. Stimulation of the vagus nerve also suppresses inflammation and boosts immunity.

Enables Weight Loss

Regular Mantra practice aids in weight loss, as it reduces the tendency for stress-induced emotional eating. We will also be more mindful of our food choices. After Mantra practice, the brain is more likely to choose healthy and nutritional food. Mantra meditation also thickens the prefrontal cortex—the area of the brain that gives us self-discipline.

Enables Better Sleep, Memory & Focus

A study conducted in 2018 in a Dublin hospital found that the participants who were medical staff, like nurses, doctors, and first responders in emergencies (in other words, people who were always under severe stress due to their jobs) enjoyed better sleep when they chanted Mantras daily. Hence, they made less mistakes at work the next day.They also had better memory and a longer attention span.

Improves Emotional Health

Mantra chanting improves the connection of the prefrontal cortex with other parts of the brain. This enables us to regulate our emotions better. For instance, instead of getting angry, we could decide to take a walk and cool down.

Boosts Heart and Lungs

Research done at Imperial College, London, states that Mantra chanting decreases the heart rate to the lowest point in a day. It can also bring down blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular Mantra practice could even help reverse heart disease. Other studies claim that it can also expand lung capacity and breath retention.