OM: What Is It & Why Do Indians chant OM Mantra? – Scientific Reason
By pradeep - January 10, 2019
One of the most popular misconception about “OM” is that it
is religious. On the contrary, it is the most universal syllable because it
neither refers to any particular religion nor God. There have been several
theories behind the OM mantra with the most popular explanation being that it
was the cosmic sound which initiated the creation of universe (big bang
theory). But that alone would not have been sufficient to turn it into a
regular practice in Indian culture.
As with most of the traditional practices followed in India, this also has a scientific and practical explanation (based on the physics of sound, vibrations & resonance) with some long term benefit and we shall find out what it really is.
What is mantra?
In its most rudimentary form, a mantra is made of syllables
which exert their influence by means of sound (vibrations). As one would have
personally experienced, different syllables have different vibration patterns
which affect different parts of the body. Each syllable resonates with certain
organ or part of the body.
For example, by chanting “aaaaaaa”, one can feel the
sensation and hence resonance of nervous system in the stomach and chest
region. Chanting “ooooo” creates sensations in throat & chest region and
resonates with them. Similarly, chanting/humming “mmmm” resonates with the
nasal cavity as well as skull/brain region.
Here is a short clip in which a Doctor explains the same:
What happens when we concatenate (join together) the above
syllables into one mantra? We get the AUM mantra which when chanted
sequentially activates the stomach, spinal cord, throat, nasal and brain
regions. The energy moves from the abdomen all the way up to the brain, thereby
channelizing energy and activating the spinal cord & brain.
Following is an excerpt from a research paper which shows
the waveform of A-U-M mantra made up of 3 syllables.
One of the most popular claims made by Yogis is that
chanting Om mantra improves our concentration, gives peace and steadiness to
our mind, reduces mental stress and clears all worldly thoughts. Although those
who practice it regularly would have experienced it first hand and affirm the
same, scientists were curious to find out more about it and verify such claims
with the help of science & technology.
Few years ago, scientists conducted an experiment in which
participants who had never chanted Om mantra were asked to chant it for few
minutes and each of their chants were recorded. The time frequency analysis of
it showed irregular waveforms which indicated unsteadiness in the mind. They
were asked to chant the mantra on a regular basis and after few days, the
experiment was repeated. The time-frequency analysis this time had some
startling revelations. The waveforms were improved with regular spacing, had
almost perfect symmetry and harmony. Not only had these participants witnessed
dramatic improvements in focus, concentration & steadiness, but found
themselves to be in peace, witnessed reduction in mental stress & could
remain calm all the time.
Research paper:
In another such instance, scientists conducted experiments
to study the effect of Om mantra on nervous system through repeated practice.
Using sophisticated software tools, mathematical transforms were applied to raw
samples of the chantings and similar results (improvements in focus
concentration, steadiness, peace, reduction in stress etc) were observed.
Research paper:
In another experiment, scientists analyzed functional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans (f-MRI scans) before & after Om mantra
chanting and concluded that regular chanting of Om mantra can treat depression & epilepsy
as well.
Recent findings in the medical field confirms that chanting
can lower blood pressure.
Another research at molecular level reveals that chanting Om
can even alter genes for better well-being!!
News report:
Research paper:
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