Study: Mantras Help Reduce Stress

oprah.com:

Mantras can help with stress reduction, new research shows.

Mantras, or mantrams, are a word or phrase with spiritual meaning, write Jill Bormann, PhD, RN, and colleagues in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

The researchers studied 30 veterans and 36 hospital workers at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, where Bormann is a research nurse scientist. In a five-week class, participants chose a mantra and learned to use it to manage stress.

Read the whole story: oprah.com

Comments

[wm1066]

I believe that the vocal chords were initially for cooling the body down, (like a cat purring). and language and communication were a by product. Making sounds with the vocal shords vibrates the brain pan and can calm down emotions. Screaming, crying, moaning, and sighing aren't meant to communicate as much as relieve the body of toxic emotions.

[ModernTimes1]

I consider mantra meditation ( MM) a very powerful tool. It has to be handled carefully and with respect. It is irresponsible to proceed without at least some guidance in this endeavor.
If done for 20 -40 minutes it profoundly affects one's body-mind functioning.
For instance, digestion is seriously impacted by MM. One should not do meditation immediately after ( or prior to) a full meal.
Those with serious emotional issues may find that mantra meditation brings to the surface some very uncomfortable emotions and body-mind states. This may gradually decrease. Or not.
Some may find out that distinct difference between meditation in a prone versus sitting positions.
In fact lengthy MM in a prone position may negatively impact one's functioning (grogginess, dizziness, sluggish thinking etc) for that day.

MM is unlike creative visualization or progressive relaxation. It has to be taken seriously, learned from a qualified teacher. Certainly not from Oprah article.

[singermuse]

I love what mantras can do for us. I enjoy reciting them and hearing them put to music.
Some of my favorite mantra CD's
Anything by Krishna Das
Mantra Girl
Snatam Kaur

And when in the solitude of one's own:

Hare Krishna,
Or the "Jesus Prayer of Eastern Orthodoxy,
Or Wahe Guru, Ram Das Guru
or any number of beautiful mantras that plant seeds of peace in our hearts.
They know no particular religion but touch the spirit nonetheless.

[ModernTimes1]

Let's elevate the music quality up a few hundred notches.
Arvo Pärt --- Frates, Tabula Rasa
John Tavener--- "Innocence"
Górecki--Symphony No. 3.
Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos--- Chant.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Traditionally a mantra is a sound vibration, not meant to be a word. (although in the west people are now using words., but it is not as effective)

As mantras or the mantrum originated in India and is a Sanskrit sound vibration .. it is a higher vibrational frequency and is more powerful) It is known that Yogis in deep meditation realized these sounds/mantras when they were in Nirvana.

It is meant to clear the mind of any thoughts and in that way relaxes the whole of your being. Thoughts negative or even positive are still thoughts and so the mantra calms the mind of all thinking and also releases stress in the body.

Mantra Yoga also has the capacity to awaken you to higher states of consciousness.

Enjoy the Peace within,

Ed (Swami Brahmananda)

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Various Sanskrit mantras

Om Shanti awakens inner peace

Om Namaha Sivaya powerful healing mantra

Jaya Ganesha- removes obstacles

Jaya Lakshmi - brings abundance

Om Mane Padme Hum - The jewel in the heart of the lotus (opens the heart of peace and love)

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

To be clear the mantra clears th mind of chatter/thoughts ie mindless or monkey mind and awakens you to a more creative/i­nspiration­al wisdom mind or healthy .. free.. present (in the NOW mind)

You begin to see things as they are

[jeanneyogini]

HuffPost's Pick

It is encouraging to hear that hospitals are looking into methods of managing stress. I would caution the random use and selection of mantras, however. The ancient Vedic tradition from where the Sanskrit word 'mantra' is derived advises very specific use of mantras, because it is known that mantras (or 'thought sounds') have a very powerful effect on the mind. Using a mantra or sound mentally has a more penetrating effect than just hearing, reading or speaking it. Repeating a mantra without knowing the long term and exact effect it has on the brain may not be the healthiest practice. For example, the sound 'OM' was traditionally used only by recluses because it is known to create loss of interest in the world and distaste for possessions. This sound is of value for a monk, but not for a person who seeks to be successful in the world.

There are published scientific studies on brain wave activity during several techniques of meditation that involve various uses of mantras. Different techniques have entirely different effects on the brain. Some increase gamma waves, some create synchronized alpha waves throughout the entire brain, some show scattered incoherent waves very much like reading or thinking. Proper use of the right mantra can have a powerful influence of coherence in the brain and create relief from stress. It's better to go with proven practices that have extensive scientific validation and an expert, scholarly tradition. The mind is not something to play around with.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Jeanneyoginni - Traditionally mantras are not thought sounds as the whole purpose of mantra is to not even know what they mean. They are 'sound vibrations' discovered by Yogis in high staes of meditation.
Certain mantras should be repeated aloud rather than silently. I disagree - if a person is stable and grounded they can repeat a mantra without any negative effect any time.

I am a Swami trained in India and the Om mantra is the mantra for Swamis (monks) but it is ok for anyone to use. You do not lose interest in the world (If you are living in recluse well anything and any mantra will bring you inward) ultimately it is a persons nature or destiny that will determine your fate. it is known to create loss of interest in the world and distaste for possessions. Absolutely not. also This sound is of value for a monk, but not for a person who seeks to be successful in the world.
Not true either. When you wake up you realize there is no solid self or even a mind. There is awareness. Our authentic self is pure consciousness..

Om Shanti,

Swami Brahmananda (Ed Shapiro)

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Traditionally mantra are given from Guru (or teacher) to their chela (disciple)

The Guru/teacher knows what mantra is appropriate for the chela/student.

When the teacher/guru gives the mantra is is called mantra diksha (pronounced deeksha) and is a private moment between them and the disciple/chela is to repeat it silently and keep it secret as it is more powerful when kept to oneself.

Om Namaha Sivaya,

SwB (Ed)

[jeanneyogini]

Ed, I understand why you are surprised to hear of the correct usage of the OM mantra. This rare insight, that the OM mantra is for monks only, is not commonly known, even in India. I have been teaching meditation for over 35 years. I too studied in India, under the great master of meditation and Vedic Science, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

My teacher, Maharishi, was the closest disciple of Brahmanda Saraswati, Shankarcharya of Jyotir Math, the most illustrious seat of knowledge and highest authority of the Vedic Tradition. The revival of knowledge of meditation led by Brahmanda Saraswati purified the distorted practices of meditation and wrong uses of mantras that were common in India and throughout the world, and which linger even today.

I respect your commitment to meditation, yet seek to clarify and reiterate that the use of mantras is a delicate practice. The healthy effects of using correct mantras according to the above mentioned revival of Vedic wisdom has been amply demonstrated. I recommend that anyone interested in meditation, whether for enlightenment or stress reduction, study the research behind a given meditation practice or mantra technique before taking it up.

[LaughingCrowSpeaks]

There's nothing wrong with calling a mantra a 'thought sound,' which means ‘used silently,’ not ‘chanted aloud.’ Using a mantra as a 'thought sound' doesn’t imply 'meaning.' In the Vedic Tradition there are two classes of mantras, those that have meaning (e.g., Gyatri Mantra, chanted aloud) and those without meaning (e.g., Tantric). It’s not surprising that a Westerner studying in India would be given the OM mantra to use however they please; this is common, but that doesn't mean it’s correct. There are many sects and teachers in India; even an 'awakened' teacher may not have a comprehensive understanding of Vedic technologies.

If the true nature of life is bliss, and Atma (pure consciousness) is within everyone, as Vedic, Buddhist and other texts proclaim, obviously something has gone wrong with meditation practice, because bliss is not the common experience of life in India or most places. The way mantras have been misused for centuries has left the world without the widespread experience of bliss, prosperity and progress that is every human being's birthright.

All practices may not be based on comprehensive knowledge of consciousness, because knowledge of effective practice rises and falls throughout the ages.

Luckily, we need not base our assessment of the use of mantras on opinion: look to the peer-reviewed, independent scientific literature, especially comparative studies, showing which meditation techniques are most effective. Google Scholar and PubMed contain over 1000 studies on meditation.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

See Ed and Deb Shapiro's Profile

jeanne Bless your wisdom - I lived in India in 1968 over 41 years ago and have lived in seclusion

I am well aware of the mantra Om and it's significance .. you possibly didn't understand or possibly read my comment, as i said it was the mantra for Swamis and monks... But traditionally mantras are given only by Gurus. Lay people traditionally did not give mantra.

Our new book

BE THE CHANGE -
How Meditation Can Transform You and the World

has contributors such as John Gray - who was personal assistant to the Maharishi and Dr. John Hagelin who you probably know .. both brilliant men!

If someone wants to do research great but - there is no need .. to put fear into anyone is more damaging ...that they shouldn't repeat a mantra because it could harm them is old boring nonsense..­particular­ly since the average person probably could not do it, repeat enough, to do much more than relax them and hopefully much more... some people actually practice seva and it is most affective. No one practice is right for everyone.
there are many saints and Holy Ones who can't read or write and they have reach Nirvikalpa Samadhi --Nirvana.. and for the most part

ISMS are WASISM

May all beings be happy,

Swami Brahmananda Saraswati

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

whooppps

ISM are WASMS

[voodoomonkey]

It's true what Laughing Crow says: different meditation practices produce different effects, and this dramatically manifests in brain research.

Certain practices consistently yield the result described in the Upanishads or Yoga Sutras, the experience of the 4th state of consciousness - or turiya, in Sanskrit. Research shows that the authentic 4th state (pure awareness) is accompanied by EEG coherence throughout the entire brain. Experiencing the 4th state or ‘transcending’ has long been said to be the key to total awakening.

The Gita tells of cycles of knowledge and phases of time; it tells of the Age of Ignorance, Kali Yuga, when misunderstanding about meditation and enlightenment abounds. Laughing Crow mentioned the rise and fall of knowledge. In Kali Yuga, ineffective practices become commonplace: active people (not monks) use the OM mantra, enlightenment is associated with renunciation, meditation involves mind control, enlightenment is almost unattainable. Then comes a revival of knowledge, and those with a vested interest in the old, ineffective ways may resist to the end, calling the restored Vedic formulations “nonsense.” The proof is in the effectiveness of the revived practice (and ineffectiveness of the old).

No one is spreading fear about using a mantra with harmful effects; it’s about compassionately communicating effective practice and correct understanding.

“The OM mantra is known to create loss of interest in the world and distaste for possessions.” This is absolutely true, according to Tradition of Vedic Masters.

[wm1066]

Simple vowel sounds also work. The vibration of the sound is what calms you down.

[ThanksMatt]

I really appreciate seeing Eknath Easwaran's teachings put to practical use and scientifically tested. He is a wonderful spiritual teacher and his books are highly recommendable.

[RadicalRepublican]

One I recently came across somewhre and like a lot.

Begin exhalation: I am, 2 ,3 4, inhale, repaet.

[RadicalRepublican]

Oops, repeat not repaet. I don't even know what repaet means.

[tinrobot]

Eck Ong Kaur - Sat Nam - Siri Wahe Guru

[Knowbetter]

Nam-Myoho-­Renge-Kyo.