Meditation Benefits as it supports healthy living. Mantras have transformative power. Billions of people have resorted to meditation to ease anxiety, negativity and depression.
Spiritually, mantra meditation intensifies concentration and mends memory and attention. Substantially, mantra meditation reduce heart rate and BP and provides relaxation, hence heals and rejuvenate. Mantra meditation boosts self-confidence and self-empowerment. It also minimise the stress and balance emotions. Spiritually, mantras are said to dissolve one’s bad karma, produce Jnana (wisdom) and are considered one of the many yogic paths towards selfrealization.
Japa is the meditative chanting of a Mantra or a godly name. It consists of the repetition of the same mantra, which can be composed of a single syllable (Om) or a string of mantric sounds (Om Namah Shivaya). As Patanjali prompts us, the yogic path is pushed by practice and dispassion, and meaningfully, the Sanskrit term for training— abhyasa—meaning “repetition”. Mantra Japa produces positive mental tracks. It is a powerful method for directing the mind and for yoking the body/mind’s understated energies in finishing the yogic path of self-transformation.
Mantras have transformative power and energy:
Mantras have transformative power. They shield the mind by calling upon and growing uplifting Energy. Billions of society from all walks of life have resorted to meditation to respite from nervousness, pessimism and dejection. “Mantra” has “man” means “mind” or “to think” & “tra” means “instrument” or “vehicle.” Thus a mantra can be defined as a “vehicle of the mind,” “thought instrument” or “that which when replicated upon brings freedom.” Mantras are measured to have distinct powers to renovate our mind, body and spirit.
Beginners have to start Japa meditation with Japamala. A Japamala or mala is a string of prayer beads usually used by many religion followers spiritually. It is typically made from 108 beads. Japamala are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of God.
Japamala can be composed of a different materials—wood, seeds, pearls, stones and ivory. The most widely used materials are Sandalwood, Rudraksha seeds, Tulsi seeds (holy basil), Lotus seeds (Kamalaxhi), Rosewood, Pearls and Crystal.
Accurate mode of using mala is with the right hand. Ring finger supports the mala, middle finger helps to movement of beads slowly and steadily, and thumb supports and stabilises the bead from falling down. One bead is moved with one “Nama smarana”, and this is continued for 108 beads. Sumeru, or Guru Bead is the 109th bead. Counting always begins with a bead next to sumeru
In the Vedic tradition, if more than one mala of repetitions is to be done, one changes directions when reaching the sumeru rather than crossing it. As index finger signifies ego, it should not be used in the complete process of Japa. Once the process is complete, the Japamala should be preserved in Japa mala bag. It should be kept separately, and not to be worn frequently.
Early morning – Brahmi Muhurtha – 4.00 am to 6.00 am will be an ideal time for Japa meditation. After resting for whole night body gets rejuvenated. Fresh up and sit in comfortable position (Padmasana), in front of Isthadevatha to begin Japa meditation. Find a comfortable yet well-aligned position for meditation.
Eyes are kept open or gently closed throughout Japa meditation with a soft gaze. The breath should be slow, deep and relaxed. Keep mind focused on the mantra.
Medical benefits of Japa meditation:
To get benefits of Japa meditation, first do Pranayama – regulate the breath, and then start Japa meditation. Focus on breath, one can notice cool air while breath in and warm air while breath out.
It is scientifically proved that Chanting has Medical benefits. In 1979, A main hospital in Barcelona invited Swami Niranjanananda for help, to ease anxiety before surgery and reduced dose of anaesthetics during surgery. Swami Niranjanananda directed Japa Meditation for 20 minutes , for 25 patients before surgery, hospital authorities found surprising result – there was an increased alpha activity of brain, heart has come down, blood pressure has become normal, and anaesthetics given during surgery was only 50% of regular dose.
Till date they are directing their patients before surgery to go with Japa Meditation. They also recorded that the recovery time was reduced. During Japa Meditation medical scientists have found out formation of Nitric oxide in nose and nasal cavity, formation of colony stimulating factor and Secretion of Melatonin, Endorphins, and Vagus nerve Stimulation.
1. Nitric oxide relaxes the smooth muscles present around blood vessels; vessels are dilated and supply more oxygen and nutrients to each and every cell of the body. Hence functioning of cells improves. Cells take more oxygen and nutrition and function fully and if injured they heal well, and at the same time accumulated metabolites (Toxins) are thrown out of them.
2. Colony stimulating factor stimulates the bone marrow to yield more immunity like Neutrophils, Macrophages, Natural Killer cells, T Lymphocytes, and B Lymphocytes, to fight with disease generating organisms, cancer creating cells and ageing cells. Therefore individuals will not suffer from diseases, cancers and old age problems. He feels young and energetic.
3. Melatonin is wonderful neurotransmitter. Today collective problem is insomnia, nervousness, depression, and negative thoughts. Melatonin induces good and deep sleep, when person gets up from bed, he will be more relaxed, cheerful and enthusiastic to do daily routines.
4. Endorphins are natural analgesics, a good pain killer. Pain in joints, muscles, abdomen, and any part of the body, endorphins will relieve the pain and brings happy mood to the person.
5. Vagus nerve handles heart, lungs and all organs in stomach. All organs become slow, steady and functions well.
Dr K Hanumanthayya
Dermatologist
