Reading Sanskrit Improves Brain Functioning

[Guest guest]

Reading Sanskrit Improves Brain Functioning

 

The MUM Review, 6.Feb. 2002, by Brynne Sissom

 

The physiological effects of reading Sanskrit are similar to those experienced

during the Transcendental Meditation® technique, according to research recently

completed by Dr. Fred Travis, director of the ERG/psychophysiology lab of

Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, USA.

 

Dr. Travis asked his test subjects to read passages from the Bhagavad-Gita in

Sanskrit and in modern foreign languages (Spanish, French, or German). In each

case they could pronounce the sounds but did not know the meaning. He measured

brain wave patterns (ERG), heart and breath rate, and galvanic skin resistance

during two reading sessions and during a 15-minute session of the Transcendental

Meditation technique.

 

He found that while they read Sanskrit their physiology was similar to those

measured during the Transcendental Meditation technique, but significantly

different from reading a modern language.

 

Their skin resistance steadily increased during reading Sanskrit and during

practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique (showing greater stability

in their physiology) but remained the same during the reading of a modern

language.

 

Their ERG alpha power and coherence during reading Sanskrit were also similar to

that during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, and both of

these were higher than when the subjects read a modern language.

 

Dr. Travis said that these findings support Maharishi's predictions on the

effects of reading Sanskrit. Maharishi, in Vedic Knowledge for Everyone,

predicted that reading the Vedic Literature as it flows and progresses in

perfect sequential order has the effect of regulating and balancing the

functioning of the brain physiology and training consciousness, the mind, to

always flow in perfect accordance with the evolutionary direction of Natural

Law.

 

Dr. Travis found the similarity of physiology during reading Sanskrit and the

Transcendental Meditation technique is especially noteworthy because one reads

with his or her eyes open and engages in active perceptual and cognitive

processes, while the Transcendental Meditation technique is done with one's eyes

closed and entails a reduction of mental activity. This suggests that the state

gained during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique may be

integrated with active mental processes by reading Sanskrit.

 

Dr. Travis said, "The Transcendental Meditation technique takes the awareness to

pure consciousness at the source of thought. Seeing similar patterns of

physiology during reading Sanskrit as during the Transcendental Meditation

technique suggests that reading Sanskrit enlivens pure consciousness at the

source of thought and integrates that state with reading and speaking. In short,

while practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique locates pure

consciousness, leading to the state of Transcendental Consciousness, reading

Sanskrit integrates inner silence with outer activity, helping to cultivate

enlightenment."

 

 

_____________

Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com

The most personalized portal on the Web!