FW: Reading Sanskrit Improves Brain Functioning

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Shaasa A. Ruzicka [amritasyaputra (AT) excite (DOT) com]

Sunday, September 04, 2005 7:59 PM

amritasyaputra (AT) excite (DOT) com

Reading Sanskrit Improves Brain Functioning

 

 

 

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."

 

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