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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