Do You Have to Use the Sanskrit Mantra?

Recently, a young woman approached me with a thoughtful question about the use of mantras and chanting in meditation. Her concern was that these practices seemed incompatible with her faith. She mentioned that these were not words from Christ but rather elements of a practice she viewed as foreign and, as she described, potentially the work of Satan. This left her unsure of how to engage in the practices I recommended.

I understood and respected her perspective, honoring her faith and the sacredness of her beliefs. I explained that my experiences with mantras and chanting were transformative for me, and my appreciation for her concerns was genuine. To accommodate her needs, I suggested replacing the Sanskrit mantra, Kirtan Kriya, with Christian words or phrases. However, at that moment, I couldn't offer a specific replacement, as I hadn't yet fully reflected on this possibility.

A New Perspective

As I drove home afterward, I pondered the valuable insight this young woman had given me. Her question illuminated an aspect I had not fully considered when writing my book. Although I strived to embrace all faiths and spiritual traditions, I realized I had overlooked the fact that some religions do not accept practices from outside their own belief systems. This was an opportunity for me to grow and adapt my approach, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with diverse spiritual backgrounds.

The Research Behind Kirtan Kriya

Despite the need for cultural sensitivity, the scientific benefits of Kirtan Kriya are well-documented and worth considering. The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation conducted a study showing that practicing "Sa-Ta-Na-Ma" for 8-12 minutes daily over 12 weeks increased blood flow to critical brain areas. This practice stimulates the posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG), a region that often declines in Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

One of the significant findings involves the impact of mantra on the Default Mode Network (DMN). When the DMN is active, individuals may experience rumination, anxiety, and difficulty focusing. However, research indicates that practicing Kirtan Kriya can deactivate the DMN, leading to improved focus and reduced anxiety. Additionally, this meditation technique stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps lower heart rate and blood pressure.

Kirtan Kriya Technique

The Kirtan Kriya is a simple yet powerful meditation technique that combines chanting and finger movements to stimulate specific areas of the brain and body. Here’s how you can practice it:

1.        Start with the Thumb and Forefinger:

• Action: Press the thumb and forefinger (index finger) firmly together as you recite the first syllable.

• Purpose: This action activates specific nerve endings that are associated with enhanced concentration and focus.

2.        Move to the Middle Finger:

• Action: Next, press the thumb and middle finger together for the second syllable.

• Purpose: This stimulates areas connected to patience and emotion.

3.        Engage the Ring Finger:

• Action: Then, press the thumb and ring finger together for the third syllable.

• Purpose: This interaction aids in boosting vitality and strengthening life force energy.

4.        Finish with the Pinkie Finger:

• Action: Finally, press the thumb and pinkie finger together for the fourth and final syllable.

• Purpose: This is linked to communication and intuition.

Important Note: When pressing the fingers together, be sure to apply firm pressure. This not only stimulates the nerve endings in the fingers but also corresponds to increased blood flow, enhanced energy flow, and stimulation of the knowledge, memory, and communication centers of the brain.

Benefits

Practicing Kirtan Kriya is said to:

• Balance the brain hemispheres

• Increase cerebral blood flow

• Regulate hormones

• Improve circulation and sensory awareness

(Kirtan Kriya Mudra)

The Recitation

1.        Using the Sanskrit language, the recitation is as follows:

SA– TA– NA- MA

Where “SA” is thumb and forefinger, “TA” is thumb and middle finger, “NA” is the thumb and ring finger, and “MA” is the thumb and pinkie finger.

2.        Using English and Christian language, the recitations that we can use are:

HAL-LE-LU-JAH

GOD-IS-MY-SAVIOR

CHRIST-IS-MY-REDEEM-ER

Daily Practice

If you engage in 5 to 12 minutes of Kirtan Kriya daily, whether in Sanskrit or English, you will experience significant benefits. The key to maximizing these benefits lies in pressing your fingers together, focusing on the rhythm of the recitation, and maintaining consistent daily practice.

Try this and let me know what your experience is!