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Rhythmic Chanting and Mystical States across Traditions.

Gemma Perry, Vince Polito, William Forde Thompson

Brain Sciences January 13, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010101 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

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Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 464
Population Regular chanters across 33 countries
Topics Meditation Mystical experience Mysticism
Keywords Absorption Altered state Altruism Chanting Cross cultural Mantra Music Religiosity
Citations 52
Key findings 60% of regular chanters experienced mystical states, and those who did had higher absorption, altruism, and religiosity, with no differences by chanting type or tradition.

Abstract

Chanting is a form of rhythmic, repetitive vocalization practiced in a wide range of cultures. It is used in spiritual practice to strengthen community, heal illness, and overcome psychological and emotional difficulties. In many traditions, chanting is used to induce mystical states, an altered state of consciousness characterised by a profound sense of peace. Despite the global prevalence of chanting, its psychological effects are poorly understood. This investigation examined the psychological and contextual factors associated with mystical states during chanting. Data were analyzed from 464 participants across 33 countries who regularly engaged in chanting. Results showed that 60% of participants experienced mystical states during chanting. Absorption, altruism, and religiosity were higher among people who reported mystical states while chanting compared to those who did not report mystical states. There was no difference in mystical experience scores between vocal, silent, group or individual chanting and no difference in the prevalence of mystical states across chanting traditions. However, an analysis of subscales suggested that mystical experiences were especially characterised by positive mood and feelings of ineffability. The research sheds new light on factors that impact upon chanting experiences. A framework for understanding mystical states during chanting is proposed.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on mystical experience, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Of Roots and Fruits: A Comparison of Psychedelic and Nonpsychedelic Mystical Experiences Self-selected participants who reported a religious, spiritual, or mystical experience 2016 Cross-sectional survey n = 739
Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... 2012 Cross-sectional survey n = 337
Peak Experiences: Some Empirical Tests Random sample of adults in the San Francisco Bay Area 1978 Cross-sectional survey
Peak Experience Tendencies 1982 Cross-sectional survey
Mystical experiences associated with seizures Patients with epilepsy 2014 Cross-sectional study n = 98

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Meditation Mystical experience Mysticism Altered states of consciousness