Not all mantra meditations are equal: Emergence of divergent alpha oscillatory dynamics across mantras
Angqi Li, Julio Rodriguez-Larios, Mengsen Zhang, Taosheng Liu, Barry H. Cohen, Saiprasad Ravishankar
bioRxiv Preprint Server February 26, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.64898/2026.02.26.707862 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 50 |
| Population | Novice practitioners of mantra meditation |
| Duration | Six week period |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Hare Krishna and Sa-Ta-Na-Ma mantras induce different alpha EEG dynamics—HK produces a more activating state and SA a more relaxed state—despite both reducing stress. |
Abstract
The study of contemplative practices has evolved into a mature field, yet current taxonomies tend to classify all mantra-based meditation approaches as a single category, overlooking potentially different neural states induced by different mantras or different instructions. To address this gap, we conducted a study of 50 novice subjects practicing two types of mantra-based meditation over a six week period to evaluate changes in Electroencephalography (EEG) during and after meditation. Participants were randomly assigned to meditating with the Hare Krishna (HK) and Sa-Ta-Na-Ma (SA) mantras. Using spectral parameterization, we assessed the effects of each type of meditation on individual alpha power (IAP), individual alpha frequency (IAF) and center of gravity (CoG). The results revealed marked differences in alpha dynamics between the two practices. On the one hand, the HK group exhibited widespread IAP decrease and an IAF/CoG increase during mantra meditation that was maintained during rest after the meditation, which became more pronounced after training in the HK meditation. On the other hand, the SA group showed a localized IAP reduction during meditation and significant reduction of IAF during meditation after training. We suggest that the higher cognitive demands of HK induce a more activating, attentionally focused state, whereas SA promotes a more relaxed state. Additional psychological data show that both meditation groups had reduction in stress. Thus, these findings challenge the monolithic classification of mantra meditation and highlight the importance of differentiating practices according to their mechanisms, particularly for their targeted application in mental health contexts.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 24
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Investigating the phenomenological matrix of mindfulness-related practices from a neurocognitive perspective. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 2015
- Mindfulness meditation–based pain relief: a mechanistic account Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences June 1, 2016
- Blood Pressure Response to Transcendental Meditation: A Meta-analysis American Journal of Hypertension February 29, 2008
and 19 more in the library