Comparative Evaluation of Concentration, Memory Performance and Perceived Stress among Mantra Japa Practitioners and Non-Practitioners

Practitioners of Tantric mantra chanting (Guru Mantra and Baglamukhi Mantra) showed higher concentration and memory scores and significantly lower perceived stress compared to non-practitioners. Among 150 young adults aged 18–30, 75 practitioners and 75 non-practitioners were compared using standardized scales. Positive correlations emerged between concentration and memory, while perceived stress negatively correlated with both memory and concentration. The findings provide empirical support for cognitive and stress-reducing benefits of Tantric mantra practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: The practice of mantra chanting, especially in the Indian contemplative schools, has attracted the interest of its putative cognitive and psychological benefits. Nevertheless, few empirical studies have been conducted on specific Tantric mantras like Guru Mantra and Baglamukhi Mantra in particular with comparative designs utilizing broadly practitioners and non-practitioners. Objective: The present study aimed to compare the concentration, memory performance, and perceived stress of Tantric mantra practitioners and non-practitioners and to determine the relationships between these variables. Methodology: The design used was a quantitative, cross-sectional design which employed a sample of 150 young adults in the age group of 1830. Purposive sampling was used to sample out participants who were practitioners (n = 75) and non-practitioners (n = 75). The administration of standardised tools was done, such as the Attention Control Scale (ACS), Memory Functioning Scale (MFS), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and Pearson correlation were used to analyse data. Results: The results showed that practitioners showed a much higher concentration and memory score and significantly lower perceived stress than non-practitioners (p < .05). Significant effect sizes were found among variables. Correlation analysis reflected that there were positive relationships between concentration and memory, whereas a negative relationship existed where perception of stress was correlated with both memory variables and concentration. Conclusion: The research gives empirical evidence to prove the cognitive and stress-reducing effect of Tantric mantra Jaap. It also emphasizes the importance of considering traditional practices in psychological practice interventions, especially in contexts culturally appropriate to them.