Mantra Chanting and Psychological Well-being: A Scientific and Philosophical Review
Anjali Prabhakar
Universal Research Reports September 25, 2025 DOI: 10.36676/urr.v12.i3.1669 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Sanskrit mantra chanting Gayatri Mantra-based interventions |
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Mantra Sanskrit Consciousness Narrative Interpretation philosophy Perception Biofeedback Epistemology Psychological intervention Psychoanalysis Aesthetics |
| Key findings | Sanskrit mantra chanting significantly reduces stress, enhances attention, induces relaxation responses, and improves emotional coping, with Gayatri Mantra-based interventions showing measurable benefits in students and clinical populations. |
Abstract
Background: Mantras are sacred sound vibrations realized by ancient Indian seers and traditionally understood as fundamental expressions of cosmic energy.
Objective: This paper aims to align philosophical foundations of mantra with contemporary scientific evidence, emphasizing psychological well-being, cognitive enhancement, and educational relevance.
Methods: A narrative review approach was adopted, analyzing peer-reviewed studies on mantra chanting, Sanskrit phonetics, biofeedback (EMG, GSR), and psychological outcomes such as stress, attention, and emotional regulation.
Results: Evidence suggests that Sanskrit mantra chanting significantly reduces stress, enhances attention, induces relaxation responses, and improves emotional coping. Gayatri Mantra-based interventions showed measurable benefits in students and clinical populations.
Conclusion: Mantra chanting represents a viable, non-pharmacological intervention for psychological well-being and human excellence, especially within educational settings.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on buddhism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress | 2012 | Review | |
| Measuring mindfulness | 2011 | Review | |
| The Influence of Buddhist Meditation Traditions on the Autonomic System and Attention | 2015 | Review | |
| Seeking the Sacred with Psychoactive Substances | 2014 | Review | |
| Positive Psychology and Buddhism | 2023 | Review |