%0 Journal Article
%T Meditation on OM: Relevance from ancient texts and contemporary science
%A Kumar Sanjay
%A Nagendra H
%A Manjunath N
%A Naveen K
%J International Journal of Yoga
%D 2010
%I Medknow Publications
%X Background: In Indian scriptures the sacred syllable Om is the primordial sound from which all other sounds and creation emerge which signifies the Supreme Power. Aims: To explore the significance of the syllable OM from ancient texts and effects of OM meditation in contemporary science. Descriptions from ancient texts: The descriptions of Om have been taken from four Upanisads (Mundaka, Mandukya, Svetasvatara, and Katha), the Bhagvad Gita, and Patanjali¡äs Yoga Sutras. Scientific studies on Om: Autonomic and respiratory studies suggest that there is a combination of mental alertness with physiological rest during the practice of Om meditation. Evoked potentials studies suggest a decrease in sensory transmission time at the level of the auditory association cortices, along with recruitment of more neurons at mesencephalic-diencephalic levels. Conclusion: It is considered that a person who realizes Om, merges with the Absolute. Scientific studies on Om suggest that the mental repetition of Om results in physiological alertness, and increased sensitivity to sensory transmission.
%K Om
%K upanisads
%K patanjali¡äs yoga sutras
%K autonomic variables.
%U http://www.ijoy.org.in/article.asp?issn=0973-6131;year=2010;volume=3;issue=1;spage=2;epage=5;aulast=Kumar