Shlokas and their Benefits

Written by Shankar Mahadevan Academy on 01 December 2013

The word shloka means 'song', and originates from the root śru or ‘hear’. A shloka is generally a couplet of Sanskrit verse, especially one in which each line contains sixteen syllables. Shlokas, which are repeated to aid concentration in meditation, have its origins from the Vedic period. Indians have used the science of sacred sound for centuries as an aid to humans who seek to communicate with the divine spirit, within themselves and the universe. Recent research into the effects of chanting has discovered a variety of benefits including the effect of raising the level of vibration of the individual practicing the chant. This makes the practitioner gain peace, feel calm and become more centered, which in turn allows the person to channelize the positive energy received in a variety of ways. 

Five key elements of chanting that make it beneficial:

Robert Gass, author of Chanting: Discovering Spirit in Sound, throws light on five key elements of chanting that give it its powerful and universally appealing benefits. Gass attributes the first two characteristics as common to all types of music. These are:
• Associating a musical piece with one’s memories that are built over a period of time, which gives the musical piece an ever-deepening level of meaning.
• Entrainment, in which the body and mind is sub-consciously induced to align (or vibrate) with a melody or rhythm to which it is exposed. For example, says Gass, "If you're in a room and there's a heavy drum beat your body will almost involuntarily start to move."
The next three, according to Gass are unique to only to chanting, especially the chanting of shlokas. 

• The effect of breath while chanting. Research shows that a chanter's respiration rate slows from the normal 12 to 15 breaths per minute to between five and eight breaths per minute, which is considered optimal for mind-body health. 
• The audible sonic effect produced while chanting. This reflects the pleasurable sensations and healing effects of extended vowel sounds typical of sacred chants, like shlokas.
• The ultimate ‘intent’ of the person chanting. The desire to be close to God plays an important role.
It is synergy of the above five characteristics, says Gass, that give chanting the various powers that has been attributed to it. 

The many benefits of chanting:

Researchers have found out that chanting, either done solitary or in a group, have profound physical, mental and emotional benefits. Highlighted below are a few of the many benefits that shloka chanting can bring.
• Chanting can sharpen the intellect
Chanting of shlokas can indirectly help in keeping the mind alert and sharpening the intellect. The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ in the body and for the brain to function efficiently an adequate supply of oxygen is essential. Since chanting of shlokas is accompanied by systematic rhythmic deep breathing it brings in an added supply of oxygen, which helps sharpen focus, improve concentration, and make a person more enthusiastic. To gain the full benefit of shlokas, the ideal timings are the prabhata sandhya (morning) and saayam sandhya (evening).
• Chanting can help in healing
The rhythmic up and down vibration created by chanting shlokas create a melodious effect in the body known as the Neuro-linguistic effect (NLE). The Neuro- linguistic effect on the body is possible even if the person chanting does not know the meaning of the shloka. Another effect is the Psycho-linguistic effect (PLE), which occurs when one knows the meaning of what one is chanting. Research conducted by Professor Dr. T. Temple Tutler, of Cleveland University, USA, shows that the NLE and PLE effects together release certain chemicals which can work towards curing various ailments affecting the body. Chanting also helps in releasing beneficial endorphins, which act as a pain reliever in the body, and boosts the natural metabolic process of the body.
• Chanting can help in stress management
Chanting shlokas everyday lowers blood pressure, normalizes heart beat rate, brain wave pattern, adrenalin levels, and even reduces high cholesterol levels. Doctors observing these health benefits are now starting to advise their patients to chant shlokas daily. For those unable to chant, doctors advise listening to shlokas being chanted as this too can have a positive effect on the body. However, shloka chanting should be done in a melodious pattern and never in a harsh or hurried fashion. Experts recommend that the Gayatri Mantra to be chanted at the range of 4 - 8 numbers per minute, the Om Namo Narayanaaya at 38 -62 and the Om Namah Sivaaya at 42 - 68 range per minute.
• Chanting can energize the brain 
Researchers have discovered that thought-energy waves created by the chanting process can help energize the brain. The human mind at any given point has a myriad of vibrations riding in and through the subconscious mind. The chanting process on the other hand starts a powerful vibration that begins to override all of the other smaller vibrations. This ultimately begins to calm the brain, which in turn is energized. “This is the reason why our ancestors used to get up early and start the day with the purifying power of shlokas,” says noted singer, composer and Indian film music director Shankar Mahadevan. “Chanting, being a part of their daily ritual kept their body, mind and soul healthy.”

Make shloka chanting a part of your everyday life:

Choosing to make shloka chanting a part of your everyday life is sure to bring immense benefits on all levels. Being a spiritual energy form manifested in words, shlokas use ancient affirmations to bring about positive changes in your life. 
The Shankar Mahadevan Academy (www.shankarmahadevanacademy.com) helps you develop the admirable spiritual discipline of daily shloka chanting with the help of its online devotional courses. 21 Shlokas including Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam and Gayatri Mantra are included in the Devotional pack, which are taught by expert teachers online. The devotional pack also contains a self-learning Online Music Book (OM Book), two months of online access and unlimited practice with recording tools. For those interested in singing, the Academy offers online singing classes for Hindustani, Classical and Bollywood film songs. You can also learn to play Indian instruments like the tabla and flute online in the comfort of your home. 

Did you know that regular chanting of shlokas energize the brain, promote healing and help in stress management?

References:
http://www.omved.com/our-products/yoga/what-are-the-benefits-of-mantra-chanting
http://www.yogsadhna.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=203&Itemid=136
http://www.ayushveda.com/womens-magazine/benefits-of-chanting-mantras/
http://www.in.answers.yahoo.com... › Society & Culture › Religion & Spirituality
www.indiayogi.com/consultation/mantras
www.healthandyoga.com › ... › Psychological Articles
www.eaglespace.com/spirit/gayatri.php