Sadhguru explains in the Sadhguru Science Programme at Shree Siddhashram how Srividya Sadhana changes the Neuro-Cognitive Systems of humans. He said that Srividya Sadhana doesn't just awaken the spirit; it rewires the brain, aligning the mind with the rhythms of the cosmos.
Article | October 11, 2024
Sadhguru: Srividya Sadhana is a profound and ancient tantric practice rooted in the worship of the Divine Feminine, Shakti, through the intricate understanding of Sri Yantra and the mantra "Shodashi" or "Panchadasi." Practised for millennia, Srividya holds immense spiritual and transformative power. But beyond its mystical aspects, recent explorations into neuro-cognitive systems suggest that the effects of Srividya Sadhana extend into the very fabric of human brain function and consciousness. This article aims to explore how Srividya Sadhana impacts the neuro-cognitive systems, influencing the practitioner's mental, emotional, and spiritual development through neuroplasticity, altered consciousness states, and cognitive restructuring.
#1. Understanding Srividya Sadhana: A Brief Overview
Srividya Sadhana involves worshipping the Supreme Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari, an embodiment of bliss and beauty, through a structured series of mantras, yantras, and rituals. At its core, Srividya Sadhana is centred on the Sri Yantra, a sacred geometric diagram symbolizing the cosmos and the human mind. The practice blends:
Mantra Japa (repetition of sacred syllables)
Yantra Visualization (meditation on sacred geometry)
Mudras (hand gestures to direct energy)
Nyasa (placing of divine energies within the body)
Srividya practitioners believe that this Sadhana leads to spiritual awakening, divine realization, and a higher state of consciousness. But modern research is beginning to unveil how this practice also has profound implications on our neuro-cognitive systems, essentially altering how our brain works.
Srividya Sadhana doesn't just awaken the spirit; it rewires the brain, aligning the mind with the rhythms of the cosmos.
#2. Neuroplasticity and Srividya Sadhana
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This phenomenon is most commonly observed in response to learning, experience, or injury. When a practitioner engages deeply in Srividya Sadhana, particularly through mantra repetition and yantra visualization, it leads to significant changes in the brain’s structure.
Mantra Recitation and Auditory Cortices: The constant repetition of mantras like "Shodashi" involves the auditory system. Studies have shown that repetitive chanting alters the functioning of the auditory cortex, creating deeper synchronization within the brain hemispheres. This induces a state of neuroplastic reshaping, where regions responsible for attention, focus, and emotion regulation become more integrated.
Enhanced Connectivity Between Brain Regions: Mantra repetition during Srividya Sadhana is akin to focused meditation. Research in focused attention meditation shows increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and self-control) and the parietal lobe (involved in sensory information processing). As practitioners devote time to the precise repetition of sacred syllables, these neural pathways strengthen, promoting cognitive flexibility and enhanced sensory perception.
Reduction of Default Mode Network (DMN) Activity: The DMN is a network of brain regions that activates when the mind is idle, typically during daydreaming or mind-wandering. Through Srividya Sadhana, especially during deep meditation on the Sri Yantra, DMN activity reduces, bringing the practitioner into a heightened state of present-moment awareness. This reduction in DMN activity leads to decreased anxiety, depression, and an enhanced sense of well-being.
Through the sacred repetition of mantras, Srividya Sadhana builds new neural pathways, opening doors to deeper consciousness and emotional mastery.
#3. Altered States of Consciousness in Srividya Sadhana
Srividya Sadhana often leads to profoundly altered states of consciousness. This is especially true during deep visualization practices of the Sri Yantra and the intense focus on the inner experience of divine energy through the use of Nyasa (imbibing divine energy into different parts of the body). Neuro-cognitive research on altered states of consciousness sheds light on how this happens.
Theta and Gamma Wave Activity: Studies on experienced meditators reveal that specific brainwave frequencies, particularly theta (4-7 Hz) and gamma (30-100 Hz) waves, are significantly increased during deep meditation. Theta waves are associated with states of deep relaxation, creativity, and insight, while gamma waves are linked to higher-order cognitive functioning and spiritual experiences. In Srividya Sadhana, these altered brainwave patterns allow practitioners to access deeper layers of consciousness, facilitating an enhanced understanding of their inner reality and spiritual nature.
The Role of Pineal Gland and Melatonin: The pineal gland, known in esoteric traditions as the “third eye,” is responsible for the regulation of melatonin, a hormone involved in sleep and circadian rhythms. Deep meditation in Srividya Sadhana, particularly during Yantra visualization and Mantra chanting, can stimulate the pineal gland, promoting melatonin production. Increased melatonin levels have been shown to induce states of inner peace, well-being, and spiritual connectedness. This may explain the profound often experienced by Srividya practitioners.
In Srividya, the intricate patterns of the Sri Yantra become mirrors of the brain’s own geometry, reshaping thought, perception, and self-awareness.
#4. Cognitive Restructuring and Emotional Regulation
A key aspect of how Srividya Sadhana transforms the neuro-cognitive systems lies in its ability to facilitate cognitive restructuring and emotional regulation. Through repetitive mantra recitation and deep meditation, practitioners experience changes in how their brain processes thoughts, emotions, and reactions to external stimuli.
The Prefrontal Cortex and Executive Function: Srividya Sadhana enhances activity in the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for executive functions, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Regular practice improves the practitioner’s ability to manage emotional triggers and enhances their capacity for detached observation of emotional states. This strengthens resilience against stress and helps maintain emotional balance in daily life.
Amygdala and Emotional Response: The amygdala is the part of the brain associated with emotional reactions, particularly fear and anxiety. Studies have shown that regular meditation reduces amygdala activity, leading to a reduction in the intensity of emotional responses. Srividya practitioners often report a sense of detachment from negative emotions such as fear, anger, and anxiety. This emotional detachment doesn’t mean indifference but rather a deeper mastery over one's emotional state, leading to greater equanimity.
Dopamine and Reward System: Mantra repetition and meditative practices stimulate the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter involved in reward and pleasure systems. This release of dopamine creates a sense of fulfilment and inner contentment that replaces the need for external stimuli for happiness. Over time, Srividya Sadhana rewires the brain's reward system, making the practitioner less dependent on external circumstances for emotional satisfaction.
#5. The Role of Visualization in Enhancing Cognitive Functions
Srividya Sadhana places significant emphasis on the visualization of the Sri Yantra, a geometric representation of the cosmos and the divine mind. Visualizing the intricate patterns of the Sri Yantra strengthens visual-spatial reasoning and improves working memory.
Activation of Occipital Lobes: The occipital lobes, responsible for visual processing, are highly engaged during the visualization of Yantras. Srividya practitioners spend extended periods focusing on the minute details of the Sri Yantra, stimulating activity in these regions. This improves visual processing abilities, which have broader applications in problem-solving and creative thinking.
Working Memory and Cognitive Load: Research shows that meditative visualization practices, like those in Srividya, can enhance working memory by reducing cognitive load. By engaging the mind in a structured and disciplined form of visualization, Srividya Sadhana helps clear mental clutter, leading to greater cognitive efficiency. This is particularly beneficial in everyday tasks that require focus, concentration, and memory retention.
#6. Srividya Sadhana and the Default Mode Network (DMN)
The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a network of brain regions activated during rest and mind-wandering. It is often associated with self-referential thinking and rumination. For many people, an overactive DMN leads to anxiety, stress, and depression. Srividya Sadhana, by focusing attention on mantra chanting and yantra visualization, significantly reduces DMN activity.
Reduction in Self-Referential Thinking: By reducing DMN activity, Srividya practitioners experience a decrease in ego-centred thoughts and self-referential mental patterns. This shift allows them to transcend personal anxieties and experience a state of spiritual transcendence. As the mind becomes less fixated on individual identity, it opens up to a broader awareness of the universal self, leading to states of bliss and unity.
Increased Awareness and Presence: With a decrease in DMN activity comes an increase in present-moment awareness. Srividya Sadhana teaches the practitioner to remain fully conscious of the now, which has profound implications for mental well-being. Being present reduces worry about the future and regret about the past, fostering an inner state of peace and contentment.
#7.Srividya Sadhana as a Path to Neuro-Cognitive Transformation
Srividya Sadhana offers a profound transformation, not only spiritually but also neuro-cognitively. Through the practices of mantra chanting, yantra visualization, and deep meditation, Srividya Sadhana reorganizes the brain's neural pathways, promoting neuroplasticity, enhancing cognitive flexibility, and altering states of consciousness. The practice has a calming effect on the amygdala, improves emotional regulation, strengthens executive functions, and increases dopamine production, all of which contribute to a deep sense of fulfilment and well-being.
From a neuro-cognitive perspective, Srividya Sadhana can be seen as a systematic method for cognitive restructuring and emotional refinement, leading to heightened spiritual awareness and inner peace. Practitioners not only experience a shift in their mental and emotional processes but also tap into the deeper layers of consciousness, altering their very perception of self and reality.
In essence, Srividya Sadhana is a holistic tool that reshapes the mind, brain, and consciousness, providing profound neuro-cognitive benefits while leading practitioners on a journey of spiritual realization.
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