Science measures.
Sanatan remembers.
In this 10-part journey, we explore where ancient dharmic wisdom meets modern scientific wonder.
From consciousness and karma to quantum physics and AI — this is Science Meets Sanatan.
You’re reading Part 2
Meditation and the Brain
“When the mind becomes still, the self reveals itself.”
This ancient truth is now being confirmed by modern science.
The Ancient Science of Meditation
In Sanatan Dharma, meditation isn’t a relaxation technique. It’s a path to realize the Self (Atman).
The sages didn’t believe that truth lies in temples, books, or rituals. They closed their eyes, turned inward, and discovered that awareness itself is divine.
“Yogaschitta-vritti-nirodhah”
Yoga is the cessation of mental fluctuations
— Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.2
Through dhyana (meditation) and pranayama (breath control), the Rishis silenced their thoughts, emotions, and senses — entering a state where only pure consciousness remained.
What Is Meditation in Sanatan Dharma — And How to Begin
Meditation in Sanatan Dharma isn’t about escaping life — it’s about entering it more fully. It’s not a technique, but a journey from the noisy mind to the silent Self. The ancient Rishis didn’t meditate to relax — they meditated to awaken.
“Dhyana” means becoming so still that only awareness remains.
Not thinking. Not imagining. Just being.
The path begins with pratyahara — turning the
senses inward. Then comes dharana — steady focus, often on the breath or
a sacred sound like Om. And when that focus becomes effortless and
unbroken, it transforms into dhyana — pure presence.
How to start?
Sit quietly. Spine straight. Eyes closed. Breathe slowly. Gently watch the
breath, or repeat a mantra like Om in your mind.
Don’t fight your thoughts. Let them rise and fall like waves — while you rest
in the ocean beneath.
With time, the mind settles. The chatter fades.
And in that silence, something ancient stirs — a glimpse of who you truly are.
Meditation isn’t doing. It’s dissolving.
Not learning something new — but remembering what you’ve always been.
What Happens to the Brain During Meditation?
In the last 30 years,
scientists have studied the brains of yogis, monks, and regular meditators
using fMRI, EEG, and PET scans. The results are stunning.
1. Meditation Restructures the Brain
- Stronger prefrontal cortex (focus)
- Less reactive amygdala (fear)
- Growth in hippocampus (memory)
Regular meditation literally rewires the brain — This is called neuroplasticity.
2. Brain Waves Enter Higher States
During deep
meditation, EEG studies show increased theta and gamma waves, which are linked
to:
- Bliss
- Expanded awareness
- Creativity
- Intuition
These are not ordinary states — they resemble what ancient texts describe as dhyana or samadhi.
In samadhi, even the sense of time, body and ego dissolve.
Harvard & Himalayas
Harvard Study by Dr. Sara Lazar: 8 weeks of mindfulness:
1. Increased grey matter density in brain
2. Reduced stress
3. Improved memory and compassion.
Meanwhile, in the Himalayas, monks meditating in icy caves have been observed raising their body temperature through breathwork (Tummo meditation), baffling scientists.
The Rishis knew how to hack the nervous system long before modern biology did.
Why Mantras Work
In Hinduism, sound is
sacred. The universe began with Om — not a bang, but a vibration.
“Om ity ekāksharam Brahma”
— Bhagavad Gita 8.13
Scientific research shows that chanting mantras like “Om”:
- Reduces activity in the limbic system (emotional stress)
- Increases alpha brain waves (calm alertness)
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Chanting isn't superstition — it's sonic medicine.
Meditation Is Not Escapism
Some think meditation
is “running away” from reality. But actually, it’s the courage to face your own
mind.
The Rishis believed
that the world is full of maya (illusion), and to pierce that illusion, we must
still the mind.
Science agrees: Meditation increases meta-awareness — the ability to observe your thoughts without getting caught in them.
That’s the first step to knowing: You are not your thoughts
The Inner Scientist
Ancient Rishis were
the original neuroscientists — except their lab was the mind itself.
“Tasya vācakaḥ praṇavaḥ”
The name of That (the Supreme Self) is Om.
— Yoga sutra 1.27
Modern science is
only beginning to understand what they realized:
Stillness is power. Silence is insight. Awareness is
healing.
What’s Next?
If meditation can change the brain, maybe it can also change the energy around us. Could karma, like energy, be real?
In Part 3, we’ll explore:
Karma, intention, and quantum entanglement — is there a scientific basis for the Law of Cause and Effect?
✨ Final Thought
Science says meditation reduces stress.
Sanatan Dharma says meditation reveals the Self.
Both are true. But one is only the beginning — and the other leads to liberation.
Part 3: The Quantum Connection- karma and entanglement
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does meditation change the brain?
MRI studies show meditation strengthens focus areas and reduces stress centers. It literally rewires your brain.
2. What’s the difference between meditation and mindfulness in Hinduism?
In Sanatan Dharma, meditation (dhyana) isn’t just calming — it’s a spiritual path to Self-realization, not just relaxation.
3. Can chanting mantras during meditation improve results?
Yes, chanting sacred sounds like “Om” activates healing brainwaves and deepens your meditative state.
Sources
- Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.2 & 1.27
- Bhagavad Gita 8.13 — “Om ity ekāksharam Brahma”
- Dr. Sara Lazar (Harvard) — Meditation and Brain Plasticity
- Tummo Meditation — Himalayan Research (UMass)
- EEG/fMRI Studies on Long-term Meditators
📚Want to explore the entire series? Visit the Series Landing Page
0 Comments