Chants For Cosmic Synergy

Physicist Nikola Tesla once said: “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” But rarely do we think of life in these terms. Interestingly, quantum physics has proven that the universe is nothing but vibrating strings of energy. In fact, it holds that thoughts are energies too. Apparently, positive thoughts resonate at higher frequencies, thereby keeping our internal energy at a higher vibration. No wonder we are advised to think more positively.

Often, we get entangled in a maze of negativity and so, we try to find ways to escape the negative mental loop. Some find solace in music, while some play a rough sport to release the pent-up energy. Many try introspecting out in nature, others practice meditation to find peace. But only a few are aware that chanting too can have a similar effect on us.

Chanting is an age-old practice that helps channelise one’s energy through a combination of sound, breath, and rhythm. Ayurvedic physician, Dr Manikantan Menon observes that chanting can induce higher energies within us. He says, “Chanting is the practice of repeating selected words aloud for a certain period of time. It is known to balance and improve energies in body and mind.”

Scientists have speculated that the universe vibrates at a constant frequency of 432 Hz. The primordial sound ‘aum’, used as a chant, also produces the same frequency. This is an outstanding example of the intimate connection between the universal energy and the high frequency produced by chanting.

Chanting mantras is a popular Hindu practice. Though a mantra is a powerful sound, it may consist of a single letter, a word, or a mere string of syllables, if not a whole sentence. Generally, Hindus chant mantras to appease a deity or invoke a deity to keep evil forces at bay. Swarnam, a Sanskrit enthusiast, believes chanting mantras can help protect oneself. She says that chanting has the power to remove mental obstacles and bring peace of mind.

Like mantras, most chants are known to be energy-based sounds. Therefore, through chanting, we can balance our mental and physical energies and maintain a harmonious state. In fact, experts have observed that chanting unclogs mental energy and helps heal ailments faster.

Dr Menon agrees. He explains, “Medicines can cure ailments of the body, but chanting can heal ailments of the mind—like fear, anger, stress, and worries which take a toll on the body.” In fact, a Massachusetts General Hospital study reports that chanting can strengthen parts of the cerebral cortex responsible for decision making, attention, and memory.

The very act of chanting mindfully can help us tap into our own potential for peace and happiness. Several philosophies maintain that we have an innate ability to overcome any problem or difficulty that we may encounter in life. Nichiren Buddhist, Sumita Mehta, attests, “The Buddhist chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo can awaken us to our limitless potential. It does so by bringing forth hope, courage, and wisdom from within us.”

It is true. Everything begins from within us. Our actions can have a butterfly effect on our surroundings. But our individual energy may not resonate with environmental energy, thereby limiting our potential. It is said that chanting can help achieve that synergy. Krishna Consciousness practitioner Braj Mohan Das certainly thinks so. He asserts, “Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra is a great way to feel one with self, others and the divine energy. It brings about harmony.”

Chanting, therefore, is an effective way to elevate our lives. It unblocks mental energies, improves physical health, and motivates us to tap into our innate potential. It is a practice that can heighten our inner self and transmit the high energy out into the world. Chanting, no matter the faith it stems from, ultimately helps us be one with the cosmic force.