Brace Yourself - Spirituality CAN Meet Science
There Is Proof Of The Physiological Benefits Of Sound Meditation
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What would you say if I told you there was a simple, free and speedy trick you can incorporate into your life, which has been scientifically proven to stimulate your vagus nerve, reduce blood pressure, lower your heart rate and improve your well being? In this week’s episode I speak with Radhika Das to delve into just that, as we explore sound meditation and the studies that have shown that this spiritual practice actually has a scientific benefit.
Radhika Das has reached hundreds of thousands of people in his work as a globally renowned spiritual teacher and author, so I was thrilled to welcome him to the Live Well Be Well Podcast ahead of the publication of his first book ‘Mantra Meditations’ in January 2025.
In this conversation, we explore how ancient practices like chanting and meditation can positively impact our vagus nerve, reduce stress, and promote overall wellness. We discuss the science behind sound therapy, the power of community in healing, and how mantras can serve as compassionate tools for self-discovery. The episode also features a very special guided chanting practice, so you can discover some of the benefits for yourself.
About Radhika Das: Radhika Das is a globally renowned mantra musician, meditation teacher, and author whose mission is to help you find a holistic way towards joyful living. His work brings the ancient practice of Kirtan (devotional chanting) to live audiences of thousands around the world, with hundreds of thousands more engaging with his teaching online.
You can connect with Radhika and learn more about his work here:
Instagram: @radhika_dasa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RadhikaDas
My personal insights and takeaways
Spirituality and science are connected
“This is where, shock, horror, brace yourselves listeners, spirituality can meet science."
Reflection: It isn't just ‘woo woo’ - scientific research has shown that practices like chanting and meditation can have physiological benefits.Discovering Kirtan
“What Kirtan aims to do is to glorify and praise the spiritual”
Reflection: Radhika’s teachings are rooted in Kirtan, a practice that involves chanting and singing devotional hymns or mantras, often in a communal setting. It encourages you to find a connection with the essence of who you are when stripped of the external identifiers we often rely on.The Nature of Identity
"Who am I when everything that is not me is peeled away?"
Reflection: As individuals, we often identify with our physical attributes or external roles, but our true identity lies beyond that.
Community is key
"The momentum stays when you go with many."
Reflection: Kirtan is a communal practice, with a shared energy and a sense of connection between participants. Creating this community - a ‘Sangha’ - helps maintain the benefits. If you’re trying to find your own sense of peace, it’s good to be with others who are along for the ride.
Mantras can heal
“Mantra... means to free to liberate the mind”
Reflection: The vibrational sounds of Mantras can help liberate the mind, promote peace, aid in emotional healing and provide a sense of calm.
The role of the vagus nerve
“The physiological effects of chanting and mantra and those frequencies is starting to be proven as being useful, not just from a spiritual perspective, but on the bodily function as well”
Reflection: Chanting can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to reduced stress and enhanced well-being. Studies are also showing it can have physical benefits including reduced heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Facing life's challenges
“Everything that has happened to you today has happened, let it be”
Reflection: Radhika’s belief system includes the idea that you don’t only live once. From this tradition and understanding, he can find explanations for why bad things happen to good people. Whether you agree or disagree with this concept, it’s clear that there is a lot of hope in it.
Service can be a path to freedom
"Freedom means to love, and to love means to serve”
Reflection: True freedom can come from transcending the self-centred mindset and committing your time and efforts to help others, rather than making yourself the centre of your own life.
The power of second chances
“It’s about giving yourself the healthy opportunity to have another chance at life”
Reflection: Radhika’s upcoming book includes the story behind the mantra ‘Narayan’, which promotes the idea of giving yourself a second chance in life. To me, this idea seems intrinsically linked to the idea of self-compassion, which is essential to well-being.
The practice of sound meditation
"Sound vibration can capture you."
Reflection: The practice of sound meditation is very powerful and relatively simple. Radhika’s guidance in this episode provides a powerful tool for you to take into your daily life.
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I would love to hear from you if you explored sound meditation after listening to this episode - share your experience in the comments below.