Shlokas And Their Benefits

The word shloka means 'song', and originates from the root śru or ‘hear’. A shloka is generally a couplet of Sanskrit verses, 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 practising the chant. This makes the practitioner gain peace, feel calm and become more centred, which in turn allows the person to channel 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, gives the musical piece an ever-deepening level of meaning.
• Entrainment, in which the body and mind are subconsciously 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 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 is 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 the synergy of the above five characteristics, says Gass, that give chanting the various powers that have been attributed to it. 

Benefits of Chanting Shlokas

1. Bolsters Memory Power

Shlokas chanting involves repeated chanting of the same lines or verse and it's one of the very useful benefits as the exercise of repetition helps to improve and strengthen a child's memory. In addition, chanting Shlokas helps in keeping the mind vigilant and sharpens the memory.  

2. Helps In Shaping Cognitive Abilities In A Child

When a young mind practices chanting Shlokas, it helps them in shaping and sharpening their intellectual abilities. Chanting Shlokas is characterized by a synchronized process of rhythmic deep breathing. Since the amount of oxygen required by the brain to function properly is more as compared to any other organ in the body, the process introduces an additional supply of oxygen that helps in improving concentration and shaping the mental intellect of the child.

3. Acts as an Immunity Booster

Chanting Shlokas is considered a natural way of boosting the immunity system of a child. The pressure builds on the tongue while repeated chanting of the Shlokas slips the vocal cord and adjoining parts of the brain along with proper breathing exercises, which helps to naturally boost the immune system.

4. Strengthens Positive Thinking

Studies have identified that the process of chanting produces thought-energy waves that, in turn, energize the brain and develop positive vibrations in a child. These powerful vibrations gradually overpower all other negative vibrations, eventually calming the brain, and channelizing positive energy received in a variety of ways.

Making one's child learn chanting Shlokas in his/her developing years, not only has mental health benefits but also affects the physical health of a child positively. In short, chanting Shlokas is considered to be the most natural psychosomatic route to ensure physical wellness in a child.

5. Helps Lower Heart Rate & Improves Blood Circulation

Regularly chanting Shlokas helps children by lowering their blood pressure and heart rate leading them to stay stress-free and healthy. It regulates and gives a boost to your child’s blood circulation and helps in getting rid of the harmful toxins present in the body. 

6. Ensures Proper Functioning Of Heart & Lungs

One important benefit of chanting Shlokas for kids is, while chanting Shlokas, the breathing process of a child slows down, as a result of which they can take deep breaths and hold onto it for a few seconds. The process regulates and enhances the proper functioning of the lungs and keeps the heart healthy, thereby aiding a healthy body.

7. Assists In Stress And Anger Management

Learning and chanting Shlokas also helps in efficiently reducing and managing stress levels in a child. Furthermore, it lowers blood pressure, normalizes the heartbeat, and maintains brain vibration and adrenaline levels. A child who regularly chants Shlokas empowers himself/herself to overcome stress and anger issues which indeed are beneficial in later years of the children.