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Yoga Dissertations by MSc Students

Part I: Concordance of Yoga Sutras and Bhagavadgita
Part II: Effect of Vedic Chanting on Memory and Sustained Attention
By
Sripad h Ghaligi

ABSTRACT

Part I: Concordance of Yoga Sutras and Bhagavadgita

A student of Yogadarshana and Vedantadarshana recognizes at every step the similarity between the ideas propounded in Yogasutras and the ideas preached by Sri Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita. In fact, every chapter of Gita is described as Yoga and the teacher explains to the student different ideas relating to Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. Bhagavad-Gita in total is described as Brahma vidya and Adhyatma Yogashastra. Hence, an attempt is made for a systematic and detailed study of the concordance of ideas expounded in Yogasutras and Bhagavad-Gita in this work. The Yogasutras are taken in the order Patanjali had composed them and the concordant Gita passages (either in full or in part) which are in accordance with the sutras are noted. Sutras that were found not to have any concordant verses are omitted. Explanation is provided wherever it is essential. When identical words are used to express the same concepts in both the treatises the symbol ‘a’ is affixed at the end of the Gita verses. Sometimes different words are used but purport appears to be same, this is represented by the symbol ‘b’. On some occasions neither the words nor the concepts are identical but on reflection we can conclude that though the thoughts are divergent they are not opposed and are running in parallel directions, this is represented by the symbol ‘c’. Discussions made and conclusions drawn have been incorporated at the end of this work. 

CONCLUSION

There is no discordance between ideals and ideas expounded in yoga sutras and Bhagavad-Gita in general. Sometimes we may notice difference but not opposition. It is possible to reconcile the apparent differences. We find certain omissions in Yoga Sutras, which are made up in Gita teaching. Gita includes yogic ideal and at the same time goes much beyond to wider fields in a more comprehensive manner.
Hence, taken together YS and BG can serve as a most useful guide for the practice of yoga ignoring theoretical and minor differences. These two treaties are not contradictory. Although they are different in many respects, there are a large number of points of concordance one may take them and proceed in the path of Sadhana. Infact this is what has been done by all great sages in the past. Therefore, this is worth doing even at present.

PART II: Effect of Vedic Chanting on Memory and Sustained Attention
Researches and studies have shown that Yogasanas, Pranayama and Meditation help in enhancing memory and improving attention, but no study is available on the effect of traditional Vedic chanting on memory and sustained attention, which is one of the important features of cognitive abilities. The present study compared the effect of chanting group, who had minimum two-years experience on memory and sustained attention with that of non-chanting group who had no exposure to such type of chanting. 35 subjects were chosen in both preselected groups and their age ranged from 13 to 15 years (mean age + 14). Two groups were matched for age and only males were selected. Matching of age, ambiance, daily routine and socio-economic background for both the groups assured that the results could be attributed to chanting. Base line scores of memory and sustained attention were assessed by means of delayed recall tests and cancellation tests respectively. Data was analyzed using non-parametric Mann Whitney U test. Chanting group showed significant increased scorings in both the memory tests (VMS, p=0.001; SMS, p=0.002) and considerable reduction in total error and total time taken for cancellation tests. (TTT, p=0.017; TE, p=0.013) compared to non-chanting practitioners.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

35 healthy male volunteers in both chanting (chanting group subjects having minimum two year chanting experience) and non-chanting groups, whose ages ranged between 14 to 16 years, were considered. Memory was tested using Delayed recall tests (verbal memory and spatial memory).    
Sustained attention was measured by cancellation tests (letter and character cancellation). There was a significant difference between chanting and non-chanting subjects in memory scores and better performance in cancellation tests. Present study suggests that chanting influences both the hemispheres of the brain resulting in good memory and attention. Hence, the practicing of Vedic chanting in a traditional way can also be used as one of the powerful means as any other yogic practices like asanas, pranayama, or meditation in calming down the mind, enhancing memory and in effective improvement of attention.

Key Words: Vedic chanting, Memory, Sustained Attention.

Key Words: Vedic chanting, Memory, Sustained Attention.