Key result
A 9-day Gayatri Sadhana camp is linked to a ~34% reduction in perceived stress.
Why the study?
Despite the importance of the Gayatri Mantra, limited scientific studies explore its effects, and research on the comprehensive effect of Gayatri Mantra sadhana has been underexplored.
Does a 9-day Gayatri Sadhana camp improve well-being and reduce stress in individuals?
Observational (n=32)
No
Does a 9-day Gayatri Sadhana camp improve well-being and reduce stress in individuals?
Effect estimate: Cohen's d 0.94
Absolute Event Rate: 10.97% vs 16.63%
p-value: p=<0.001
A 9-day residential Gayatri Sadhana camp significantly improved self-reported well-being, peace of mind, and positive affect while reducing perceived stress in a small cohort of participants.
May support stress reduction via meditation camps; leaves open validation in randomized trials before clinical use.
Background: Meditation using mantras is widely practiced in India and the world. Among the ancient Vedic mantras, the Gayatri Mantra (GM) holds profound significance. Despite its importance, limited scientific studies explore its effects. However, the research on the comprehensive effect of GM sadhana, including its components as explained in the traditional text, has been underexplored. Therefore, this study explores the effect of GM-based practices in a camp on the stress and well-being indicators of individuals by employing a mixed-method study design.Methodology: The study involved 32 participants (18 males, 14 females; mean age = 50.44 years) attending a residential camp of Gayatri Sadhana. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience, Scale of General Well-Being, Peace of Mind Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale, at the beginning and end of the camp. In addition, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview schedules to understand the participant’s experiences with the Gayatri Sadhana program.Results: Results showed a significant improvement in positive affect, general well-being, peace of mind, and a significant reduction in stress and negative affect among all participants (P < 0.01). The qualitative interview responses revealed mental health benefits across various domains. The findings from the standard questionnaire strongly correlated with the qualitative responses from the interview schedule.Conclusion: Gayatri Sadhana appears to possess the potential to alleviate stress and enhance the general well-being of individuals. This study sheds light on the benefits of this ancient mantra-based practice and suggests its relevance in promoting overall well-being.
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Nitesh Kumar Sharma (2022) conducted an observational in Stress and well-being (n=32). Gayatri Sadhana camp vs. Baseline (pre-sadhana) was evaluated on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score (Cohen's d 0.94, p=<0.001). A 9-day Gayatri Sadhana camp significantly reduced perceived stress scores from 16.63 to 10.97 and improved general well-being compared to baseline.
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