Paper
Listening To Bhajans Improves Sustained Attention
Published Sep 1, 2013 · Bandana Dey, A. Hankey, Sony Kumari
Research Papers in Economics
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Abstract
Studies of Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy, Yoga Lifestyle programs tend to study the overall benefits of Yoga lifestyle to patients, measured on various parameters, clinical, or related practical measurements, such as prana energy levels and their imbalances. Effects of important aspects of the program such as relaxation techniques have also been carefully studied, but several parts of the overall program have not yet been individually assessed for their physiological or psycho-physiological effects. Here we report a first study of listening to bhajans, sacred songs, an important part of the program which softens and expands the heart. Measures of sustained attention, using the Six Letter Cancellation Test and Digit Letter Substitution Tests were made on 20 volunteer SVYASA students, before and after 30 minutes spent either listening to bhajans, or reading a spiritual text. All were assessed on both, half with bhajans on the first day and reading on the second, and half the other way round. Results clearly indicated that bhajans improved test scores more than reading, suggesting that, (1) all parts of Yoga lifestyle programs should be assessed, and (2) more detailed research in this particular area should be carried out. That listening to songs should have a distinct alerting influence that is sustained may come as a surprise to many students of psychology. Key words: Attention, Sustained attention, Yoga, IAYT, Bhajans
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