Research
To bring out the essence and the scientific application of our Vedic literature, which is one of the main objectives of the trust, scientific appraisal of all the values explained in our Vedas is essential. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research have recognized the Trust for its research activities in this field.
Vedic Research
The trust has been exploring the scientific basis of our Vedic heritage and establishing the link between the two. Seventy-two topics for research in Vedic Sciences were identified. Since then, our research scholars have examined topics from this exhaustive list, and parallels to modern science have been drawn. The research activity being a continuous programme in the campus, some of the important conclusions are as follows :
Rasaratna Samuchaya, the science of metals more specifically mercury. Various methods of processing mercury have been identified. Specialized furnaces used in extracting mercury from the ore, purifying and isolating from mixtures and processing into bhasma have been studied. These results are available in the form of a monograph of the subject.
Vimaana shastra was another topic taken up for study. The study of airborne vehicles was pioneered by Maharishi Bharadwaja. A rare document by the Maharishi viz. Vymanika shastra formed the basis of our investigations into the subject. A monograph summarizing the concepts elucidated by the Maharishi was published. Specific studies on the clothing and nutrition of the pilots were taken up for study as these would be beneficial in the modern context too.
Vedic Mathematics was another topic of interest. The concept of zero, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division were known thousands of years back and have their records in the Vedas. The methodology is simpler than the complex modern mathematics. A concise six hour session to have basic knowledge of implementation of these techniques has been devised.
Medical Research:
A state of the art laboratory to study the medical effects of ancient yogic techniques like meditation, yogasanas and the Sudarshan Kriya® was setup. This includes equipment like ECG/EEG measuring equipment, Bayer RA50 chemical analyzer for conducting chemical analyses on blood and body fluid samples and ancillary equipment like hot air ovens, sterilizing chambers, test tubes and other equipment.
A study on the effect of Sudarshan Kriya® on long time practitioners was initiated this year and is in progress. A study on the effect of the ART Excel course on the students of the Kannada medium school was also initiated. Another study to observe the effect of vedic chanting on the mental faculties of students was taken up and these will be compared with similar studies on students from nearby schools which do not have the benefit of these techniques.
In addition, collaboration with other institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences and Bangalore University has produced studies on the effect of Sudarshan Kriya® on various physical parameters. A recent study conducted in collaboration with AIIMS concluded that there was “Increase in Beta activity in subjects regularly practicing Sudarshan Kriya®” which shows an increased level of concentration and vigilance. Two studies conducted in collaboration with the Bangalore University concluded that the Sudarshan Kriya® had a positive effect on the lipid profile and oxidative stress in individuals. A PhD thesis on the effectiveness of Sudarshan Kriya® in helping reduce post marital stress in women is in progress.
Independent studies done in institutions like National Institute of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A, with consent from the trust also support the above findings. A National Symposium held at AIIMS, Delhi on March 2nd and 3rd, 2003 where national and international medical fraternity presented their findings on Sudarshan Kriya and confirmed its medical benefit. The proceedings of this symposium and the abstracts of the research papers presented is compiled in the book “ Science of Breath”.
Social Research
The third major area of research is to study the effects of implementing the findings based on the Vedic and medical research in society at large. These studies encompass statistical research on the effect of the programs devised by our founder trustee His Holiness Poojya Sri Sri Ravishankarji.
A study on the effect of the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation on individuals is in progress. Data is being collected on various emotional parameters that effect the well-being of the individual. Another study on the effect of the rural development activities is in progress. This study looks at the change that the 5H program and the Nava chetana shibirs – a workshop designed on the principles of the ancient Vedic heritage – have created in the rural setting where they are being implemented.
Contact Person: Dr Vedamurthachar
Postal Address:
Department of Research
Ved Vignan Mahavidyapeeth
21st K. M Kanakapura Road
Udayapura Bangalore 560082
Phone: +91 80 28432273 ext: 248
Website: www.aolresearch.org
eMail: research@vvmvp.org
