From Devotion to Neuroscience: Mahā Mantra Chanting and Its Impact on Mental Health and Autonomic Functioning—A Review

This paper reviews existing literature on mantra-based meditative practices with a specific focus on the Mahā Mantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare)—popularized worldwide by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)—and its effects on anxiety, depression, stress physiology, and psychological functioning. The review synthesizes theoretical mechanisms (physiological, neurobiological, and psychological), summarizes empirical findings from mantra- and chanting-based interventions (including EEG and heart-rate variability studies), and highlights gaps in the evidence base. Building on the current state of knowledge, the paper proposes a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the Mahā Mantra’s efficacy as an adjunctive intervention for mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. Limitations, ethical and cultural considerations, and practical recommendations for clinical and community use are discussed. Existing systematic reviews suggest small-to-moderate benefits of mantra-based practices on mental health; specific studies of the Mahā Mantra show promising neurophysiological correlates (e.g., increased alpha power) and preliminary clinical improvements, but large-scale, well-controlled trials are scarce and needed.