Pranil Thatavarthy
Contemplative practices involving rhythmic breath and vocalization have been linked to shifts in autonomic nervous system activity, but Sanskrit shloka recitation (even with centuries of use in Vedic tradition) has not been examined using modern heart rate variability (HRV) measurement to prove autonomic profile after recitation. This pilot study tested whether reciting a memorized shloka (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 15) produced an autonomic profile compared to quiet rest and silent reading, where three participants differed in familiarity with the recited text (one with 8+ years, one with 25+ years, and one not fluent). Data points were collected via a validated chest-strap HRV sensor (Polar H10) and processed through a Python pipeline (using NeuroKit2), with corrected RR-interval analysis. All three participants showed higher SDNN and a higher Low Frequency / High Frequency (LF/HF) ratio during recitation than during rest or silent reading, showing that this pattern is increased in directional consistency. This directional consistency, even with a small pilot sample, is consistent with a resonance-frequency-breathing mechanism previously used for shloka recitation. Findings are shared as a feasibility pilot, mostly because the pilot sample is small and the condition order wasn’t randomized, leaving room for more testing. A bigger follow-up is pending: an independently reviewed experiment with more volunteers is planned, meaning this same pattern can be examined further, and leading to a biofeedback application that will detect the best calming recitations according to real-time HRV data.