Bhakti and Brain: Positive Impact of Bhakti on the Brain

Human brain is a complex mesh of about 86 billion nerve cells that are interconnected by trillions of connections (or synapses). Until recently, scientists thought that our brain attains maturity at adulthood and does not change. However, in recent years, it has been discovered that a brain cell has the capacity to repair and heal itself. This is startling and means that our brain is susceptible to change and its behaviour can be modified. In other words, we can either make our brain healthy or sick.

Stress, depression, anxiety, worry, and unknown fears are the most common factors that deteriorate our brain health. Keeping these at bay and surrounding ourselves with positivity, love, care, and a vision and sense of who we are and what is our role in this universe, fosters a healthy brain. Aren't we aware of all these factors? Definitely, we are. But, it is easier said than done. 

Then, how do we become BRAIN HEALTHY? Have we ever pondered why we are stressed, depressed, anxious, and worried? Its often because of lack of faith, trust, and confidence. These three qualities comprise "Bhakti" (As written in the book "Krishna : The Ultimate Idol" by Dr Girish P.Jakhotiya, Rajkamal Prakashan, 2009).   Shree Swami Mukundananda explains that bhakti means to serve with devotion and selflessly, "We happily serve the ones we love. We love our children, consequently, we are ever ready to serve them by making sacrifices for them." (https://www.jkyog.org/what-is-bhakti/) 

In other words, when we have faith, trust, and confidence and we devote ourselves to God, we perform bhakti. Bhakti has tremendous positive effects on our brain. When we selflessly love God, our brain becomes calm. Our blood pressure optimizes, heart rate decreases, and there is an influx of good hormones (like serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins) that give us a sensation of pleasure. Thus, when we wire our brain to Him, we experience bliss. Bhakti is one of the easiest paths to connect and develop a personal relationship with God. Often called Bhakti Yog - practicing bhakti can elevate us to a realm of God consciousness and enlighten our souls. In the future, science might be able to prove that bhakti helps in regenerating neurons and keeping brain healthy.