The Effects of Japanese Shingon Esoteric Buddhism Meditation on Human Stress Management

Abstract

Stress is a major cause of depression, sleepdisorder, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney failure, early retirementfrom work and study, suicide and dementia. In this study, the electroencephalogram (E.E.G.) and stress hormoneanalysis were used to investigate the emotional fluctuations of healthy malemonks during Shingon Esoteric Buddhism meditation. The alpha waves significantly increasedduring Susokukan meditation in a fairly-trained monk. The alpha waves and theta waves significantlyincreased during Sannenjyu meditation in a well-trained monk. The stress hormone, amylase, significantlyincreased during Susokukan meditation. From these results, it is concluded that,despite stressful conditions, by doing Shingon Esoteric Buddhism meditation,under stressful conditions, one can reset the brain and bring it to a calmcondition.