In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center—both affiliated with Harvard—found that advanced yogic meditation may reverse brain aging by an average of 5.9 years. The study focused on individuals who took part in Samyama Sadhana, an intensive 8-day meditation retreat designed by Sadhguru and conducted by the Isha Foundation .
Using advanced EEG technology during sleep, scientists discovered that participants had brain ages significantly younger than their actual ages. These individuals also enjoyed deeper, more refreshing sleep—linked to better memory, sharper thinking, and lower stress levels. Compared to non-meditators, they reported less loneliness and greater mental clarity.
Commenting on the findings, Sadhguru said on X (formerly Twitter), “It is wonderful that modern science is able to identify and measure the impact of the subjective sciences on the human mechanism. Enhancing the exuberance and vibrancy of the human mechanism will naturally slow aging and cognitive decline. Every human being must invest in their mental and physical wellbeing—not just for themselves, but for future generations.”
Co-senior author Dr. Balachundhar Subramaniam added, “This study offers compelling evidence that deep yogic practices like Samyama—and even the preparatory practices—can help preserve brain youthfulness. It’s inspiring to see ancient wisdom validated through modern science.”
The research, published in the journal Mindfulness, used a non-invasive sleep EEG method to measure Brain Age Index (BAI)—a key indicator of neurological health . BAI tracks how "young" or "old" a brain appears based on its electrical activity, and it is closely linked to cognitive function and risk of dementia.
Participants had undergone a 40-day preparatory phase before attending the Samyama program. This included following a vegan diet and practicing yogic tools like Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, Shakti Chalana Kriya, Yogasanas, Shoonya meditation, and Sukha Kriya. Samyama is a highly advanced silent retreat designed for serious meditators with years of dedicated practice.
Previous research on the Samyama program has also shown benefits like improved immunity, reduced inflammation, better metabolic function, and stronger mental resilience.
Using advanced EEG technology during sleep, scientists discovered that participants had brain ages significantly younger than their actual ages. These individuals also enjoyed deeper, more refreshing sleep—linked to better memory, sharper thinking, and lower stress levels. Compared to non-meditators, they reported less loneliness and greater mental clarity.
Commenting on the findings, Sadhguru said on X (formerly Twitter), “It is wonderful that modern science is able to identify and measure the impact of the subjective sciences on the human mechanism. Enhancing the exuberance and vibrancy of the human mechanism will naturally slow aging and cognitive decline. Every human being must invest in their mental and physical wellbeing—not just for themselves, but for future generations.”
Co-senior author Dr. Balachundhar Subramaniam added, “This study offers compelling evidence that deep yogic practices like Samyama—and even the preparatory practices—can help preserve brain youthfulness. It’s inspiring to see ancient wisdom validated through modern science.”
The research, published in the journal Mindfulness, used a non-invasive sleep EEG method to measure Brain Age Index (BAI)—a key indicator of neurological health . BAI tracks how "young" or "old" a brain appears based on its electrical activity, and it is closely linked to cognitive function and risk of dementia.
Participants had undergone a 40-day preparatory phase before attending the Samyama program. This included following a vegan diet and practicing yogic tools like Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, Shakti Chalana Kriya, Yogasanas, Shoonya meditation, and Sukha Kriya. Samyama is a highly advanced silent retreat designed for serious meditators with years of dedicated practice.
Previous research on the Samyama program has also shown benefits like improved immunity, reduced inflammation, better metabolic function, and stronger mental resilience.
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