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religious practices. It is universal and ubiquitous, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries. According to a survey published in 1996 by Princeton Religion Research Center, 96% of US population believed in God or a supernormal power. There are several significant studies that explored the relationship between religiosity and a variety of health conditions. In about 150 studies most of the studies suggest less substance abuse and more successful rehabilitation among the more religious (Koenig, McCllough & Larson, 2001) Also numerous studies investigated the effect of religion on mental health, delinquency, depression, heart disease, immune system dysfunction, cancer and physical disability. Townsend, Kladder, Ayele and Mulligan (2002) assessed the impact of religion on health outcomes, The systematic and comprehensive review revealed that "religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills and health related quality of life and less anxiety'. McCllough eg al. (2000) report that religious involvement has a strong positive influence on increased survival. As Koenig, Larson and Larson (2001) surmise, when people become physically ill, many rely heavily on religious beliefs and practices to relieve stress, retain a sense of control, and maintain hope and sense of meaning and purpose in life. It is suggested that religion (a) acts as a social support system, (b) reduces the sense of loss of control and helplessness, (c) provides a cognitive framework that reduces suffering and enhances self-esteem, (d) gives confidence that one, with the help of God, could influence the health condition, and (e) creates a mind set that enables the patient to relax and allow the body to heal itself. Again, the values engendered by religious involvement such as love, compassion, charity, benevolence and altruism may help to successfully cope with debilitating anxiety, stress and depression.
A number of studies provide positive evidence linking intercessory prayer with beneficial health outcomes. Intercessory prayer involves praying for other's benefit. Michael Miovic (2004) reported that the condition of brain tumor patient improved by intercessory prayer.
Randolph Byrd (1988) and Mueller, Plevak, Rummans (2001) found that a significant positive effect between intercessory prayer and recovery from coronary disease. They observed that addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.
There has been a great deal of scientific research on the effects of meditation on the states of mind and body. A number of studies consider meditation as a self-regulation strategy that has relevance for managing stress, hypertension and drug addiction (Goleman & Schwartz, 1976; Patel, 1993). Davidson, Goleman and Schwartz (1984) report results that showed reliable decrement in
Arhat Vacana, 23 (1-2), 2011
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| SR No. | 526589 |
| Book Title | Arhat Vachan 2011 01 04 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Anupam Jain |
| Publisher | Kundkund Gyanpith Indore |
| Publication Year | 2011 |
| Total Pages | 140 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Magazine, India_Arhat Vachan, & India |
| File Size | 2 MB |