Spirituality Studies 11-2 Fall 2025 39 Chanchal Surywanshi et al. Effects of Trimūrti Dhyāna on Heart Rate Variability and Three Gunas: A Pilot Study Based on Dhyānabindu Upanisad Received July 15, 2025 Revised September 8, 2025 Accepted September 9, 2025 Keywords Meditation, psychology, stress, Dhyānabindu Upaniṣad, yoga This pilot study investigates the psychophysiological effects of Trimūrti Dhyāna, a visualization-based meditative practice described in the Dhyānabindu Upaniṣad, on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and the modulation of the three Guṇas – Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Thirty healthy male students were randomly assigned to either a meditation group (N = 15) practicing Trimūrti Dhyāna for six weeks or a control group (N = 15). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included HRV parameters and psychological profiling using the Vedic Personality Inventory. The Dhyāna group showed a significant increase in Sattva and a reduction in Rajas and Tamas scores. While most HRV changes were not statistically significant, favorable trends were observed, and LF power showed a significant decrease. These preliminary results suggest that Trimūrti Dhyāna may enhance psychological balance and autonomic regulation, warranting further large-scale investigation. Dr. Neetinakumar J. Patil, MD, PhD, is an Additional Professor at the Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research at Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India, and former Head of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar, India. He has authored numerous publications and led several funded research projects as principal investigator. An invited speaker at national and international conferences, his expertise spans Ayurveda, Yoga, and integrative medicine. He can be reached at patil.nj@manipal.edu. orcid.org Chanchal Surywanshi, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Karnataka, India. Neetinakumar J. Patil, Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. Vinutha Shankar, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Karnataka, India. Smitha P. S., Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, India. Venkateswarlu Raavi, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Karnataka, India. Dhanashri Patil, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, India. Chanchal Surywanshi et al. Neetinakumar J. Patil, Vinutha Shankar, Smitha P. S., Venkateswarlu Raavi, Dhanashri Patil ←← Photography © 2025 Gréta Zubová
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