Harvard study finds Sadhguru's meditation may make your brain nearly 6 years younger

A new study by Harvard researchers has found that a special meditation program by Sadhguru may help make the brain younger by almost 6 years.

This program, called Samyama Sadhana, is taught by Sadhguru through the Isha Foundation. It is a deep meditation retreat that involves strict preparation, including a vegan diet and daily yogic practices.

The study was done by scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, which are linked to Harvard Medical School. They used sleep-based EEG scans to look at the brain activity of people who had done the Samyama program.

The scans showed that these meditators had brain ages 5.9 years younger than their real age. This means their brains were aging slower — or even getting younger.

The researchers also found other benefits. These meditators:

• Slept better
• Had clearer thinking and sharper memory
• Felt less stress and loneliness

This is important because a younger brain is more likely to stay healthy and avoid diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The study used a special tool called the Brain Age Index (BAI). It measures how old your brain behaves, based on electrical activity during sleep. The meditators’ brains were found to be younger compared to people who didn’t meditate.

What is Samyama Sadhana?

It is an 8-day intense silence program that requires months of preparation. Participants must practice daily yoga and meditation, follow a strict vegan diet, and do kriyas (inner energy processes) like Shambhavi Mahamudra, Shakti Chalana Kriya, Yogasanas, and Shoonya meditation.

Experts speak

Dr. Balachundhar Subramaniam, co-author of the study, said, “This study shows how ancient yogic practices like Samyama can help the brain stay young. It’s amazing to see such old wisdom pass scientific tests.”

Sadhguru also shared the findings on social media. He wrote, “It is wonderful that modern science is able to measure the effect of inner practices. Every person must invest in their own mental and physical health. We owe it to ourselves and future generations.”

 

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 & vibrancy of the human mechanism will naturally slow the aging process & cognitive decline. Every human being must invest in… https://t.co/lEDlPMImcc pic.twitter.com/8ynup9ZGuJ

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) May 18, 2025

 

This study is part of growing research that shows meditation and yoga can be powerful tools for mental health and brain aging. It also shows how ancient practices can work hand-in-hand with modern science to improve life.