Gregorian Chant Meditation involves focusing and contemplating on any sacred Gregorian chant to spiritualize its meaning, ultimately absorbing its essence(1).

The sacred Scriptures grow with the one who reads them.
-Pope Gregory

Chants are traditional religious music, which can be found in almost every tradition(2). Gregorian Chant is the traditional music used in Roman Churches, and it comes with a rich history of 2000 years(2). It is one form of the many Christian chats that is still used today in many Roman Churches across the globe(2).

While Christian chants are often used as a direct means to express love for the Lord(3), they can also be used for meditation, since the technique can help unite your mind with the sound of the chant(4). The method of Gregorian Chant Meditation involves focusing on the words and meaning of a chosen chant, and becoming one with them(5). 

One of the best aspects of meditating on Gregorian Chants is benefiting from its healing properties(6). According to world renowned otolaryngologist, Dr. Alfred Tomatis, Gregorian Chants contain all the frequencies of the voice spectrum. When chanted correctly, they can generate high frequency sounds. They are capable of providing charge to the practitioners’ brain, working as a healing power(6). 

History/Origins

Gregorian Chant is the official music of the Roman Catholic Church(7). Its name originates from the fact that Pope St. Gregory the 1st was the one to regulate its use in the altar. However, Gregorian Chants have many roots, including Greek, Oriental, Ambrosian, Hebriac, and other musical traditions(7).

Some scholars believe that Pope St. Gregory the 1st does not deserve the entire credit for the implementation of the chants. Even though he provided the directions for the work, Gregorian Chants continued to develop after him(2). 

One important thing to consider is that, even though Gregorian Chants are used primarily in Roman Catholic Churches, you do not have to be a Christian to meditate on them. The practice of meditation relies upon the words of the chant and not its religious interpretation. 

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.
-Mother Teresa

Benefits of Gregorian Chant Meditation

According to a study by Robert Keith Wallace(9), chant-based meditation techniques can positively affect oxygen consumption, heart rate, and skin resistance. Another research article(10) suggests similar practices can effectively reduce anxiety while promoting self-actualization. Thus, it can be concluded that Gregorian Chant Meditation offers multiple physical and mental health benefits.

 

References

  1. Yogoda and Sat-Sanga | Whispers from Eternity: Universal Scientific Prayers and Poems by Swami Yogananda
  2. Indiana University Press | Gregorian Chant by Willi Apel 
  3. Artof4elements | Chanting Mantras: Guide to Chanting Mantras with Best Chords by Goce Nikoloski
  4. Ebury Publishing | The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying: A Spiritual Classic from One of the Foremost Interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism to the West by Sogyal Rinpoche
  5. SkyLight Paths Publishing | Meditation and its Practices: A Definitive Guide to Techniques and Traditions of Meditation in Yoga and Vedanta by Swami Adiswarananda 
  6. Rider & Co | Chant: Origins, Form, Practice and Healing Power of Gregorian Chant by Katharine W. Le Mee
  7. Christian Education | Volume 35, No. 4 | The Origin, Decline and Restoration of Gregorian Chant And Its Interpretation by Robert Hayburn
  8. Nilgiri Press | Passage Meditation – A Complete Spiritual Practice: Train Your Mind, and Find a Life That Fulfills by Eknath Easwaran
  9. Science | Volume 167, Issue 3926 |  Physiological Effects of Transcendental Meditation by Robert Keith Wallace
  10. Perceptual and Motor Skills | Volume 39, Issue 1 | Transcendental Meditation and Psychological Health by Larry A. Hjelle