FROM KINETICS TO CONSCIOUSNESS: MAPPING THE MANAS DIMENSION OF PARIKRAMA AND PRADAKSHINA THROUGH CORTICAL NEURODYNAMICS - A PILOT INVESTIGATION

Ayurvedic epistemology conceptualizes health as an integrative triad comprising Sharir (body), Manas (mind), and Atman (soul); however, empirical neurophysiological delineation of somato-cognitive-spiritual practices remains limited. Parikrama generic circular locomotion—primarily engages Sharir, whereas ritual Pradakshina integrates rhythmic motion, mantra-induced resonance, and devotional intentionality, potentially modulating embodied cognition and cortical dynamics. In this pilot investigation, five participants spanning adolescent to geriatric cohorts performed standardized 5-minute trials under both paradigms, with and without auditory stimuli (silent, self-conversational, chanting, motivational, or devotional music). Cortical activity was assessed pre- and post-condition using a validated EEG system, analyzing band power (Alpha, Beta, Theta), frontal asymmetry, functional connectivity, entropy (approximate entropy), Brain Age Index (BAI), triple correlation values (TCV), amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG), and criticality/power-law behavior. We anticipate that Pradakshina will elicit enhanced alpha theta amplification, superior neural coherence, and elevated affective stability relative to Parikrama, reflecting the harmonization of Sharir-Manas-Atman. Findings promise insights into cortical neurodynamics, biofield dynamics, and neurocognitive correlates of culturally embedded embodied cognition. Keywords: Alpha-Theta Oscillations; Ayurvedic Neurophilosophy; Biofield Dynamics; Cortical Neurodynamics; Neurocognitive Correlates; Parikrama; Pradakshina; Sharir-Manas-Atman Triad