1) Meru refers to the brain or vertebral column, which supports consciousness and life. 2) Meru-mani refers to a large bead used in rosaries for counting repetitions of a mantra during namasmaran (remembrance of God's name). 3) It is recommended not to pass over the meru-mani bead when counting repetitions, in order to replicate the flow of impulses between the left and right hemispheres of the brain during meditation and prayer.

1. PHYSIOLOGY
&
NAMASMARAN
DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR

2. Meru is a golden mountain that
supports the heaven, earth and hell.
It supports the three levels of
consciousness. It also means Tartar
range of mountains north of
Himalaya. This golden mountain is
analogous to the brain, which
supports all the aspects of
individual life. One of the meanings
of the word Meru (Sanskrit) seems
to be brain. Hence the vertebral
column is called Meru danda
(Column or Rod).

3. Meru-mani means a big bead, in the
japamala i.e. rosary.
It is said that while reciting or
remembering the name of God; and
counting it on the japamala, i.e.
while practicing namasmaran; you
are not supposed to cross the meru-
mani.
What could be the reason for this?
According to me, the penance of
any kind; including namasmaran; is

4. aimed at reaching the controlling
center of the inner and outer
universe.
Physiologically it is clear that there
is a continuous flow of impulses to
and fro the cerebral cortex on either
side. Impulses flow from right brain
to the left body and from left body
to right brain.
When you start counting the name
of God, you tend to replicate the
above process and go from meru-
mani to the japamala and back. This

5. is like going from left brain and
coming back. The next counting is
begun by reversing the position of
the meru-mani as if starting from
right brain to the body and coming
back.
One can tally this explanation with
one’s experience.
DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR