The Mātṛkā Nyāsa Ritual as Somatic Cartography: A Phenomenological Study of Its Effect on Interoceptive Awareness and Body Schema

Abstract

This study reconceptualizes the old Tantric ritual of Mātṛkā Nyāsa—the tactual and phonemic implantation of Sanskrit phonemes (mātṛkās) onto specific body loci—as a form of "somatic cartography," a consecrated represent of knowingness onto the corporal form. An interchangeable 8-week communications protocol was administered to 42 experienced practitioners. Mixed-methods analysis revealed enhanced somatic granularity, permeable ness of consistence boundaries, stimulated catharsis, and a shift from visual to felt body image. Quantitatively, significant improvements were observed in interoceptive exactness (Heartbeat counting Task) and over all subscales of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), especially Noticing and body hearing. Proprioceptive drift measures indicated a stabilised body scheme. Results place Mātṛkā Nyāsa as a active neuro-phenomenological tool that validates traditional claims of embodied transformation through a original synthesis of ritualized somatic mapping and contemporary cognitive skill.