Advanced Meditation Alters Consciousness and Our Basic Sense of Self
Matthew D. Sacchet & Judson A. Brewer
Matthew D. Sacchet & Judson A. Brewer
Quote:...In the media and in academia, meditation is often seen as a tool primarily for managing the stresses of modern life and work. But our research suggests it can be used for much more. Although meditation can help people improve their psychological well-being, it also can be a gateway to experiences that lead to deep psychological transformation....
Quote:...The experiences and personal transformations that practitioners describe are thought to undergird entirely new psychological perspectives and ways of existing in the world. Advanced meditation may help inspire people and provide deep insight and clarity about how to achieve meaning in life. It is not uncommon, in fact, for individuals to reassess their careers or life goals after a meditation retreat and go on to pursue a path that is more fulfilling and that is more aligned with their deeper values and perspectives...
Quote:...Advanced meditation interventions could be integrated with established mindfulness-based techniques, novel meditation-based therapies, and innovative technologies designed to modulate specific neural networks through neurofeedback and brain stimulation. These methods may make it possible for people to have the experience of an advanced meditative state without undergoing extensive training...
'Historically, we may regard materialism as a system of dogma set up to combat orthodox dogma...Accordingly we find that, as ancient orthodoxies disintegrate, materialism more and more gives way to scepticism.'
- Bertrand Russell
- Bertrand Russell