A summary of the key features of Sahaja Yoga meditation

Summarising the basic features of Sahaja Yoga meditation, it is: 1. Relatively simple to learn and practice. 2. Appears to have a specific, positive effect on health. 3. Can be made available on a low-cost/zero-cost model. 4. Can be taught via mass media vehicles such as radio, television, Internet. 5.…

Reality and meditation

It is necessary to point out from the start of these observations that the basis of all perceptions of ‘reality,’ and what it means is ‘experience’. By experience I refer to that central act of consciousness by which we cognise existence. All understandings and philosophies concerning the nature of reality…

Conceptual and methodological problems in meditation research

Meditation research to date has been plagued by conceptual and methodological problems. One of the most significant difficulties involves developing control strategies involving interventions which blinded participants might consider plausible, that have no specific therapeutic effects. Randomisation and management of other sources of bias is another area of concern; a…

Meditation in the west

The rise of Western “pop culture” and “alternative lifestyles” in the 1960s, was a crucial social change that led many Western consumers to dabble with spiritual ideas and practices, especially meditation. Symbolising this development was the Beatles’ much-publicised trip to a meditation retreat in Rishikesh, India. The fact that the…

The relationship between meditation and its adverse effects

Although many of meditations adverse effects reported in literature are anecdotal cases studies, incidental findings or unexpected outcomes it is clear that meditation is not a universally benign intervention and that it can be associated with both serious and non-serious adverse reactions. Some studies, such as those of Otis (1984)…

The effects of mood on the immune system

The direct impact of negative thoughts and emotions on immunological function seems to be reasonably well documented and, since many Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) phenomena seem to be mediated by negative affect, rather than situational “stress”, strategies that directly modify this factor may manifest greater benefits. While relaxation orientated meditation most likely…

Skin temperature and Sahaja Yoga meditation

A reduction of autonomic arousal leads to diversion of blood flow to the viscera and away from the skeletal muscle of the body. Accordingly this leads to increased blood flow to the surface of glabrous skin and thereby an increase in palmar skin temperature. Sahaja Yoga meditation practitioners appear to…

Future directions for meditation research

The mental silence experience clearly warrants further investigation. Needless to say, it would be ideal if this research was carried out by those without a financial, emotional or reputational stake in any such research. Experience however suggests that for the foreseeable future it will be meditation enthusiasts who will drive…