Physiological Patterns of Cosmic Consciousness — Eyes-Open

Summary

Subjects reporting clearer experiences of cosmic consciousness exhibited a unique EEG pattern during eyes-open periods, compared to those who do not report this experience. This EEG pattern comprises increased alpha power and coherence during eyes-open resting periods.

These two figures present the coherence during the eyes-open period (green bar) and the TM® session (gold bar) for the two groups. Notice the significant differences in coherence between eyes-open and TM practice in the short-term group (top figure). Notice that coherence is similar during eyes-open and TM practice in the long-term group (bottom figure).

Explanation

First-year students at Maharishi International University who were between 17 and 22 years old and had been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for less than one year (short-term group), or more than eight years (long-term group), were measured during eyes-open periods and during practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique.

The groups did not differ in EEG patterns during practice of the Transcendental Meditation® technique. They did differ significantly on EEG patterns during the eyes-open period that preceded the meditation session. The long-term group had significantly more theta/alpha (6-10 Hz) activity during the eyes open period. They also exhibited higher alpha EEG coherence during eyes-open periods.

Similar EEG patterns between these two groups during practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique supports the idea that the Transcendental Meditation technique is natural, and effortless, conducted by the natural tendency of the mind. Once you have mastered the technique (a few months), then additional practice may not make the practice more effortless. In light of this explanation, the benefits of regularly contacting Transcendental Consciousness during practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, followed by activity, is to integrate the silent depths of the mind with active levels of processing. This integration would be expected to lead to measurable changes outside of meditation practice. This is what was seen.