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Perez-Diaz O, Barrós-Loscertales A, Schjoedt U, González-Mora JL, Rubia K, Suero J, Hernández SE. Monitoring the neural activity associated with praying in Sahaja Yoga meditation. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:61. [PMID: 37957605 PMCID: PMC10642040 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sahaja Yoga Meditation draws on many religious traditions and uses a variety of techniques including Christian prayer to reach a state known as thoughtless awareness, or mental silence. While there are many studies on the neural correlates of meditation, few studies have focused on the neural correlates of praying. Thus, the aim of our research was to study the neural activity associated with the prayer practices in Sahaja Yoga Mediation, which have not been studied before, to explore effects beyond repetitive speech or "mantra effects". Sixteen experienced Sahaja Yoga Meditation practitioners were scanned using task based functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging while performing formalised and improvised forms of praying and their equivalent secular tasks. RESULTS Our results showed the deactivation of bilateral thalamus during both prayers compared to secular conditions and the activation in the medial prefrontal cortex that was reduced by religious and formalised secular speech conditions but increased during improvised secular speech; similarly, frontal regions were deactivated when comparing prayers to their secular equivalents. DISCUSSION These results seem to depict two important factors related with praying in Sahaja Yoga Meditation merging inner concentration and social cognition. First, the perception of the surroundings mediated by the thalamus may be decreased during these prayers probably due to the establishment of inner concentration and, second, frontal deactivation effects could be related to reduced social judgement and 'mentalizing', particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that praying by Sahaja Yoga Meditation practitioners is neurophenomenologically different from the social cognitive attempt of praying within Christian praying practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Uffe Schjoedt
- Department of the Study of Religion, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - José L González-Mora
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Katya Rubia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - José Suero
- Centro de Salud Jazmín, Sermas, Madrid, Spain
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A systematic review of interventional trials reporting relationships between silent mantram repetition and health in adults. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 50:101709. [PMID: 36444780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Isham A, Elf P, Jackson T. Self-transcendent experiences as promoters of ecological wellbeing? Exploration of the evidence and hypotheses to be tested. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1051478. [PMID: 36452396 PMCID: PMC9701724 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1051478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, much has been written on the role of different mental states and their potential to influence our way of thinking and, perhaps more importantly, the way we act. With the recent acceleration of environmental and mental health issues, alongside the limited effectiveness of existing interventions, an exploration of new approaches to deliver transformative change is required. We therefore explore the emerging potential of a type of mental state known as self-transcendent experiences (STEs) as a driver of ecological wellbeing. We focus on four types of STEs: those facilitated by experiences of flow, awe, and mindfulness, as well as by psychedelic-induced experiences. Some of these experiences can occur naturally, through sometimes unexpected encounters with nature or during immersion in every-day activities that one intrinsically enjoys, as well as through more intentional practices such as meditation or the administration of psychedelics in controlled, legal settings. We explore the evidence base linking each of the four types of STE to ecological wellbeing before proposing potential hypotheses to be tested to understand why STEs can have such beneficial effects. We end by looking at the factors that might need to be considered if STEs are going to be practically implemented as a means of achieving ecological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Isham
- Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Elf
- Middlesex University Business School, Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research (CEEDR), Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Jackson
- Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Cooper AC, Ventura B, Northoff G. Beyond the veil of duality-topographic reorganization model of meditation. Neurosci Conscious 2022; 2022:niac013. [PMID: 36237370 PMCID: PMC9552929 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation can exert a profound impact on our mental life, with proficient practitioners often reporting an experience free of boundaries between a separate self and the environment, suggesting an explicit experience of "nondual awareness." What are the neural correlates of such experiences and how do they relate to the idea of nondual awareness itself? In order to unravel the effects that meditation has on the brain's spatial topography, we review functional magnetic resonance imaging brain findings from studies specific to an array of meditation types and meditator experience levels. We also review findings from studies that directly probe the interaction between meditation and the experience of the self. The main results are (i) decreased posterior default mode network (DMN) activity, (ii) increased central executive network (CEN) activity, (iii) decreased connectivity within posterior DMN as well as between posterior and anterior DMN, (iv) increased connectivity within the anterior DMN and CEN, and (v) significantly impacted connectivity between the DMN and CEN (likely a nonlinear phenomenon). Together, these suggest a profound organizational shift of the brain's spatial topography in advanced meditators-we therefore propose a topographic reorganization model of meditation (TRoM). One core component of the TRoM is that the topographic reorganization of DMN and CEN is related to a decrease in the mental-self-processing along with a synchronization with the more nondual layers of self-processing, notably interoceptive and exteroceptive-self-processing. This reorganization of the functionality of both brain and self-processing can result in the explicit experience of nondual awareness. In conclusion, this review provides insight into the profound neural effects of advanced meditation and proposes a result-driven unifying model (TRoM) aimed at identifying the inextricably tied objective (neural) and subjective (experiential) effects of meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Clinton Cooper
- Integrated Program of Neuroscience, Room 302, Irving Ludmer Building, 1033 Pine Avenue W., McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Bianca Ventura
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Georg Northoff
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4, Canada
- Mental Health Center, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Hulett JM, Mele C, Kim J, Narkthong N, Schomberg T, Greaves J, Bormann JE, Heiney SP. Acceptability of the Mantram Repetition Program to Reduce Stress in Adolescent Survivors of Pediatric Cancer or Brain Tumors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2022; 12:275-279. [PMID: 35749707 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A mixed-methods approach was used to explore the acceptability of the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) to reduce stress in adolescents with a history of pediatric cancer or brain tumor. Five male participants diagnosed at ages 1-14 years and currently, ages 13-18 years, completed assessments of stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbance and were interviewed about the acceptability of a mantram repetition intervention. Adolescent survivors reported low to moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Data indicate that the MRP is acceptable among adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer and brain tumors, and face-to-face intervention delivery is preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Hulett
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Cheryl Mele
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeongsuk Kim
- School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | | | - Takara Schomberg
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jenna Greaves
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jill E Bormann
- Beyster Institute of Nursing Research, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sue P Heiney
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Malaktaris A, McLean CL, Mallavarapu S, Herbert MS, Kelsven S, Bormann JE, Lang AJ. Higher frequency of mantram repetition practice is associated with enhanced clinical benefits among United States Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2078564. [PMID: 35713599 PMCID: PMC9196752 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2078564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing support for the use of meditation-based treatments for US military Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), which is a portable meditative practice that features mindful repetition of a sacred phrase, is associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity. Although regular practice is emphasized in meditation-based interventions, associations between frequency of practice and clinical outcomes are often not reported. OBJECTIVES This study will examine whether the frequency of mantram repetition is associated with greater improvements in clinical outcomes. METHODS Veterans with PTSD participating in MRP (N = 160; combined experimental groups from two randomized controlled trials). Participants completed pre- and post-treatment self-report measures of anger and well-being and a clinician-administered interview of PTSD severity (CAPS-IV-TR). Veterans also reported average daily mantram repetition practice at post-treatment. We conducted a series of hierarchal multiple regression analyses. RESULTS When controlling for race/ethnicity and pre-treatment severity, higher frequency of mantram repetition practice was associated with significantly greater improvements (small effect sizes) in PTSD symptom severity (F(3,128) = 6.60, p < .001, β = .21, p = .007), trait anger (F(3,128) = 31.23, p < .001, β = .25, p < .001), state anger (F(3,110) = 17.62, p < .001, β = .16, p = .04), mental health well-being (F(3,128) = 28.38, p < .001, β = .14, p = .04), and spiritual well-being (F(3,127) = 13.15, p < .001, β = .23, p = .003), but not physical health well-being. CONCLUSIONS Higher frequency of mantram repetition practice appears to have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes for Veterans with PTSD. Strategies that promote skills practice may be an important target for improving clinical outcomes for meditation-based interventions. HIGHLIGHTS Higher frequency of meditation practice during Mantram Repetition Program was associated with greater reductions in PTSD symptoms and anger as well as improvements in well-being.Strategies to promote at-home meditation practice may optimize the benefits of MRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Malaktaris
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin L McLean
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sheetal Mallavarapu
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S Herbert
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Skylar Kelsven
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jill E Bormann
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences/Beyster Institute of Nursing Research, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ariel J Lang
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry and Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Josipovic Z. Implicit-explicit gradient of nondual awareness or consciousness as such. Neurosci Conscious 2021; 2021:niab031. [PMID: 34646576 PMCID: PMC8500298 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Consciousness is multi-dimensional but is most often portrayed with a two-dimensional (2D) map that has global levels or states on one axis and phenomenal contents on the other. On this map, awareness is conflated either with general alertness or with phenomenal content. This contributes to ongoing difficulties in the scientific understanding of consciousness. Previously, I have proposed that consciousness as such or nondual awareness-a basic non-conceptual, non-propositional awareness in itself free of subject-object fragmentation-is a unique kind that cannot be adequately specified by this 2D map of states and contents. Here, I propose an implicit-explicit gradient of nondual awareness to be added as the z-axis to the existing 2D map of consciousness. This gradient informs about the degree to which nondual awareness is manifest in any experience, independent of the specifics of global state or local content. Alternatively, within the multi-dimensional state space model of consciousness, nondual awareness can be specified by several vectors, each representing one of its properties. In the first part, I outline nondual awareness or consciousness as such in terms of its phenomenal description, its function and its neural correlates. In the second part, I explore the implicit-explicit gradient of nondual awareness and how including it as an additional axis clarifies certain features of everyday dualistic experiences and is especially relevant for understanding the unitary and nondual experiences accessed via different contemplative methods, mind-altering substances or spontaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Josipovic
- Psychology Department, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Nonduality Institute, Woodstock, NY 12498, USA
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Being present: Examining the efficacy of an Internet Mantram Program on RN-delivered patient-centered care. Nurs Outlook 2021; 69:136-146. [PMID: 33573826 PMCID: PMC7869680 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted nurses’ compassionate presence during stressful conditions. Strategies to reduce workplace stress are needed. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a stress reduction strategy, an Internet-based Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), for nurses caring for hospitalized Veterans. Methods A one group pre-/post-test design was used to assess change in nurses’ perceived outcomes after participating in the MRP. A post-test-only design was used to assess hospitalized Veterans’ perceptions of nursing presence and satisfaction with care. Qualitative interviews were used to supplement quantitative data. Findings Patients perceived high levels of presence and satisfaction with care. Post MRP, nurses perceived increased mindfulness, compassion satisfaction, spiritual well-being, and nursing presence. Increased mindfulness was associated with greater compassion satisfaction and less burnout. Discussion For nurses working on the front lines of patient care, the potential for experiencing stress and burnout is a reality. Participating in a MRP could lessen these effects and facilitate nursing presence.
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Oman D, Bormann JE, Kane JJ. Mantram Repetition as a Portable Mindfulness Practice: Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mindfulness (N Y) 2020; 13:1418-1429. [PMID: 33224309 PMCID: PMC7667218 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-020-01545-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective Mantram or holy name repetition has long been practiced in every major religious tradition. Repetition of a mantram as a mindfulness practice is helpful for stress management and resilience building. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the key features of mantram and the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) developed in the US Veterans Healthcare System, the evidence base for the MRP, and its applications. Methods MRP practices are portable and do not require an extended or regularized period of sitting, in contrast to most methods of meditation. Core functions of MRP practices include focus shifting, frame activation, and fostering of mindfulness. We review scientific research, including multiple randomized trials, that has investigated the MRP. Results Research on the MRP has documented reductions in posttraumatic stress symptoms, insomnia, hyperarousal, and depression, as well as enhancement of quality of life, self-efficacy, and mindfulness. Mantram repetition may possess comparative advantages for managing symptoms of various mental health conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and chronic diseases. Conclusions MRP practices can be integrated into daily routines to manage stress and improve coping, safety, efficacy, calmness, and resilience. The inclusion of mantram repetition alongside conventional mindfulness-based practices for stress management will improve their cultural and religious inclusiveness, enabling societies and organizations to build greater collective resilience. Mantram repetition can be readily used in the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on healthcare workers, patients, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug Oman
- School of Public Health, University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, Room #5302, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360 USA
| | - Jill E. Bormann
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences/Beyster Institute of Nursing Research, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110-2492 USA
| | - Jim J. Kane
- Department of Education, Development & Research, Hillcrest Medical Center, University of California, San Diego, 402 Dickinson St. Mail Code 8929, San Diego, CA 92103 USA
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Berkovich-Ohana A, Noy N, Harel M, Furman-Haran E, Arieli A, Malach R. Inter-participant consistency of language-processing networks during abstract thoughts. Neuroimage 2020; 211:116626. [PMID: 32045639 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brain imaging typically employs structured and controlled tasks to avoid variable and inconsistent activation patterns. Here we expand this assumption by showing that an extremely open-ended, high-level cognitive task of thinking about an abstract content, loosely defined as "abstract thinking" - leads to highly consistent activation maps. Specifically, we show that activation maps generated during such cognitive process were precisely located relative to borders of well-known networks such as internal speech, visual and motor imagery. The activation patterns allowed decoding the thought condition at >95%. Surprisingly, the activated networks remained the same regardless of changes in thought content. Finally, we found remarkably consistent activation maps across individuals engaged in abstract thinking. This activation bordered, but strictly avoided visual and motor networks. On the other hand, it overlapped with left lateralized language networks. Activation of the default mode network (DMN) during abstract thought was similar to DMN activation during rest. These observations were supported by a quantitative neuronal distance metric analysis. Our results reveal that despite its high level, and varied content nature - abstract thinking activates surprisingly precise and consistent networks in participants' brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviva Berkovich-Ohana
- Faculty of Education, The Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities, The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
| | - Niv Noy
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Michal Harel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | | | - Amos Arieli
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Rafael Malach
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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Dagli RJ. Increasing Immunity to Fight against Novel COVID-19: Noninvasive Public Health Approach. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2020; 10:125-126. [PMID: 32670898 PMCID: PMC7339988 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_137_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rushabh Jayeshbhai Dagli
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Rajasthan, India
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Deepeshwar S, Nagendra HR, Rana BB, Visweswaraiah NK. Evolution from four mental states to the highest state of consciousness: A neurophysiological basis of meditation as defined in yoga texts. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 244:31-83. [PMID: 30732843 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This chapter provides a theoretical introduction to states of consciousness and reviews neuroscientific investigations of meditation. The different states of consciousness consist of four mental states, i.e., cancalata (random thinking), ekagrata (non-meditative focusing), dharna (focused meditation), and dhyana (meditation) as defined in yoga texts. Meditation is a self-regulated mental process associated with deep relaxation and increased internalized attention. Scientific investigations on meditation reported changes in electrophysiological signals and neuroimaging measures. But most outcomes of meditation studies showed inconsistent results, this may be due to heterogeneity in meditation methods and techniques evolved in the last 200 years. Traditionally, the features of meditation include the capacity to sustain a heightened awareness of thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and perceptions. Generally, meditation involves non-reactive effortless monitoring of the content of experience from moment to moment. Focused meditation practice involves awareness on a single object and open monitoring meditation is a non-directive meditation involved attention in breathing, mantra, or sound. Therefore, results of few empirical studies of advanced meditators or beginners remain tentative. This is an attempt to compile the meditation-related changes in electrophysiological and neuroimaging processes among experienced and novice practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Singh Deepeshwar
- Department of Yoga and Life Sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Swami Vivekananda Yoga University (S-VYASA), Bengaluru, India
| | - H R Nagendra
- Department of Yoga and Life Sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Swami Vivekananda Yoga University (S-VYASA), Bengaluru, India
| | - Bal Budhi Rana
- Department of Yoga and Life Sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Swami Vivekananda Yoga University (S-VYASA), Bengaluru, India
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Anderson T, Farb NAS. Personalising Practice Using Preferences for Meditation Anchor Modality. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2521. [PMID: 30618947 PMCID: PMC6298414 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many people are starting to establish contemplative practices and Mindfulness-Based Interventions have become quite popular. While Mindfulness-Based Interventions positively impact well-being, drop-out and lack of practice-maintenance plagues these interventions. Such adherence issues may reveal a lack of fit between participant partiality for attentional anchors of meditative practice and the intervention's use of the breath as the anchor of attention. No study had yet compared partiality towards practices using anchors from different sensory modalities (e.g., auditory and visual) thus the present study examined such individual differences, sharing resources on the Open Science Framework. Participants (N = 82) engaged 10-min practices within three modalities (somatosensory, auditory, and visual) and partiality towards these meditations was modelled. Partiality differences did exist: 49% preferred the breath, 30% the auditory-phrase, and 21% the visual-image. Pre-practice motivation and anchor-modality predicted partiality while cardiac responses were also positively associated with partiality. Preferences were updated through experience and over half of participants left the experiment partial to a different anchor than their initial meditation-naïve bias. Tangible next-steps are discussed, including integrating additional anchor modalities into existing interventions by offering brief practices with a variety of anchors. Suggestions are made for increasing post-training contact using email-automation to answer central practice-maintenance questions, including whether and which contemplative benefits are predicated on continued practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Anderson
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Rao NP, Deshpande G, Gangadhar KB, Arasappa R, Varambally S, Venkatasubramanian G, Ganagadhar BN. Directional brain networks underlying OM chanting. Asian J Psychiatr 2018; 37:20-25. [PMID: 30099280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OM chanting is an ancient technique of Indian meditation. OM chanting is associated with an experience of relaxation, changes in autonomic balance and deactivation of limbic brain regions. While functional localization is important, how brain regions interact with each other has been shown to underlie various brain functions. Therefore, in this study, we tested the hypothesis that there is reduced communication between deactivated regions during OM chanting. In order to do so, we employed multivariate autoregressive model (MVAR) based Granger causality to obtain directional connectivity between deactivated regions. fMRI scans of 12 right handed healthy volunteers (9 Men) from a previously published study was used in which participants performed OM chanting and a control condition in a block design. We found that outputs from insula, anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices were significantly reduced in OM condition. Of interest is the reduction of outputs from these regions to limbic area amygdala. Modulation of brain regions involved in emotion processing and implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD) raises a potential possibility of OM chanting in the treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naren P Rao
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.
| | - Gopikrishna Deshpande
- AU MRI Research Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium, Auburn University and University of Alabama Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Rashmi Arasappa
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Millière R, Carhart-Harris RL, Roseman L, Trautwein FM, Berkovich-Ohana A. Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1475. [PMID: 30245648 PMCID: PMC6137697 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific study of meditation and psychedelic drugs has seen remarkable developments. The increased focus on meditation in cognitive neuroscience has led to a cross-cultural classification of standard meditation styles validated by functional and structural neuroanatomical data. Meanwhile, the renaissance of psychedelic research has shed light on the neurophysiology of altered states of consciousness induced by classical psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, whose effects are mainly mediated by agonism of serotonin receptors. Few attempts have been made at bridging these two domains of inquiry, despite intriguing evidence of overlap between the phenomenology and neurophysiology of meditation practice and psychedelic states. In particular, many contemplative traditions explicitly aim at dissolving the sense of self by eliciting altered states of consciousness through meditation, while classical psychedelics are known to produce significant disruptions of self-consciousness, a phenomenon known as drug-induced ego dissolution. In this article, we discuss available evidence regarding convergences and differences between phenomenological and neurophysiological data on meditation practice and psychedelic drug-induced states, with a particular emphasis on alterations of self-experience. While both meditation and psychedelics may disrupt self-consciousness and underlying neural processes, we emphasize that neither meditation nor psychedelic states can be conceived as simple, uniform categories. Moreover, we suggest that there are important phenomenological differences even between conscious states described as experiences of self-loss. As a result, we propose that self-consciousness may be best construed as a multidimensional construct, and that "self-loss," far from being an unequivocal phenomenon, can take several forms. Indeed, various aspects of self-consciousness, including narrative aspects linked to autobiographical memory, self-related thoughts and mental time travel, and embodied aspects rooted in multisensory processes, may be differently affected by psychedelics and meditation practices. Finally, we consider long-term outcomes of experiences of self-loss induced by meditation and psychedelics on individual traits and prosocial behavior. We call for caution regarding the problematic conflation of temporary states of self-loss with "selflessness" as a behavioral or social trait, although there is preliminary evidence that correlations between short-term experiences of self-loss and long-term trait alterations may exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Millière
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robin L. Carhart-Harris
- Psychedelic Research Group, Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Medicine, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leor Roseman
- Psychedelic Research Group, Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Medicine, Centre for Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fynn-Mathis Trautwein
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max-Planck-Institut für Kognitions- und Neurowissenschaften, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aviva Berkovich-Ohana
- Faculty of Education, Edmond Safra Brain Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Leote J, Castellote JM, Casanova-Molla J, Navarro-Otano J, Nunes RG, Ferreira HA, Valls-Sole J. Motor preparation in picture naming tasks. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2018; 180-182:24-30. [PMID: 29677561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In certain circumstances, words can be uttered as an involuntary action. We hypothesize that, once pronunciation of a word is fully prepared it can be triggered as a reflex with no need for cortical processing. We used modified protocols of picture naming tasks, with different levels of cognitive demands, to measure reaction time to word pronunciation (RTWP). In test trials, picture presentation was accompanied by a startling auditory stimulus (SAS). When one and the same picture was repeatedly shown, SAS shortened RTWP by about 30% (StartReact effect), which did not occur when random pictures were shown. If subjects were led to learn which picture was to appear after repeated presentation of three pictures in sequence, they exhibited again the StartReact effect. We conclude that word pronunciation may be fully prepared for execution in absence of cognitive demands. However, the StartReact effect is inhibited during cognitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Leote
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Neurosurgery Department, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
| | - Juan M Castellote
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, and National School of Occupational Medicine, Instituto de Salud Carlos, Spain
| | - Jordi Casanova-Molla
- EMG and Motor Control Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clinic, and IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer), Facultat de Medicina, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Navarro-Otano
- EMG and Motor Control Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clinic, and IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer), Facultat de Medicina, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita G Nunes
- Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR/IST), LARSyS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hugo A Ferreira
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Josep Valls-Sole
- EMG and Motor Control Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clinic, and IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigació August Pi i Sunyer), Facultat de Medicina, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Efficacy of the Mantram Repetition Program for Insomnia in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Naturalistic Study. ANS Adv Nurs Sci 2018; 40:E1-E12. [PMID: 27525960 DOI: 10.1097/ans.0000000000000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Statistics show that more than 80% of Veterans mention posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related symptoms when seeking treatment. Sleep disturbances and nightmares are among the top 3 presenting problems. Current PTSD trauma-focused therapies generally do not improve sleep disturbances. The mantram repetition program (MRP), a mind-body-spiritual intervention, teaches a portable set of cognitive-spiritual skills for symptom management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the MRP on insomnia in Veterans with PTSD in a naturalistic, clinical setting. Results show that participation in the MRP significantly reduced insomnia, as well as decreased self-reported and clinician-assessed PTSD symptom burden.
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18
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Simon R, Pihlsgård J, Berglind U, Söderfeldt B, Engström M. Mantra Meditation Suppression of Default Mode Beyond an Active Task: a Pilot Study. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-017-0028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Leary S, Weingart K, Topp R, Bormann J. The Effect of Mantram Repetition on Burnout and Stress Among VA Staff. Workplace Health Saf 2017; 66:120-128. [PMID: 28467753 DOI: 10.1177/2165079917697215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the authors determined the effect of a structured Internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) on burnout and stress of conscience (SOC), stress related to ambiguity from ethical or moral conflicts among health care workers (HCWs) within the Veteran Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. A secondary purpose was to determine whether practicing meditation prior to the study combined with MRP affected burnout or SOC. The MRP teaches the mindful practices of repeating a mantram, slowing down, and one-pointed attention for managing stress. Thirty-nine HCW volunteers who provided direct patient care completed the Internet-delivered MRP. The outcomes of burnout (i.e., exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy) and SOC (i.e., frequency of stressful events and troubled conscience about those events) were measured at baseline (T1), postintervention (T2), and 3-months postintervention (T3). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that exhaustion significantly ( p < .05) declined between T1 and T3; professional efficacy and cynicism did not change during the study. The same statistical model also indicated the frequency of stressful events significantly declined between T1 and T2 and troubled conscience declined between T1 and T3. Secondary analysis demonstrated that individuals who did not practice meditation at baseline ( n = 16, 41%) significantly decreased exhaustion, frequency of stressful events, and troubled conscience between T1 and T3, and improved professional efficacy between T1 and T2. Individuals who practiced meditation at baseline ( n = 23, 59%) did not demonstrate significant change on any study outcomes. An MRP intervention may reduce burnout and SOC in those individuals who are naïve to practicing meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jill Bormann
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System.,2 University of San Diego.,3 San Diego VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH)
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Josipovic Z, Baars BJ. Editorial: What can Neuroscience Learn from Contemplative Practices? Front Psychol 2015; 6:1731. [PMID: 26617554 PMCID: PMC4639597 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Josipovic
- Psychology Department, New York University New York, NY, USA
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Hove MJ, Stelzer J, Nierhaus T, Thiel SD, Gundlach C, Margulies DS, Van Dijk KRA, Turner R, Keller PE, Merker B. Brain Network Reconfiguration and Perceptual Decoupling During an Absorptive State of Consciousness. Cereb Cortex 2015; 26:3116-24. [PMID: 26108612 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhv137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trance is an absorptive state of consciousness characterized by narrowed awareness of external surroundings and has long been used-for example, by shamans-to gain insight. Shamans across cultures often induce trance by listening to rhythmic drumming. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined the brain-network configuration associated with trance. Experienced shamanic practitioners (n = 15) listened to rhythmic drumming, and either entered a trance state or remained in a nontrance state during 8-min scans. We analyzed changes in network connectivity. Trance was associated with higher eigenvector centrality (i.e., stronger hubs) in 3 regions: posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and left insula/operculum. Seed-based analysis revealed increased coactivation of the PCC (a default network hub involved in internally oriented cognitive states) with the dACC and insula (control-network regions involved in maintaining relevant neural streams). This coactivation suggests that an internally oriented neural stream was amplified by the modulatory control network. Additionally, during trance, seeds within the auditory pathway were less connected, possibly indicating perceptual decoupling and suppression of the repetitive auditory stimuli. In sum, trance involved coactive default and control networks, and decoupled sensory processing. This network reconfiguration may promote an extended internal train of thought wherein integration and insight can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hove
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Johannes Stelzer
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Till Nierhaus
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany Neurocomputation and Neuroimaging Unit, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina D Thiel
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Daniel S Margulies
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Robert Turner
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter E Keller
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany The MARCS Institute, University of Western Sydney, Australia
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