Changes

And meditation is the means of increasing one's fire of intelligence. For, the thoughts are the fuel and the witness consciousness is the fire. By remaining in the state of the seer, all things become fuel for awareness.<ref>David Frawley (1999), [https://archive.org/details/yogaayurvedaselfhealingandselfrealizationdavidfrawley_757_/mode/2up Yoga & Ayurveda], Wisconsin: Lotus Press.</ref>

And meditation is the means of increasing one's fire of intelligence. For, the thoughts are the fuel and the witness consciousness is the fire. By remaining in the state of the seer, all things become fuel for awareness.<ref>David Frawley (1999), [https://archive.org/details/yogaayurvedaselfhealingandselfrealizationdavidfrawley_757_/mode/2up Yoga & Ayurveda], Wisconsin: Lotus Press.</ref>

== Neurophysiological view of Meditation ==

== Neurophysiological Perspective ==

The meditative state itself may not fit into a unique neurophysiological description, either because there is not a single meditative state but different meditative states with different neurological correlates, or because meditative states are simply beyond any kind of neurophysiological description. A meditative state may be simply a functional state that bestows on the meditator certain abilities that seem to exceed her normal capabilities. This possibility should be kept in mind when interpreting neurological correlates of meditative practices. Therefore, if meditation research shows that the meditative state is not associated with a neurophysiological signature, it doesn't make it less real because it may be beyond neurophysiological description.<ref name=":1" />

The meditative state itself may not fit into a unique neurophysiological description, either because there is not a single meditative state but different meditative states with different neurological correlates, or because meditative states are simply beyond any kind of neurophysiological description. A meditative state may be simply a functional state that bestows on the meditator certain abilities that seem to exceed normal capabilities. Therefore, if meditation research shows that the meditative state is not associated with a neurophysiological signature, it may well be beyond neurophysiological description.<ref name=":1" />

=== Dharana and Dhyana ===

=== Meditative Attention ===

There is some suggestive evidence from neurophysiological studies of the possible link between meditation and attention. Apart from the fact that almost all meditative techniques involve manipulation of attention in some form, there is emerging evidence from neuroimaging studies that the prefrontal and frontal areas of the brain are relatively more activated during meditation. Since these areas are associated with attention, it seems likely that meditation practices do indeed involve “increased attentional demand.”

There is emerging evidence from neuroimaging studies that the prefrontal and frontal areas of the brain are relatively more activated during meditation. Since these areas are associated with attention, it seems likely that meditation practices do indeed involve “increased attentional demand.”

Meditation is a process initiated by focusing attention on an object or mental or body state for a prolonged period resulting in a special state of mind characterized by stability and tranquility, equipoise and quiescence. This process appears to have two important effects.  

Meditation is a process initiated by focusing attention on an object or mental state or body state for a prolonged period resulting in a special state of mind characterized by stability and tranquility, equipoise and quiescence. This process appears to have two important effects.  

* First, sustained one-pointed attention would lead to a state of containment/absorption in which one experiences expanded awareness that transcends the limitations imposed by the normal psychobiological processes, an awareness that leads to cognitive excellence and unbiased knowledge. It results in a nonhabitual and unconditioned state of mind, free from distortions and predispositions, which is open to see things the way they truly are.

* First, sustained one-pointed attention leading to a state of containment/absorption in which one experiences expanded awareness that transcends the limitations imposed by the normal psychobiological processes; an awareness that leads to cognitive excellence and unbiased knowledge. It results in a nonhabitual and unconditioned state of mind, free from distortions and predispositions, which is open to see things the way they truly are.

* The second effect, which is not always appreciated, is that meditative attention seems to lead to a state of the mind where, in addition to cognitive excellence, there is personal transformation made possible by the intrinsic binding of knowing and being in that state. According to classical wisdom, achieving a state of contentless consciousness, i.e., emptying the mind of sensory and cognitive content and making it silent, has the effect of bridging the existential gap between cognition and conduct. Personal transformation is a consequence of this state. In such a state there would be no conflict between beliefs and behavior in the mind.  

* The second effect, which is not always appreciated, is that meditative attention seems to lead to a state of the mind where, in addition to cognitive excellence, there is personal transformation made possible by the intrinsic binding of knowing and being in that state. Achieving a state of contentless consciousness, i.e. emptying the mind of sensory and cognitive content and making it silent, has the effect of bridging the existential gap between cognition and conduct. Personal transformation is a consequence of this state. In such a state there would be no conflict between beliefs and behavior in the mind.

Thus meditation is a practice involving exercises in focusing attention on a chosen object, mental, or bodily state that results in a special state that has the twin effects of excellence in knowing and being. Such excellence includes

Thus, meditation is a practice involving exercises focusing attention on a chosen object, mental or bodily state that results in a special state that has the twin effects of excellence in knowing and being. Such excellence includes

(a) unbiased cognitive awareness,

* unbiased cognitive awareness

(b) transcognitive or meta-awareness, and

Furthermore, there is personal transformation which involves closing the gap between knowing and being, and overcoming the dissociation between belief and behavior.<ref name=":1" />

 

 

(d) there is personal transformation which involves closing the gap between knowing and being, and overcoming the dissociation between belief and behavior.<ref name=":1" />

== ध्यानस्य परिणामाः ॥ Effects of Meditation ==

== ध्यानस्य परिणामाः ॥ Effects of Meditation ==