Electroencephalographic findings during mantra meditation (transcendental meditation). A controlled, quantitative study of experienced meditators.
Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology April 1, 1981 B Stigsby, J C Rodenberg, H B Moth
Electroencephalograms of 13 experienced transcendental meditation practitioners were recorded before, during, and after meditation, and compared to 13 matched controls. The EEG frequency spectrum during meditation fell between that of wakefulness and drowsiness, remaining stable over 20 minutes. The meditation group's mean EEG frequency was about 1 cycle per second slower than the control group. No consistent EEG pattern distinguished successful from unsuccessful meditation, and no theta bursts or changes in brain hemisphere activity were observed. The findings suggest the EEG pattern during transcendental meditation is distinct from sleep and drowsiness, but does not show a unique signature of meditative state.