Frontiers in Psychology
March 26, 2019
Patrick Jones
35 citations
The science of everyday heroism is expanding, and this inquiry asks what could produce a superhero. Drawing on Buddhist psychology, the authors examine eight foundational jhana states of attention and six consequent abhinna special abilities claimed to arise from mental mastery. A growing base of empirical literature suggests some mindfulness practitioners exhibit enhanced functioning: elevated physical health and resistance to disease, increased immunity to aging, improved cognitive processing, greater resilience and fearlessness, more self-less and pro-social behaviors, some control over normally autonomic responses, and possibly some paranormal functionality.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
June 2, 2017
Patrick Jones
20 citations
Mindfulness training cultivates qualities relevant to heroism, such as improved attention, sensory awareness, cognitive control, reduced fear, and increased loving kindness and self-sacrificing behaviors. Traditional mindfulness, based on a "no self" perspective, may be especially suited for developing stable heroic character (trait) rather than occasional heroism (state). The article reviews theory, practices, and scientific evidence, concluding that heroically relevant qualities are trainable through mindfulness techniques, and that enduring selflessness and service to others may be achievable for serious practitioners.
Review of General Psychology
June 1, 2023
Patrick Jones
15 citations
Traditional research into subjective well-being treats it as something that fluctuates with changing life conditions, thoughts, and emotions. This inquiry explores the possibility of a nondual experience of well-being that remains unaffected by such fluctuations, drawing on traditional mindfulness concepts. It examines evidence that the sense of self is constructed and can be deconstructed through mindfulness practices, potentially leading to increased positive affect, decreased negative affect, self-lessness, emotional self-regulation, and resilience. Findings suggest mindfulness training may target psychological dimensions that contribute to a stable well-being transcending life conditions. The authors recommend collaboration between subjective well-being research and mindfulness to further investigate nondual well-being.
Happiness and Wellness - Biopsychosocial and Anthropological Perspectives
March 15, 2023
Patrick Jones
2 citations
Happiness has been studied through life areas and subjective well-being, but these approaches yield only partial and unstable happiness. This chapter examines whether lasting, full happiness is possible by turning to traditional mindfulness and ancient wisdom traditions. These traditions argue that the constructed sense of self causes fluctuations in happiness. The chapter explores a model of robust happiness that could be a stable attribute of a fully functional human being.
IntechOpen eBooks
April 22, 2025
Patrick Jones
A theoretical framework proposes five major stages of human development toward enlightenment, each with distinct markers. Stage 1 is the conventional self, where well-being depends on pleasure and pain. Stage 2 (Mindfulness) brings nonjudgmental objectivity and seeing thoughts as passing events. Stage 3 involves awakening events that interrupt the sense of a continuous self. Stage 4 is a stabilized, altruistic, peaceful state with no discernible self and increased functionality. Stage 5 is the rare, uninterrupted blissful state of perfected enlightenment with unlimited capacities. The authors argue that evidence-based mindfulness research can evaluate these stages and may offer psychological antidotes to mental health issues, shifting from coping to contentment.