Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
January 1, 2022
Vinod D. Deshmukh
4 citations
A neurologist draws on personal journal observations and a review of neuroscience to explore the nature of self, self-consciousness, and the experience of a peaceful, transparent mind. The author argues that self-aware experience is singular, nonspecific, and multimodal, with deep roots in human development and evolution, which is guided by both external signals and internal self-organization. The sense of self has subjective and objective aspects, and understanding it better through an affective rather than cognitive approach is proposed. The article connects these ideas to descriptions of the Atman in Upanishads, Vedanta, Yoga, and Buddhism, suggesting that the wholeness of spontaneous peaceful being can be actualized.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
January 1, 2026
G. Raj, Hemant Bhargav
1 citation
Among 46 people who had a mystical experience (35 from psychedelics, 5 naturally, 6 during meditation), higher mystical experience scores correlated with lower scores on several yoga-based personality traits considered obstacles to inner peace: Asmita-Tamasic, Dvesha, Abhinivesha, and VPI-Rajas. Positive mood during the experience correlated with higher Asmita-Gunateeta scores. Psychedelic users who meditated had lower scores on Swapna consciousness, Asmita-Tamasic, and Abhinivesha than those who did not meditate. People with a current mental health diagnosis scored higher on VPI-Rajas and VPI-Tamas and on Kapha constitution. The findings suggest a yogic framework could inform psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in India.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
July 1, 2025
P. Kannan, S. Purohit
Yantra Meditation, rooted in ancient Vedic and Yogic traditions, uses sacred geometry to represent cosmic interconnectedness and foster inner harmony. A multidisciplinary textual analysis of Yogic and Tantric scriptures suggests that this practice may enhance attention, emotional regulation, cognitive performance, and self-awareness. By integrating this culturally grounded method with contemporary educational needs, Yantra Meditation could offer a straightforward way to support students' overall development and promote a balanced learning environment.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
January 1, 2025
Xu Wen
Consciousness in Taoism is understood as a flowing, harmonious state aligned with the Tao, the universe's fundamental principle. Drawing on classical texts like the Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi, the paper describes Taoist consciousness as possessing nonduality, fluidity, and harmony with nature. Key concepts include wuwei (effortless action), yin-yang balance, cultivating inner calmness, and emptiness. Taoist meditation practices such as zuowang (sitting and forgetting) and neidan (internal alchemy) serve as pathways to deeper states of consciousness. The paper notes modern parallels in mindfulness, psychology, and neuroscience that align with these ideas, suggesting that aligning consciousness with Tao can foster a more harmonious and spiritually insightful life.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
July 1, 2024
Rahul Banerjee, Dipsundar Sahu
Vitalism, though discredited in Western science, remains central to Indian analytical traditions such as Jaina, Bauddha, Sankhya-Yoga, and Vedanta, which propose a vital energy called 'prana' or 'jivitindriya' to explain how conscious internal states interact with physical states. This article critically examines the Abhidhamma view of consciousness as a transient internal state and its interaction with the body, seeking parallels with modern biophysical studies. It discusses how the model emerged from meditative observation and the role of prana in mediating mind-body interaction, concluding with applications in Ayurvedic therapy.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
July 1, 2024
A. Shivaram, Judu Ilavarasu, Raghavendra Bhat
Meditation research can be enriched by integrating neuroscientific findings with classical philosophical frameworks. This review examines the hierarchical meditative states described in Patañjali's Yoga darśana, using an information flow model from Sāṅkhya and Yoga philosophy. It focuses on sense perception as a path to higher meditative states, detailing how practitioners use gross sense objects (sound, touch, form, smell, taste) to enter the Vitarka state, then progress to the Vicāra state by replacing them with subtle sense objects. The review also discusses sense transduction—how sensory stimulation converts to neuro-electrical signals—and summarizes ayurvedic, classical, and contemporary yogic practices related to each sense pathway.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
January 1, 2024
P. Castro, H. Kowdley, Robert Joyner et al.
A systematic review of nine studies found that Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a rhythmic breathing technique taking about 30 minutes, improves sleep quality. Regular and more frequent practice was linked to better sleep in a cross-sectional study. However, two studies showed a return to baseline sleep patterns after a period. The review notes that the trials were small, lacked systematic controls, and some showed only temporary benefits, making a strong recommendation difficult. Further controlled, prospective research specifically measuring sleep quality with SKY is needed.