Fire Kasina advanced meditation produces experiences comparable to psychedelic and near-death experiences: A pilot study.
Marjorie Woollacott, Justin Riddle, Niffe Hermansson, Matthew D. Sacchet, Daniel M. Ingram
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103056 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6 |
| Population | Individuals who completed a Fire Kasina meditation retreat |
| Duration | Retreat |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Mystical experience Meditation Near-death experience |
| Keywords | Meditation-spirituality Altered-consciousness Mental-wellness Psychedelic-research Contemplative-practice Advanced meditation Mental health Spiritual transformation |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | The Fire Kasina meditation practice produced mystical experience questionnaire scores comparable to or exceeding those from high-dose psychedelics and near-death experiences, with participants reporting profound personal transformation. |
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy studies suggest that the induction of "mystical experiences" combined with psycho-therapy is a possible intervention for psychiatric illness. Advanced meditation may induce powerful experiences comparable to psychedelics. We investigated effects of an intensive meditation practice called Fire Kasina. Six individuals completed a retreat, and participated in an interview in which they described their experiences. They also completed the Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), Hood Mystical Experience Scale (HME), and Cole's Spiritual Transformation Scale. Mean MEQ scores were 85 %, similar to prior observations of high-dose psilocybin and were stronger than moderate-dose psilocybin (t(5) = 4.41, p = 0.007, d = 1.80; W(5) = 21, p = 0.031). Mean HME scores were 93 %, exceeding levels reported for NDEs (mean 74 %) and high-dose psilocybin (mean 77 %). In qualitative analysis, experiences were described as the most intense of the individual's life, while subsequent transformational effects included substantial shifts in worldview.