MATURE CONTEMPLATION
Charles D. Laughlin, John Mcmanus, Eugene G. D’Aquili
Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science June 2, 1993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.1993.tb01025.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 7 |
| Key points | Proposes that higher phases of consciousness attained through contemplation can be understood through biogenetic structural theory, with a neurophysiological model based on ergotropic-trophotropic tuning. Argues that meditation, peak experiences, and contemplative states across cultures share structural invariances, and examines the implications of ultimate states such as Void Consciousness, God Consciousness, or Absolute Unitary Being. |
Abstract
Abstract. This chapter extends biogenetic structural theory to a consideration of the biopsychological principles underlying higher phases of consciousness, particularly those attained by the systematic exploration of consciousness called contemplation. The concepts of psychic energy, flow, centeredness, energy circulation, and dreambody are explored as presented in various mystical traditions, and a model of the underlying neurophysiology is presented in terms of ergotropic‐trophotropic tuning. The psychophysiology of various forms of meditation together with emergent peak experiences is examined and integrated into the ergotropic‐trophotropic tuning model. Structural invariance of ergotropic‐trophotropic tuning as well as invariant aspects of contemplation across different cultures and associated with different symbol systems is considered. Finally the nature and implications of Void Consciousness, God Consciousness, or Abssolute Unitary Being are examined.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Continuity, Causation And Cyclicity: A Cultural Neurophenomenoloǵy Of Time-Consciousness Time and Mind 2008
- Meditation across cultures: a neuroanthropological approach Time and Mind July 3, 2018
- Transpersonal phenomenology: The cosmological and spiritual dimensions of the Husserlian epoché Transpersonal Psychology Review 2021
Cites 7
- Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Psychosomatic Medicine June 1, 1978
- AN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC STUDY ON THE ZEN MEDITATION (ZAZEN) Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences December 1, 1966
- MYSTICAL STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease June 1, 1972
- The Physiology of Meditation and Mystical States of Consciousness Perspectives in biology and medicine March 1, 1976
- MIRRORS, PORTALS, AND MULTIPLE REALITIES Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science March 1, 1989
and 2 more in the library