Volitional Meditative Absorption States in an Advanced Yogic Practitioner: A Neurophenomenological EEG Study
Chuong Ngo, Lionel A Newman, Monika Stasytyte, Matthew D. Sacchet, Nk Manjunath, Hr Nagendra, Bruno Herbelin, Christoph M. Michel
May 20, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/j9vqh_v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | One advanced Yogic meditator with more than 20 years of sustained practice |
| Duration | Four independent EEG recording days |
| Key findings | The authors report that the participant's "Silent Mind" state was associated with a reproducible multiscale EEG pattern: rapid alpha suppression at onset, delayed increases in infra-slow activity, and elevated gamma power during sustained absorption, with near-removal of the alpha peak. They suggest this pattern differs from relaxed wakefulness or focused attention, while cautioning that single-case design and traditional state classification limit conclusions. |
Abstract
Advanced meditative absorption states remain difficult to study scientifically because they are rare, challenging to elicit under controlled conditions, and depend strongly on first-person phenomenology. This study presents a neurophenomenological case report of an advanced Yogic meditator with more than 20 years of sustained practice who reliably entered a deeply absorbed state referred to by the participant as the “Silent Mind” state and interpreted within the framework of Yogic samādhi. Across four independent EEG recording days, the participant repeatedly entered and exited the state using self-marked onset and offset triggers. High-density 64-channel EEG was recorded together with ECG and respiration. Phenomenological reports described a state of profound inner silence, absence of discursive thought and mental imagery, preserved clarity of awareness, and a vertically organized internal experiential structure. EEG analyses revealed a reproducible temporal sequence: rapid suppression of alpha-band activity at state onset, delayed amplification of infra-slow activity, and increases in gamma-band power during sustained absorption. Power spectral density analyses further showed marked attenuation or near-removal of the alpha peak during meditation segments, while band-power comparisons indicated increases in infra-slow and gamma activity and alpha suppression relative to baseline. These findings suggest that the recorded absorption state was associated with a distinct multiscale electrophysiological reconfiguration rather than resembling a simple extension of relaxed wakefulness or focused attention. Although conclusions remain limited by the single-case design and the interpretative nature of traditional state classification, this study demonstrates the feasibility and scientific value of combining repeated state sampling, high-density EEG, and detailed phenomenological documentation in the investigation of advanced meditative absorption.