Background: The human sensorimotor system can naturally synchronize with environmental rhythms, such as light pulses or sound beats. Several studies showed that different styles and tempos of music, or other rhythmic stimuli, have an impact on physiological rhythms, including electrocortical brain activity, heart rate, and motor coordination. Such synchronization, also known as the “entrainment...
This article suggests that the influence of philosophy of mind and metaphysics in the study of consciousness, has become excessive and is not well-founded. Metaphysical terms are often ill-defined and equivocal, and philosophy of mind relies largely on weak, concrete arguments which lack the power of more abstract mathematical formulations. An example is given of a mathematical argument, the...
In this case study, we describe the experience of a short-duration meditation method called mind-body relaxation and rejuvenation technique (MBRRT), inspired by the ancient mālā japa. A middle-aged person practiced it for a period of two and a half years. During the MBRRT performance, the experience in terms of sleep was collected through a self-report proforma for 60 practice sessions. It was...
Neural activity and subjective experiences indicate that breath-awareness practices, which focus on mindful observation of breath, promote tranquil calm and thoughtless awareness. This study explores the impact of tristage Ānāpānasati-based breath meditation on electroencephalography (EEG) oscillations and self-reported mindfulness states in novice meditators following a period of effortful...
This explorative article is an attempt to focus attention on the paradigm shift in science that is occurring at present. The shift is the result of the clash between the traditional Western mechanistic approach and a more holistic world-view which also makes provision for direct, non-in tellectual experiences of reality. In the ordinary state of consciousness, for example, a person is ex pected...
The article is focused on ontological issues related to inner-body sensations in the context of cognitive sciences and modern philosophy of mind. Initially, the concept of interoception was limited to physiological processes and reactions associated with internal organs. Nevertheless, further developments in cognitive science led to a reassessment of the role of bodily characteristics in...
The rising prevalence of mental health challenges necessitates innovative interventions that extend beyond traditional therapeutic approaches. This dissertation explores the potential of the Wim Hof Method (WHM)—a breathwork technique combining controlled breathing, cold exposure, and meditation—as a complementary tool for improving mental health. Specifically, the study examines the WHM’s...
This paper explores the integration of Buddhist principles, cultivated over 2,500 years for enhancing mental well-being and treating psychological issues, with Western psychology. It builds a bridge between Buddhist conceptssuch as emptiness (nyat), mindfulness, conation (cetan), and loving-kindness and compassionand contemporary psychotherapeutic practices. Although clinical interest has...
Objectives: Mantra chanting a spiritual form of meditation helps to calm the human brain. Mantra chanting is a meditative practice known to influence brainwave activities that are linked to increased theta and alpha brain rhythms. This paper investigates the variations in Power Spectral Density of experienced Mantra chanting individuals and evaluates the paired t-test before and during mantra...
Abstract Background and aims The recent resurgence of psychedelic research has led to increased interest in extra-pharmacological factors shaping drug effects (set and setting). Habitually discussed in the context of psychedelic therapy, the relevance of set and setting to determining the outcome of non-psychedelic psychiatric interventions receives strong theoretical and empirical support in...