Advanced Meditation Alters Consciousness and Our Basic Sense of Self

Advanced meditation is gaining recognition for its transformative effects on mental health and consciousness. The practice, once considered on the fringe, is now mainstream, with the UK's National Health Service endorsing mindfulness-based therapy for depression. Research has evolved through distinct waves, exploring the mechanisms and benefits of mindfulness. A new focus on advanced meditation delves into deeper states requiring extended training, with universities establishing programs to study altered mental states. These advanced practices are not limited to monks but accessible to laypeople seeking profound well-being and personal transformation. Studies at institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brown University are uncovering the neural correlates of advanced meditation states, shedding light on the brain's activity during deep meditative experiences. The research aims to develop targeted interventions for mental health conditions by leveraging insights from advanced meditation practices. By understanding the biological underpinnings of these states, researchers hope to pave the way for innovative mental health treatments and a deeper understanding of human consciousness.