Yogic Perception, Meditation and Altered States of Consciousness

Yogic Perception, Meditation and Altered States of Consciousness
Author: Eli Franco
Publisher:
Total Pages: 496
Release: 2009
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN:

The volume presents seventeen papers by different scholars that examine, from an interdisciplinary perspective, questions concerning meditation and yogic perception. The contributions focus on various aspects, such as the nature of consciousness, the relation of body and mind, and health, and bind together the perspectives and approaches of disciplines such as South Asian, Buddhist and Tibetan studies, religious studies, philosophy and the history of philosophy, medieval European history, anthropology and psychology. In contrast to recent interdisciplinary studies on meditation that take the natural sciences as their focal point (notably, quantum mechanics and neurophysiology), this volume uses methods established in the social sciences and humanities as tools for understanding meditative traditions, especially those found in Buddhism and Hinduism.

The Yoga of Consciousness

The Yoga of Consciousness
Author: David Frawley
Publisher: Lotus Press
Total Pages: 272
Release:
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 1608692434

The Yoga of Consciousness examines how our consciousness, identity and prana change through waking, dream and deep sleep - and more importantly how we can follow this process to higher levels of awareness behind the ordinary human state. The book proposes specific yogic insights and approaches to take us beyond these three ordinary states to the transcendent state of pure unity consciousness beyond both body and mind.

The True Path

The True Path
Author: Roy J. Mathew, M.d.
Publisher:
Total Pages: 310
Release: 2009-02-18
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0786745266

In The True Path, Duke psychiatrist Roy J. Mathew draws on his own extensive knowledge of neuroscience as he looks at the centuries-old Indian idea that spirituality is a state of mind-a higher form of consciousness. Mathew shows how the latest brain research demonstrates that activities such as prayer, music, art, nature, intuitive knowledge, altruism, and meditation stimulate the non-dominant hemisphere of the brain. Spirituality is intimately connected to this area of the brain and must be accessed-according to Indian philosophy-by removing the "sheaths" of everyday life. With scientific evidence that this "pure consciousness" truly exists, Mathew shows readers how to use meditation, yoga, and other traditional methods of contemplation to achieve this spiritual state of mind

Changing Minds

Changing Minds
Author: Michele Marie Desmarais
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishe
Total Pages: 280
Release: 2008
Genre: Cognitive neuroscience
ISBN: 9788120833364

This book by Dr. Desmarais is by all means a positive contribution in the field of Yoga, Indology and cognitive neurosciences. It covers Eastern and Western, ancient and modern, religion and metaphysics, psychology and epistemology, as well as the cultural heritage for these. The book is arranged in six chapters using our common concept of show as a metaphysical stage: getting ready for the show; entering the theatre; taking the stage; all the world as stage; following the plot; thickening of the plot; and finally, the lights come up. This has its source in the Samkhya metaphor of prakrti as analogous to a divine actor, on the world stage and in a cosmic drama. Another symbolic metaphor that comes before our mind is that of Ardhanarinatesvara of Lord Siva, depicted as the Cosmic divine Supreme actor endowed with half-female in his person. The reader, the spectator or audience member, symbolizes the Purusa of Samkhya and yoga. CONTENTS Acknowledgements, Foreword, Abbreviations, Introductions: Getting Ready for the Show, 1. Entering the Theatre 2. Taking the Stage 3. All the World's a Stage 4. Following the Plot 5. The Plot Thickens 6. Lights Up, References, Index

Yoga Psychology and the Transformation of Consciousness

Yoga Psychology and the Transformation of Consciousness
Author: Don Salmon
Publisher: Paragon House Publishers
Total Pages: 454
Release: 2007-09
Genre: Education
ISBN:

From the perspective of yoga psychology the view from infinity even our basest instincts, our most mundane acts, and our greatest follies can be understood as the limited or distorted expressions of a purposeful, compassionate and infinite intelligence. Yoga Psychology is based on the writings of Sri Aurobindo, the revolutionary poet and philosopher who founded the independence movement in India later led by Mahatma Ghandi.

The Yogic View of Consciousness (HQ)

The Yogic View of Consciousness (HQ)
Author: Donald J. DeGracia
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 372
Release: 2015-11-21
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1329706730

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are mysterious and cryptic and exert hypnotic fascination on all whose minds they touch. In The Yogic View of Consciousness, Don DeGracia unfolds the theory of consciousness enshrined in the obtuse aphorisms of the Yoga Sutras. Yoga describes the mind as a multi-leveled system closed in on itself yet illuminated from within its innermost depth by a divine spark that gives life and consciousness to every individual. Drawing on ideas Eastern and Western, ancient and modern, from Abhinavagupta to Leibniz, Mahaprabhu to George Berkeley, IK Taimni to Hermann Weyl, DeGracia weaves an intellectual tapestry harmonizing science, philosophy, religion, mathematics, and the mystical. Compared to the grandeur of The Yogic View of Consciousness the hostilities of secular science and philosophy appear as little more than the psycho-babble of lunatics and an affront to the sublime majesty of existence. Take the wild ride to the very source of being revealed by The Yogic View of Consciousness.

Yoga and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

Yoga and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Author: Basant Pradhan
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 266
Release: 2014-11-05
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3319091050

This book attempts to bridge the considerable gaps that exist between spiritual philosophies and evidence-based medicine and between the psychotherapeutic models of the East and the West. Based on the insights of both the ancient wisdom and modern medicine, this book presents Yogic science not just as a set of physical exercises or religious rituals but as theories about the mind that have bio-psycho-social implications in relation to health and illness. Drawing on his years of monastic training and his extensive experiential, clinical and research knowledge on the utility of Yoga meditation in standardized and evidence-based medicine protocols, the author describes symptom-specific clinical applications of Yogic/meditative techniques using standardized protocols for the various psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions. In addition, he explains the value of these techniques in reducing stress and improving quality of life in healthy populations. Dr. Pradhan names the proposed integrative model of psychotherapy Yoga and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (Y-MBCT). Unlike other models, Y-MBCT uses Yoga in its entirety (all eight limbs, including meditation) rather than piecemeal. The standardized and evidence-based format of Yoga meditation described in this book will help all aspiring Yoga practitioners and will hopefully also provide the impetus for multicenter research studies on the value of this ancient wisdom.

Knowing Illusion: Bringing a Tibetan Debate Into Contemporary Discourse

Knowing Illusion: Bringing a Tibetan Debate Into Contemporary Discourse
Author: The Yakherds
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 385
Release: 2021
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0197603629

"The two volumes of this study examine fundamental issues in Buddhist thought and practice, particularly the implications of the two truths (relative and ultimate). If, as Buddhist sources claim, all perceptions are overlaid with error, is it possible to have confidence in our knowledge of the world? If buddhas only perceive reality as it is, does this entail that they are incapable of relating to ordinary beings, who view their environment through a lens of false imaginings? Taktsang Sherap Rinchen, a 15th century Sakya scholar, explored the philosophical and practical ramifications of Madhyamaka antifoundationalism and accused Tsongkhapa, one of Tibet's most influential thinkers, of a fundamental incoherence that stems from an attempt to bring together the Epistemology tradition-which posits reliable epistemic instruments-and Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka-which rejects any attempt at foundationalism. Both Taktsang and Tsongkhapa claim to correctly interpret Nāgārjuna and Candrakīrti but draw vastly different conclusions from their respective readings. The controversy Taktsang sparked has its roots in Indian debates regarding the implications of the two truths. These were further developed in Tibet and engaged some of Tibet's best minds for centuries. Our study, the first book length discussion of this literature, situates it in philosophical perspective, drawing parallels with contemporary global philosophy, and it also draws out the implications of the debate for the entire Buddhist enterprise of making sense of the world and presenting a path capable of leading beings to buddhahood"--

Samadhi - The Forgotten Eden

Samadhi - The Forgotten Eden
Author: Santatagamana
Publisher:
Total Pages: 160
Release: 2019-05-28
Genre:
ISBN: 9781070417226

Samadhi. It's a mysterious word. But what is behind it? Is it only a fairytale or can you actually experience it? This book unveils the ancient art of how yogis and mystics had the keys to an unlimited reservoir of wisdom and power. It brings the timeless and forgotten wisdom of Samadhi into modern-day practicality. What you will find in the book: Rare Samadhi wisdom not found anywhere else. Instructions on how to access the full potential of consciousness to directly explore and experience Samadhi with anything you wish (physical or nonphysical objects, states, lifeforms or even Consciousness itself). How to bring the energy and insight of Samadhi into your body and mind, and integrate them into your life and spiritual journey. Real and direct first-hand knowledge--not from reading books or hearing stories. Disclosing the "active path" of Yogic Samyama and the "passive path" of Letting Go into Shunya Samadhi. The revelation of the arcane 8th Chakra and how to employ its capabilities through a powerful yogic practice. The truth about Mahasamadhi, the "final Samadhi." And much more. Samadhi will change your life forever. Do not neglect its power. It will transform the way you perceive and experience the world because you'll see what very few have seen: an unfathomed beauty, interconnectedness, and unity between all things in life. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable spiritual journey? True life begins with Samadhi--that's how you'll open the gates to the real Garden of Eden and taste the fruit of ancient and forgotten spiritual wisdom.