This text is a replication of the dissertation submitted by Robert Keith Wallace in satisfaction of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.
During meditations O2 consumption, CO2 elimination, cardiac output, heart rate, and respiration rate significantly decreased, skin resistance significantly increased and the electroencephalogram showed specific changes in certain frequencies. Arterial blood pressure, pH and pCO2 decreased, PO2 increased insignificantly and arterial lactate decreased markedly during meditation. The results also remained after meditation. These results distinguish the state produced by
Transcendental meditation from commonly encountered states of
consciousness such as waking,
dreaming and
sleeping and altered states such as hypnosis and conditioning. They also suggest that
this form of meditation produces a fourth major state of consciousness which may have practical clinical applications. INTRODUCTION. PROCEDURE AND METHODS. RESULTS. DISCUSSION. APPLICATIONS OF TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION. PHILOSOPHY AND TECHNIQUE OF TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION.
As one experiences finer or more abstract layers of thought the energy and creative intelligence progressively becomes greater. The quality of any action of any individual is directly dependent upon the quality of that individual’s thought, that is,
if an individual is able to appreciate thought at a finer level and therefore use more of his thought or mental potentiality then he will act with greater efficiency, creativity, and clarity. The source of thought is a field of maximum potentiality and is essential constituent of all fields of existence. By regularly contacting this field an individual can unfold his full mental and creative potentialities. This process, easily and effortlessly, expands the conscious mind. The tendency of the mind is to move in the direction of experiences which bring greater happiness and enjoyment. Transcendental Meditation is practiced as a preparation for successful activity. Just as there are physiological changes which occur during the waking, dreaming, and sleep states of consciousness, likewise there are physiological changes which occur during the transcendental state. This concept is supported by the evidence given in this study.
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