The Mechanisms of Meditation

Nobody knows exactly how different meditation techniques work. However deeper understanding of this problem was reached through study of the common aspect of all forms of meditation an object for focusing attention. Such a stimulus for concentration of attention is a main characteristic of all meditation processes.

The function of such an object is to open up a way for intuitive and non-egocentric type of thinking (which is related to the right hemisphere of brain) to dominate instead of currently dominating analytical and egocentric type of thinking (usually related to the left hemisphere of brain). An attention-focusing object provides an opportunity for that kind of a shift by overwhelming the left hemisphere with activity, which allows the right hemisphere to play a dominant role. You may ask, how can it be done? An attention-focusing object can overwhelm the left hemisphere by involving it into some kind of monotonous activity (such as focusing on mantra, candle flame, breath etc.). What's more continuous concentration of attention can overload and frustrate the left hemisphere of brain. It also happens when someone is meditating on paradoxical problems (like in Zen) or when one is involved in intensive physical activity (like Sufi dance or Tantra yoga)

The whole mechanism of processing information by brain changes when the attention-focusing object is used properly. When rational mind gets calmer and calmer the intuitive mind takes it's place. This intuitive mind leads to what I call absolute awareness. That is actually the ultimate goal of all meditation techniques.

This state of absolute awareness is called differently in different traditions. In Eastern traditions it's called Nirvana or Satori. It is also known more as Enlightenment. Those terms also can be translated as awareness of Being. There were also western people in the past who were very familiar with this state and they called it Super Consciousness of Cosmic Consciousness.

More and More researchers nowadays study the neurophysiological aspects of the absolute awareness state. The results they are getting are not final and not completely determined. But the common result of these studies shows that in this state of consciousness the EEG frequency drops and its amplitude increases significantly. It is so called alpha brain waves or alpha state. Those studies also confirm the fact that while meditation is taking place the right hemisphere of brain becomes dominant.

It is important to note that meditating and attaining the state of absolute awareness is not always the same thing. It needs to be understood also that meditation is a process or set of techniques that is used by meditators to reach the final goal, namely the state of absolute awareness.