On Dec 17, 2008, at 8:34 PM, yifuxero wrote:
---Flaw in your reasoning: By allowing the mind to withdraw, as you
say, the nervous system is allowed slow down and relax into a deeper
state of rest; compared with meditation techniques that actively
engage the senses on objects during meditation.
Check out the movie "Monks In the Lab" (and it's related research).
It's remarkable in not only that it was the first time, since the
50's, that they replicated deep samadhi in introspected Patanjali
yogins, but also that they weren't overtly introverting. In fact the
yogis reduced their metabolism 60 some percent! Compare that to
relaxation response style meditative results, like TM and you're only
about 1% different from napping (11% napping; 12 or so % TM). The -60%
people HAD THEIR EYES (partially) OPEN!
...like "stoned" Shiva (Shiva with blood-shot eyes).
You CAN go into low metabolism samadhis by introspecting, but there's
currently no evidence of really low metabolic rates in TM or TM-style
meditation. It's not a "deeper state of rest" as you claim. It's
relatively superficial.
So I think the flaw is in your reasoning. :-)
Sri Chinmoy used to have his disciples meditate with the eyes open
so people wouldn't tend to fall asleep. That strategy has the same
drawback as other techniques that don't allow the senses to become
disengaged in outer perceptions.
:-)
