--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Bhairitu <noozguru@...> wrote: > > On 07/13/2011 09:14 PM, sparaig wrote: > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Bhairitu<noozguru@> wrote: > >> On 07/13/2011 12:17 PM, sparaig wrote: > >>> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Bhairitu<noozguru@> wrote: > >>> [...] > >>>> You probably know that most brain wave research would say that deep > >>>> sleep would be the delta state which is possible to produce through > >>>> meditation too. Back in the 1970s I was part of a university study on > >>>> meditation and had an EEG test. The researcher was looking for alpha > >>>> waves but I produced theta. We now know that theta states (as well as > >>>> delta) are signs of deeper states of mediation. I don't know why the > >>>> movement keeps pushing alpha states. > >>>> > >>> The most consistent EEG changes during TM they have found are in the > >>> Alpha band in certain parts of the brain, especially during episodes of > >>> pure consciousness. There's no justifiable reason to "push" anything else. > >>> > >>> > >>> L. > >> Sure, because TM is only "yoga lite." :-D > >> > >> Just simple breathing exercises can produce alpha states. > >> > > WEll, yes. Simply closing the eyes can produce alpha states. > > > > There's alpha states and then there's alpha states. > > > > > > L. > > Really? How so? You mean there is "wiggle room"? :-D > > Why not just be honest and say that TM like other methods can produce > alpha states? Hang the marketing on other factors such as price. > Obviously if you're paying such a high price you MUST be getting a > superior technique. :-D >
There's always that point: we tend to hold on to something we value and if TM costs so much, it must be valuable. Of course, that doesn't explain why *I* still practice since even back then, $45 wasn't an overwhelming expense for me. Steep, but not outrageous. However, what I meant by "there's alpha and then there's alpha" is a reference to the specific pattern(s) that show up during TM, especially during the pure consciousness state. Those aren't so common in most people, including people that practice other forms of meditation (shamatha may or may not be an "other form" depending on who you learn it from). L.
