On Aug 2, 2011, at 2:47 PM, Xenophaneros Anartaxius wrote: > If we look at the field of meditation as viewed by science as a whole, it is > not at the point where either states of consciousness or health benefits can > be said to be properly defined or established. There is enough interest > however that it is hoped better quality experiments will be pursued.
A good, relatively balanced presentation X. However one key point you miss is that T M research has been plagued with fraud and data massaging problems, over a long period of time. Perhaps you read the latest review here by a veteran Ph.D. Cardiac study reviewer which found T M researchers misrepresenting their data? T M research is dropping off exponentially. No big deal, it's probably only the domer stoner hangers-on that will miss the quantum bullshit. On the other hand, Mindfulness brands of meditation started out so-so, but have steadily improved, including some ground-breaking research on clearly higher states of consciousness (outside of waking, dreaming and sleeping) and evidence of the reversal of aging at the cellular level by Nobel laureates. Mindfulness meditation is increasing at an exponential rate. That's a good thing, since large numbers of young scientists are showing real interest in research into more integrated states of consciousness - and thanks to linages with centuries of experience in producing and integrating them, the future looks quite bright. Now if we could just wean the world off its various fundamentalisms we may be alright. :-)
