Heartfulness Meditation: A Yogic and Neuroscientific Perspective
Annelies Van’t Westeinde, K. Patel
Frontiers in Psychology May 10, 2022 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.806131 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Heartfulness meditation combines Pranahuti (yogic Transmission) during meditation with a practice called Cleaning, both enabled by initiation. These features distinguish it from other meditation systems. This paper describes the practices, their philosophical basis, and possible mechanisms of action based on research from other traditions, concluding with suggestions for future study.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Heartfulness meditation is distinguished by Pranahuti and Cleaning practices, which may have unique effects on human body and mind. |
Abstract
Today, as research into the contemplative sciences is being widely referenced, the research community would benefit from an understanding of the Heartfulness method of meditation. Heartfulness offers an in-depth experiential practice focused on the evolution of human consciousness using the ancient technique of Pranahuti (yogic Transmission) during Meditation, in combination with the more active mental practice of “Cleaning.” Both are enabled by initiation into the Heartfulness practices. These unique features distinguish Heartfulness from other paths that have been described in the scientific literature thus far. In this introductory paper, we present the Heartfulness practices, the philosophy upon which the practices are based, and we reflect on the putative mechanisms through which Heartfulness could exert its effects on the human body and mind in the light of scientific research that has been done in other meditation systems. We conclude with suggestions for future research on the Heartfulness way of meditation.