“It’s like a charge – either fuses you or burns you out”: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of extreme mental states in meditation context
Mental Health Religion & Culture November 26, 2017 Justina Kaselionyte, A. Gumley 7 citations
Extreme mental states during meditation, sometimes labeled psychosis or spiritual emergency, are interpreted differently across spiritual traditions. Three meditation teachers from distinct philosophical traditions described these states' phenomenology, explained their nature according to their own traditions, and discussed supportive approaches. Having a spiritual teacher for guidance was considered significant. The findings suggest that acknowledging diverse understandings and cultivating a non-judgmental attitude could improve collaboration between clinicians and meditation teachers to support individuals experiencing such states.