Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
January 1, 2022
Vinod D. Deshmukh
4 citations
A neurologist draws on personal journal observations and a review of neuroscience to explore the nature of self, self-consciousness, and the experience of a peaceful, transparent mind. The author argues that self-aware experience is singular, nonspecific, and multimodal, with deep roots in human development and evolution, which is guided by both external signals and internal self-organization. The sense of self has subjective and objective aspects, and understanding it better through an affective rather than cognitive approach is proposed. The article connects these ideas to descriptions of the Atman in Upanishads, Vedanta, Yoga, and Buddhism, suggesting that the wholeness of spontaneous peaceful being can be actualized.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
January 1, 2026
G. Raj, Hemant Bhargav
1 citation
Among 46 people who had a mystical experience (35 from psychedelics, 5 naturally, 6 during meditation), higher mystical experience scores correlated with lower scores on several yoga-based personality traits considered obstacles to inner peace: Asmita-Tamasic, Dvesha, Abhinivesha, and VPI-Rajas. Positive mood during the experience correlated with higher Asmita-Gunateeta scores. Psychedelic users who meditated had lower scores on Swapna consciousness, Asmita-Tamasic, and Abhinivesha than those who did not meditate. People with a current mental health diagnosis scored higher on VPI-Rajas and VPI-Tamas and on Kapha constitution. The findings suggest a yogic framework could inform psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in India.
Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies
July 1, 2025
P. Kannan, S. Purohit
Yantra Meditation, rooted in ancient Vedic and Yogic traditions, uses sacred geometry to represent cosmic interconnectedness and foster inner harmony. A multidisciplinary textual analysis of Yogic and Tantric scriptures suggests that this practice may enhance attention, emotional regulation, cognitive performance, and self-awareness. By integrating this culturally grounded method with contemporary educational needs, Yantra Meditation could offer a straightforward way to support students' overall development and promote a balanced learning environment.