Understanding Relationship between Mystical Experiences and Yoga-based Personality Traits in Meditators, Patients with Psychosis, and Psychedelic Users: A Cross-sectional Study

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Data from previous psychedelic trials suggests that the intensity of mystical experiences positively impacts treatment outcomes. However, not many conceptual frameworks are available to measure how this seems to be the case. According to Yogic and Buddhist philosophies, Kleshas are considered obstacles to self-realization, inner peace, and liberation. Using validated questionnaires, we accessed Kleshas (Asmita (As), Raga (Rg), Dvesha(Dv), and Abhinivesha(Ab)); Yogic Modes of Consciousness (Jagrata(A), Swapna(U), and Nidhra(M)); and Guna based personality traits (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) of those who had mystical experiences on psychedelics or otherwise. Understanding the relationship between mystical experiences and yoga-based personality traits (Kleshas, Gunas, and yogic modes of consciousness) through a cross-sectional study. After approval from the Departmental Ethics Committee, details about the study were published in various online platforms. After informed consent, data was collected using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at our Institute. MEQ 30, YMOCS (Yogic Modes of Consciousness Scale),* Kleshas Scale, VPI(Vedic Personality Inventory), and BPA (Brief Prakriti Assessment) were administered. Psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed by two independent psychiatrists in the department. MEQ 30 Score ≥ 90 was kept as a cutoff in line with previous studies. Out of the 134 participants who started the study, 55 completed the questionnaires. 46 candidates satisfied the MEQ cut off. Out of which 35 individuals had used psychedelics in the past. 5 individuals had mystical experiences naturally and 6 had the same while doing meditations. Among them we have found statistically significant negative correlations between MEQ Total Scores to As-Tamasic ( P = .03), Dv ( P = 0.019), Ab ( P = .005), and VPI- Rajas ( P = .042); Factor 1(Mystical) with As-T ( P = .009), Dv ( P = .025), Ab ( P = 0.017) and VPI-R ( P = .032); Factor 2 (Positive mood) with Dv ( P = .012) and Ab ( P = .015); Factor 3 (Transcendence of time and space) with Ab ( P = .014) and VPI-R ( P = .047). Positive correlation was observed between As- Gunateeta scores and F2 ( P = .024). Psychedelic users who practice some form of meditation( n =22) had significantly lower YMOCS -U ( P = .025), As- T ( P = .015), and Ab ( P = .033) compared to those who doesn’t ( n =17). Those who are currently diagnosed with a mental health condition ( n =15), had significantly higher scores of VPI -R ( P = .005) and VPI- T ( P =.001); and higher scores of BPS- Kapha scores ( P = .033). Among the 33 candidates who practices some form of meditations psychedelic experienced meditators( n =22) had significantly lower Ab Scores compared to psychedelic naïve. ( P = .045). Those who have used only Serotonergic substances( n =14) had higher YMOCS- U scores ( P = .03) compared to those who had in addition used DMT derivatives( n =22). Significant correlations were observed between MEQ scores and Factor scores with Yoga based personality traits. This Yogic framework could be crucial in developing a psychotherapy module for Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy in the Indian population.