Mindfulness and devotion in Tantric Yoga: evidence of a strong trait association

Devotion in Tantric Yoga meditation is strongly linked to trait mindfulness, more so than to mysticism, self-actualization, or positive and negative affect. In a cross-sectional study of practitioners, trait mindfulness was the only variable that predicted devotion, even after accounting for age. This connection may stem from both secular mindfulness and traditional Buddhist and bhakti (devotional) practices emphasizing a one-pointed focus of attention.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Meditation research has focused primarily on secular forms of mindfulness meditation rather than spiritual forms of meditation, and rarely on devotion in meditation. This study sought to gain broader understanding of the psychological characteristics (mindfulness, mysticism, self-actualization, positive affect and negative affect) and practice characteristics (minutes per day and years of practice) that are associated with devotion within a form of Tantric Yoga meditation. A cross-sectional correlational research design was used to examine questionnaire responses to standardized psychological tests, and information concerning meditation practice. Devotion was found to have the strongest partial correlations (age removed) with trait mindfulness, and trait mindfulness was the only variable to predict devotion in an exploratory multiple regression. This strong relationship between devotion and trait mindfulness may arise from the shared value of developing a one-pointed focus of attention within secular and traditional Buddhist practices, and within the bhakti (devotional) meditation practices of Tantric Yoga.