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Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
434
Article
Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
Sona Ahuja*
Dayalbagh Educational Institute, India
Abstract
The effect of yoga and meditation on consciousness and mindfulness were examined comparing
beginners, intermediate, advanced meditators and a group of non-meditators. The three
experimental groups improved from pre-test to post-test compared to control group, highlighting
the benefits of yoga and meditation on consciousness and mindfulness. Consciousness of
advanced meditators was highest in comparison to other groups at pre-test. Consciousness and
mindfulness of beginners increased at a faster rate over time. Further, the effect of intervention
was examined on physical, emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual and self-consciousness. There
was significant increase in social and self-consciousness after 11 weeks of intervention whereas
physical and emotional consciousness increased significantly post intervention which was for 20
weeks. Although there was increase in cognitive and spiritual consciousness but it was not
significant. A longer duration of practice may prove helpful for betterment of these faculties.
Key Words: Yoga, meditation, physical consciousness, emotional consciousness, mental
consciousness, social consciousness, self-consciousness, spiritual consciousness.
Introduction
Consciousness has been discussed in the last century from varied perspectives ranging from
general to domain specific viz. self-consciousness, spiritual consciousness, emotional
consciousness, etc. It has become a significant topic of research by neuro-scientists and cognitive
scientists in recent years. While the science of consciousness in ancient India as given in Vedas
and Upanishads dates back to second millennia B.C.; it is over the past 50 years or so there has
been considerable interest in the modern science in the West, in terms of cognitive psychology
and neuro-science (neuro-physiology or neuro-medicine) in studying the consciousness
(Satsangi, 2010). Neuro-scientists relate consciousness to the brain whereas in modern scientific
psychology, the mind is largely equated with consciousness. There is also scientific and
philosophical research into the nature and basis of consciousness (Baars, Banks& Newman,2003;
Chalmers, 1996; Crick, 1984; Dennett, 1992). Philosophers sometimes use the technical term
‘qualia’ to refer to the subjective texture of experience (Dennett, 1988; Chalmers, 1996).
Psychologists also claim that consciousness is a subjective experience (Brazdau& Mihai, 2011;
Charlton, 2000).
In the past decades, attempts have been made to psychological theorizing of this concept,
identifying research methods to define and assess consciousness and to apply statistical methods
*Correspondence:Sona Ahuja, PhD, Dayalbagh Educational Institute,India. sonaahujadei@gmail.com
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
435
to quantify it. The subjective knowledge of human sentient entities, if based on facts and correct
application of indicative reasoning, should not, even in the abstract, be, relegated to the category
of illusions(Satsangi, 2013).The conscious processes can be operationally defined and it has been
proved that consciousness can be researched as a variable (Baars, Banks, Newman, 2003;
Brazdau& Mihai, 2011). The present scenario of research in consciousness reflects attempts to
find the neural and psychological correlates of consciousness.The factors influencing
consciousness and factors influenced by consciousness are being studied. In laboratory settings,
neuro-scientists are also making efforts to study consciousness of meditators.Meditation holds an
important place in experimental framework of consciousness research as it is believed to trigger
altered states of consciousness (Lutz, Dunne, & Davidson, 2007;Thompson, 2006; Varela,
Thompson, &Rosch, 1999).Scientific interest in meditation also reflect a recent shift in cognitive
science toward viewing the integration of consciousness and first-person experience as a
valuable object of scientific investigation(Braboszcz, Hahusseau, Delorme, 2010). When
meditative awareness deepens—with aid of meditation and other practices (Goleman, 1988)—
altered states and psychic phenomena become more common (Wade,1996).There are different
types of meditative practices but self-regulation of attention is the most common among all of
them. In the West, the word meditation means a concentrated state of mind in serious
reflection.In the East, however, meditation does not mean thinking at all but fixing the mind in a
spiritual ideal, to be one with it, or the thought-process dissolving in the consciousness of it. The
effect of various meditational practices including transcendental meditation, mindfulness,
focused attention, loving kindness meditation, etc. is studied on different domains.
In eastern philosophy, yoga is associated with meditation for spiritual practices.Yoga is a
commonly known generic term for physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines which originated in
ancient India.In a national survey, long-term yoga practitioners in the United States reported
musculo–skeletal and mental health improvements (Birdee, Legedza, Saper, Bertisch, Eisenberg,
and Philips,2008). By practicing yoga, a person is supposed to reach a state of mental
equanimity, where responses to favorable or unfavorable external events are well under the
individual’s control, and responses are moderate in intensity. The science of yoga is a powerful
stream of knowledge, which enables the practitioners to achieve radiant physical health, serene
mind, continues spiritual uplift, and creates the ability for harmonious social living
(Telles,Nagrathna&Nagendra, 1998).Cognitive behavioural therapy and yoga is reported to
significantly reduce the stress levels (Granath, Ingvarsson, von Thiele & Lundberg 2006; Smith,
Shelley, Dalen, Wiggins, Tooley, and Bernard 2008).Yoga can effectively improve memory after
6 months of practice, along with psychophysiological measurements related to anxiety,
depression and stress in healthy subjects (Rocha, Ribeiro, Rocha, Sousa, Albuquerque, Ribeiro,
Silva, 2012).Dunn, Hartigan andMikulas (1999) compared OM and Focused Attention practices
with a relaxation control: each produced ‘unique frequency patterns,’ suggesting that they
represent different forms of consciousness, not simply degrees of relaxation.
There have been a number of studies focused on reduction in stress levels, increased processing
capacity of visual system, attention regulation and other beneficial effects of yoga and
meditation. None of these studies look specifically at the effect these practices have on
consciousness, with experimental control.Consciousness may also be influenced by yoga and
meditation. This hypothesis is tested in the present study.With the advancement of research in
psychology and consciousness studies, consciousness of meditators can be studied using
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
436
psychometric tools.Brazdau(2008) introduced Consciousness Quotient (CQ) Theory and
developed Consciousness Quotient Inventory (Brazdau, 2009). This is a new concept in
researching consciousness as a variable. The psychometric properties of this inventory (CQ-i)
was further established (Brazdau, 2012). Consciousness Quotient, along with a psychological
and anthropological perspective allows the measurement of consciousness quotient(Brazdau,
2008).
Satsangi (2012) proposed HOT Consciousness – SCANE correlates, where HOT stands not for
Higher Order Thought (Gennaro, 2012) but Hierarchical Order Theory of Consciousness and
SCANE stand for Spiritual-Cognitive and Neural-Environmental Correlates. This theory is based
on spiritual system modeling in cosmology which is generalization to physical system theory
(Satsangi, 2006). These theoretical model predictions are scientifically verified using Fuzzy
Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) (Satsangi & Sahni,
2012). It is consistent with the modern science. The meditational practices of oriental philosophy
of Saints or cosmology of Radhasoami Faith is based on this systemic analytic framework for
hierarchization of consciousness.
The present study examined whether the experimental intervention of yoga and meditation based
on Hierarchical Order Theory of Consciousness, increased consciousness. To further assess the
impact of intervention, it was examined whether the intervention had any effect on self-reported
mindfulness. This approach allows the additional investigation of relation between mindfulness
and consciousness.
Method
Participants
Sixty participants took part in the experiment. The participants were applicants of yoga and
meditation program offered for twenty weeks. Consent was sought from the applicants for the
intervention. The age-range of the participants was 17 to 70 years (M=38.82, SD=11.64)Four
groups of 20 each were formed including, 3 experimental groups and one control. The groups did
not differ with respect to gender (11males and 9females in each group).Experimental group had
three set of subjects as stratified samples viz., pre-initiates(beginners) - those who were not
trained for any meditational practices prior to experiment, first initiates (intermediate meditators)
- those who were trained for contemplation of divine form at the seat of spirit(between two eyes),
second initiates (advanced meditators) - those who were trained for sound practice which
consists in concentrating attention at the seat of the spirit and establishing contact with the
current of Sabda or mystic word.
Intervention
The experiment was in the form of practice of yoga and meditation for 20 weeks. The practice
sessions (one hour) were held on weekdays in the evening for three days a week under the
guidance of experienced practitioner. These were conducted by yoga instructor with 10 years of
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
437
experience and a facilitator with 30 years of experience in teaching meditation. Each day, the
programme commenced with a brief 15 minutes lecture covering different topics to reinforce the
subjects for meditation. The topics included body, mind, spirit and consciousness; cosmology;
spiritual awakening; nerve centres, chakras, kamals and padmas; attunement with spiritual
sounds; main object of meditation and ways to establish contact with the source of spirituality.
This was followed by yoga. Seven yogasanas were included in the intervention programme for
relaxation Siddhasan, Sarvangasan, Bhujangasan, Paschimottanasan, Padahastasan,
Ardhamatsyendrasan and Shavasan. These asanas were selected for relaxation and preparation of
body for meditation. After yogasana, the practice of meditation was modeled on practices of
oriental philosophy of Saints (Radhasoami Faith). These meditational practices are based on
Hierarchical Order Theory of Consciousness(Satsangi, 2013).
Materials and Procedure
The multiple measure design was used as detailed in Table 1. Consciousness Quotient Inventory
(CQ-i) was administered in pre-test, mid test and post-test. The CQ-i (Brazdau, 2012) evaluates
the global consciousness level of an individual. The construct of CQ-i is based on 6 factors:
Physical Consciousness Emotional Consciousness, Cognitive Consciousness, Spiritual
Consciousness, Social – Relational Consciousness, Self-Consciousness; and also provides a
general consciousness quotient. The secondary factors of CQ-i are internal state awareness, self-
reflectiveness, mindfulness, autonomy, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose
in life, verbal expression, and openness toward new experiences. The inventory has 62 items,
with the responses evaluated on a six point equal appearing type Likert Scale ranging from
1(strongly disagree) to 6(strongly agree). It has 8 reverse items. The reliability analysis of tool,
has a more than satisfactory internal consistency (N=62, Cronbach’s Alpha =.920). CQ-i does
not measure consciousness directly, but through inference from behaviours and applied life
principles that are indicators for conscious awareness experience (Brazdau, 2013).
The Frieburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) was used to assess mindfulness of participants.
FMIis a 14-item inventory that measures the experience of mindfulness (Walach, Bucheld,
Buttenmuller, Kleinknecht, & Schmidt, 2006).It is a psychometricallyvalid instrument with high
internal consistency, Cronbach alpha = .93 (Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Krietemeyer, & Toney, 2007).
Each item is rated on a four-point scale ranging from 1(rarely) to 4(always). Higher scores on
FMI indicate a greater degree of mindfulness. FMI was administered at the end of Phase I and
Phase II as mentioned in Table 1.
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
438
Table 1. Overview of Procedure
Stage of the Study
Activity
Timing
Pre-intervention
Pre-test measure
(CQ-i)
After seeking consent from participants to
participate in the study
Phase I
Practice of Yoga and
Meditation/ control
condition
Three days a week
(one hour each day - for 11 weeks)
Mid test measures
(CQ-i, FMI)
After 11 weeks of Practice of Yoga and
Meditation
Phase II
Practice of Yoga and
Meditation/control
condition
Three days a week
(one hour each day)
for 9 weeks
Post-intervention
Post test measure
(CQ-i, FMI)
After 20 weeks of intervention
Results
Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version16.0.The p values are
reported for all effects and effect sizes are reported as d, r calculated from t, z values respectively
and eta-squared for F-value (Fritz, Morris and Richler, 2012).
Consciousness Quotient Inventory
The consciousness scores over three measures are presented in Table 2. The analysis of scores on
baseline measure shows there were no differences between experimental and control group
(t=1.07, p=.28). A major purpose of this study was to examine the effect of yoga and meditation
on consciousness over time. There was effect of experiment over time, F(2, 36) = 3.37, p = .038,
= .06 and no change in control group, F<1.
The experimental group improved from pre-test to mid-test (t=3.400, p=.002, d= 0.55). The
improvement in this group was also observed in post-test (t = 3.135, p=.003, d = 0.51) from the
baseline measure (Fig. 1). The control group showed no significant difference from initial scores
to mid-test measure (t= 0.58, p=.567) and to post-test measure (t=.021, p=.983).
Table 2.Consciousness scores over repeated measures
Group
Pre-test
Mid-test
Post-test
M
SD
M
SD
M
SD
Control
270.30
24.99
272.90
23.22
270.20
27.96
Experimental
261.11
34.39
278.93
30.13
278.64
33.69
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
439
Figure 1.Consciousness scores of experimental and control group over repeated
measures. The error bars represent standard errors. * p = .002 and # p = .003
compared to baseline measure.
For experimental group, the participants’ meditation training before intervention could
potentially affect results. Hence stratified random assignment was done to control this variable.
The mean scores of these groups are presented in Table3. The strata-wise gain in scores over
time is reflected in fig. 2. The analysis shows that post intervention there is significant increase
in consciousness of pre-initiates (z = 2.04, p = .041, r = .58) and first initiates (z=2.35, p = .01,
r = .71). Although there is increase in mean consciousness scores of second initiates but the
difference is not significant, z = 1.42, p = .15.
Table 3.Strata-wise Means (standard deviations) of consciousness scores over repeated measures
Pre-test
Mid-test
Post-test
Pre-initiates
241.75 (39.59)
267.75 (29.02)
264.25 (29.13)
First initiates
262.62 (26.30)
278.46 (27.49)
279.62 (26.05)
Second initiates
280.45 (26.87)
289.82 (32.73)
293.18 (41.73)
240
245
250
255
260
265
270
275
280
285
290
Pre-test Mid-test Post-test
Mean Consciousness Scores
Experimental Group Control Group
#
*
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
440
Figure 2. Gain in consciousness scores over pre-test, mid-test and post test of pre-
initiates, first initiates and second Initiates. Error bars reflect the standard errors.
# p <.05 compared to baseline measure.
In order to find the change in specific dimension of consciousness as a result of experiment, the
scores were analyzed dimension-wise (Table 4).There is significant increase in consciousness
scores for some dimensions from pre-test to post-test (Fig. 3). The difference in mean
consciousness score in pre-test and post test is not significant for mental consciousness (t= 0.76,
p=.45) and spiritual consciousness (t=0.63, p=.52). There is significant increase in scores of
social consciousness (t=3.53, p=.001, r =.73) and self consciousness (t=2.56, p=.015, d = .47)
from pretest to mid-test. Also, the difference in scores is significant from pretest to posttest for
social consciousness(t=4.56, p=.000, d = .80) and self consciousness (t=3.11, p=.004, d =
.61).The difference in pretest and mid-test scores is not significant for physical consciousness
(t=1.87, p=.070) and emotional consciousness (t=1.88, p=.070). There is significant gain in the
scores of physical consciousness (t=2.28, p=.029, d = .43) and emotional consciousness (t=2.57,
p=.015, d = .36) from pre-test to post-test.
Table 4.Means (standard deviations) of consciousness scores for different dimensions
Dimensions of
Consciousness
Pre-test
Mid-test
Post-test
M (SD)
M (SD)
M (SD)
Physical
33.44 (5.68)
35.78 (6.54)
35.97 (6.00)
Emotional
42.08 (6.18)
44.08 (5.22)
44.36 (6.28)
Mental
37.50 (6.07)
39.67 (6.43)
38.69 (8.65)
Spiritual
57.81 (9.58)
59.44 (9.32)
58.69 (10.13)
Social
38.89 (6.47)
43.78 (6.85)
44.19 (6.67)
Self
51.39 (9.90)
55.61 (7.79)
56.72 (7.23)
150
175
200
225
250
275
300
325
350
Pre-test Mid-test Post-test
Gain
Pre-Initiates First Initiates Second Initiates
#
#
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
441
Figure 3. Dimension-wise mean consciousness scores of experimental group in pre-test,
mid-test and post test. Error bars reflect the standard errors. * p<.001 compared to
baseline measure. # p<.05 compared to baseline measure.
The analysis of scores on FMI in two phases is presented in Table 5. The first phase was 11
weeks of yoga and meditation practice and second phase was 20 weeks of intervention.
The difference in mean scores on FMI of control group in phase I and phase II is not significant
(t= 0.72, p=.48). There is significant difference in mindfulness scores of experimental group in
Phase I and Phase II (t = 2.41, p=.021, d = 0.35). Fig.4 reveals that there is effect of experiment
on mindfulness (t= 2.16, p =.036, d = 0.59).
Table 5.Mindfulness scores of participants
Group
Phase I
Phase II
M
SD
M
SD
Control
39.05
4.66
39.65
4.44
Experimental
40.44
6.687
42.56
5.43
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Physical
Consciousness
Emotional
Consciousness
Mental
Consciousness
Spiritual
Consciousness
Social
Consciousness
Self Consciousness
Mean Consciousness Scores
Pre-test Mid-test Post-test
#
*
#
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
442
Figure 4.Mean scores of experimental and control Group on Freiburg’s Mindfulness
Inventory (FMI). Error bars reflect the standard errors. * p<.05 compared to phase I.
# p<.05 compared to control group.
Table 6 presents strata-wise mindfulness scores. There is significant difference in the scores on
FMI of pre-initiates in Phase I and Phase II (z=1.99, p = .046, r = .29).The difference in
mindfulness scores of first and second initiates is not statistically significant.Fig.5 reveals that
although there was notable difference in mindfulness of pre-initiates from first and second
initiates in phase I of experiment, but in phase II this difference has reduced to a considerable
extent.
Table 6.Strata-wise Means (standard deviations) of mindfulness scores
Group
Phase I
Phase II
M (SD)
M (SD)
Pre-Initiates
37.91 (6.00)
41.09 (4.39)
First Initiates
39.67 (7.18)
42.07 (5.44)
Second Initiates
44.40 (5.21)
44.90 (6.19)
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Experimental Group Control Group
Mean Scores on FMI
Phase I
Phase II
*
#
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
443
Figure 5.Mean scores on FMI of pre-Initiates, first initiates and second initiates in
phase I and phase II of experiment. Error bars reflect standard errors. * p<.05 as
compared to phase I. # p<.05 compared to second initiates.
Further, to examine the relationship between mindfulness and consciousness a correlational
approach was employed. The analysis reveals that mindfulness scores are positively correlated to
all dimensions of consciousness. There is significant correlation of mindfulness scores with
mental consciousness (r= 0.43, p = .009), social consciousness (r = 0.39, p = .019), self
consciousness (r= 0.35, p = .040) and spiritual consciousness (r= 0.34, p = .045). The correlation
of mindfulness scores with physical consciousness (r = 0.15, p = .393) and emotional
consciousness (r = 0.26, p = .125) is not significant. The overall scores of mindfulness and
consciousness have significant correlation (r = 0.44, p = .036).
Discussion
In summary, the results of the study indicate that the practice of yoga and meditation increased
the consciousness and mindfulness of individuals. Importantly, the practice has considerable
effect on all dimensions of consciousness over time. The impact is more and relatively
immediate on social and self-consciousness. Thus, an individual becomes more aware about self
as a person and is able to connect oneself with others. Also, initially after ten weeks of practice,
the practitioners did not show significant change in physical and emotional consciousness but
there was significant increase in these dimensions of consciousness after 20 weeks of practice of
yoga and meditation. Though the difference in mental and spiritual consciousness was not
significant even after 20 weeks, but there was increase in these dimensions also. A longer
duration of practice may have significant effect on mental and spiritual consciousness. Further,
the naïve practitioners showed significant gain in consciousness scores after practice of 20 weeks
in comparison to those who had exposure to the practice of yoga and meditation. It may be
possible that for more gain in consciousness scores, regular practice at length is required. The
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Pre-Initiates First Initiates Second Initiates
Mean Scores on FMI
Phase I
Phase II
*
#
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
444
study highlights that the practice of yoga and meditation is more effective for pre-initiates who
are not trained for any meditational practice. The consciousness of experienced practitioners also
increased considerably with the regular practice of yoga and meditation.
These findings corroborate the results of previous studies that report meditation promotes both
physical and mental wellbeing and contributes to the development of positive emotional traits
(Brown & Ryan, 2003). The regular yoga practice is reported to improve aspects of cognition
and quality of life for healthy individuals (Rocha, et al., 2012). The workers reported feeling
happier, with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for their life and work after eight weeks of
meditation training and practice (Davidson & Lutz, 2008). Meditation effects are conceptualized
as a function of the cognitive-attentional processes that are engaged (Austin, 2006; Bishop et al.,
2004). Also, in line with the results of present study, it has been reported that experienced
meditators generally score higher than novices on most attention measures, including selective
(Hodgins and Adair, 2010), executive (Moore and Malinowski, 2009) and sustained attention
(Jha, Krompinger and Baime, 2007). Researchers looking at individuals engaging in Focussed
Attention meditation found that expert practitioners with an average of 19,000 practice hours
displayed more activation in the brain regions than novices, while those with 44 000 hours of
practice showed less (Brefczynski-Lewis, Lutz, Schaefer, Levinson & Davidson, 2007).
Further, the correlational analysis indicate that high levels of mental, spiritual, social and self-
consciousness are correlated to high level of mindfulness. These results support the hypothesis
that mindfulness would correlate positively with consciousness. Mindfulness is inherently a state
of consciousness(Brown and Ryan, 2003).
Conclusion
The objective of the study was to examine the effect of yoga and meditation on six dimensions of
consciousness of naïve and experienced practitioners in comparison to non-practitioners.The
improvement in different dimensions of consciousness showed in this study and effect of yoga
and meditation as reported in other researches account for amelioration in cognitive functions
and consciousness as a whole. The findings are very optimistic in that meditation practice can
alter an individual’s social, self, physical and emotional consciousness setting towards the
positive, which may then become default state. Although the further investigation is required
separating out the effect of both the practices on consciousness and mindfulness.
Acknowledgements: I am highly grateful to Prof. P.S.Satsangi, Chairman, Academic Committee on
Education, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, for his incessant guidance throughout this research. I present
my gratitude to Coordinator, Centre for Consciousness Studies for his co-operation to conduct this
research and to Prof. P.Sriramamurti, Advisor, Centre for Consciousness Studies for co-ordinating the
intervention.
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research| June 2014 | Volume 5 | Issue 5 | pp. 434-447
Ahuja, S., Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness
ISSN: 2153-8212
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research
Published by QuantumDream, Inc.
www.JCER.com
445
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