Greater Activation of Each Brain Hemisphere

Tasks that require analytic cognitive skills (verbal and mathematical tasks) involve greater activity of the left hemisphere of the brain; tasks that require spatial ability involve greater activity of the right hemisphere of the brain. Electroencephalographic research shows that those who practice the Transcendental Meditation^® technique display, outside of the meditation period, greater lateralization (hemisphere-appropriate activation) of brain functioning suitable to the given task. When performing analytic tasks, participants in the Transcendental Meditation program show a greater ratio of activation of the left hemisphere than controls; and for spatial tasks, they show a greater ratio of activation of the right hemisphere (39).

These findings indicate more flexible functioning of the whole cortex, in which diverse cortical areas are more capable of active involvement, as required by the task.

Integration of diverse styles of brain functioning associated with experience of higher states of consciousness

A characteristic of higher states of consciousness developed thorough the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi^® programs is the experience of Transcendental Consciousness maintained outside of the meditation period, including during deep sleep.

Individuals reporting the experience of Transcendental Consciousness during night sleep displayed EEG activity in theta/alpha frequencies, which is associated with restful alertness, together with delta frequency EEG activity, which is characteristic of deep sleep (40). This finding indicates a profound natural integration of diverse styles of brain functioning.

Greater Involvement of Each
Hemisphere of the Brain in Cognitive Functioning
Through Transcendental Meditation

Participants in the Transcendental Meditation program showed greater activation of the appropriate hemisphere of the brain (lateralization) for both analytic tasks (left hemisphere) and for spatial tasks (right hemisphere). This means that among those who practice Transcendental Meditation, both hemispheres of the brain respond more flexibly and dynamically to task, as needed.

Reference:
Psychophysiology  14: 293–296, 1977.

References for this Page

(39) Psychophysiology 14: 293–296, 1977.
(40) Sleep 20: 102–110, 1997.

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