Heartfulness Meditation and the ANS Effects

Faculty of Peace Studies

• Study material details scientific studies of mind, matter, spirit, and consciousness.
• The university is located in Pune, India.
• The university is part of technology, research, social innovation and partnerships.
• The university has existed for four decades of educational excellence.

Quotes from Founders

• Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad: Believes peace can be established through a value-based universal education system that inspires giving back to society.
• Mr. Rahul V. Karad: Emphasizes that the university is committed to making MIT-WPU a world-class space of intellectual excellence, where reason, rationality, humanism, and learning are paramount. The university promotes yoga practices as part of its curriculum.

Index

• The provided study material covers introduction, evolution of consciousness, the subtle body, meditation and neuroscience, expansion of consciousness, Yogic psychology, and the concept of spirit/soul/self (Eastern philosophies of India).

Introduction

• As humans, we desire happiness and success.
• Science and technology have improved living standards, yet suffering remains prevalent.
• The document explores questions about fulfillment, purpose, relationships, creativity, happiness, and overcoming suffering.
• Why do we suffer? What is the purpose of life?
• How can we improve our lives?

Scientific Studies of Mind, Matter, Spirit and Consciousness

• The document explores the human desire for happiness and success.
• People increasingly seek wellness.
• Current research links meditation to benefits like reduced stress, improved sleep, enhanced emotional intelligence, and better relationships.
• Neuroimaging studies show how meditation affects genes and brain activity, potentially improving stress response.
• Meditation is becoming mainstream with yoga and relaxation practices offered by corporations, in workplaces globally.

Practical I - Relaxation

• Relaxation is the first practice in the Heartfulness method.
• It involves calming down physically and mentally, releasing tension, and focusing on inner experiences.
• The practice centers on the energy flow from the earth and cosmic realms, promoting deeper relaxation.
• The guided process involves relaxing body parts from toes to head.
• It aims to create calmness and receptivity before meditation.

Practical II - Meditation

• This section is about the art of meditation and its practice.
• Meditation is moving from thought to feeling.
• The focus on a single object of meditation.
• It helps in regulating the mind and emotions, shifting the mind towards stillness from constant thoughts.

Practical III - Cleaning

• Cleaning is an essential practice for achieving mental clarity.
• Cleaning involves eliminating mental impurities.
• It involves recognizing, acknowledging, and releasing accumulated emotions and patterns of thought.
• It aims to create a sense of inner peace and calm to better experience meditation.
• It deals with clearing negative habits, thoughts, and feelings from past impressions.

Practical IV - Guided Inner Connect

• The fourth major Heartfulness practice involves a guided prayer.
• It involves taking a moment to connect with the Source in a present moment, silent reflection.
• It is designed to help participants connect deeply and find their purpose.

Practical V - Guided Relaxation and Meditation

• The document discusses the process of meditation through a combination of guided relaxation and inner connect practices

Content Sections

• The material includes detailed descriptions of the evolution of consciousness.
• Descriptions of the three bodies (physical, subtle, causal).
• The three subtle bodies (consciousness (Chit), thinking and feeling (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahankar)
• The document explores meditation and its neuroscience implications, including brainwaves (Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta).

References, Further Studies

• The page includes various references, including links to relevant articles and videos on Heartfulness practices. These are resources for deeper learning and practice.