I was very excited about an article on that appeared on Smithsonian.com this month, entitled, “Researches: World’s Happiest Man is a Tibetan Monk (and PhD Geneticist).”
The article is relevant to this blog because it addresses one of the most important and holiest acts I promote here: meditation.
Before we get into the meat of the article, I want to pose an important question to you: Could meditation truly be a path to God and heaven? Please keep this question simmering in the back of your mind as you read the information below. You may just have an ah-ha moment!
The article…
Neuroscientists at the University of Wisconsin have found something extraordinary in the brain of a geneticist named Matthieu Ricard. His brain has produced gamma waves on a level “never before reported in neuroscience.” For researchers, this is big news; the results promoted neuroscientists to conclude that Matthieu was a very happy man. So happy, in fact, that some believe he is almost immune to negativity!
What’s the secret to Matthieu’s conscious success? You guessed it. Meditation! I should also mention that Matthieu doesn’t just have a PhD in genetics; he’s also a Tibetan monk.
The article did have some shortcomings. Although it brings new exposure to the fact that meditation is an extremely valuable exercise for happiness and overall emotional health, it fails to discuss just how important gamma brain waves are for elevated states of consciousness and how all this relates to spiritual bliss.
Naturally I decided to elaborate for you.
The gamma brain wave state of consciousness is synonymous with extreme mental acuity. In addition, gamma brainwaves produce feelings of bliss. They almost work as a sort of an anti-depressant, boosting empathy and compassion. There are many physical benefits to this heightened state of consciousness as well.
To break it down for you a little more, let’s look at some brainwave frequencies that we all exhibit during a typical 24-hour period:
Delta: 0.5Hz – 4Hz Deep Sleep
Theta: 4Hz – 8Hz Drowsiness
Alpha: 8Hz-14Hz Relaxed but alert
Beta: 14Hz – 30Hz Highly alert and focused
So what about Gamma? Some neuroscientists consider gamma frequency to begin at 24Hz and do not really distinguish it from Beta. But this is all changing. Most would agree that at the high end of beta brain waves, precognition, clarity, and perception is acute. But now many neuroscientists are jumping on the bandwagon and looking more into Gamma frequency because studies on long-term mediators has shown profound results: during explosions of high-level information processing, your brain is operating in the Gamma state which is more along the lines of 40Hz.
The article from Smithsonian.com didn’t mention what Matthieu Ricard’s brain frequency in hertz was, but I am willing to bet it was above 40. By the way, you can read that article HERE.
So what’s really so special about gamma brain waves?
I quote Wikipedia:
“Experiments on Tibetan Buddhist monks have shown a correlation between transcendental mental states and gamma waves…Neuroscientist Sean O’Nuallain suggests that this very existence of synchronized gamma indicates that something akin to a singularity—or, to be more prosaic, a conscious experience–is occurring. This work adduces experimental and simulated data to show that what meditation masters have in common is the ability to put the brain into a state in which it is maximally sensitive.”
Thus a brain operating in the gamma wave frequency is super attentive to whatever it’s focused on in that moment of time. Have you ever considered that most humans miss half of their lives because they lack this kind of mental acuity! Thus it is safe to assume that contentment, happiness, and bliss are increased when the state of the mind is elevated! It would also be fair to state that these kinds of brain states help to metaphorically crucify the lower animal nature in man.
You will find some information across the web that claims kundalini energy begins moving through the body when the brain is operating in the gamma range, especially above the 60Hz mark. I cannot confirm this information, nor do I care to. I am not worried about exact numbers. I am more concerned with the profound effect that meditation—especially on long time practitioners—has on our body and state of consciousness. Is it any wonder that the Bible has to say so much about it?
I am now going to propose to you that the Biblical concept of heaven is really more about a highly conscious state on this earth rather than a place the saved go to when they die. In my next article, I plan on proving this to you with some of Jesus’ teachings on how to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Final thoughts
So if the brain really is a transceiver of consciousness, it makes sense that this holy temple must be optimized to experience higher states of consciousness and awareness. It also makes sense to say that the optimized brain can allow the higher man to shine forth, therefore bringing and expressing higher consciousness through the human body.
Isn’t it also possible, then, that God, as pure consciousness, is experiencing himself through us, and the more of him (heightened consciousness) that we bring down into this body, the more fully he manifests in this physical realm? I guess we could take this a step further and say that heightened consciousness brings more of our true selves to manifest in this physical reality, too. All this within the confines of the mind, of course. Buddha was surely correct when he stated, “All is mind.” He could have agreed with St. John and said just as easily, “All is Logos.”
And finally it seems that individuals like Matthieu Ricard have already cancelled the need of eternal life in heaven when they have already brought heaven down to earth!
Think about it…
My next article will discuss how Jesus himself instructs us to enter heaven. And it’s much more akin to Matthieu’s experience rather than the traditional concepts we get from religion.
Now it’s your turn. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this, as well as any additional knowledge you could shed on the subject.
Blessings!
Great Insight. I definitely look forward to your next article since I’m currently studying this topic from mediations stand point.
Thanks Julio!
Hi Josh, Hope all is well with you and family, and that you have not forgotten about my request with regards to Sodom and Gomorrah and also Salvation by believe in the shared blood of Jesus Christ recorded in the Bible.
I have read a lot about Brainwave Entrainment with regards to merging the fragmented hemispheres of the brain but a bit confused as to which to use and even sources of their effectiveness. Now that you have made mentioned of brainwaves, can you please direct me as to a reliable and effective source of the Gamma waves entrainment so as to make a reliable decision? Thank you.
Bernhardt,
Family is doing well. Thanks for asking. And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about your request. I have been thinking about these requests and I promise I’ll get to them. My time is limited and I just have to get out the articles I have already planned first.
About brainwave entrainment…I don’t recommend it. I am not saying its a bad thing, but I wouldn’t worry about paying for a program when you can simply meditate (especially Zen meditation style) to achieve the best results. Besides, I feel brain wave entrainment programs skip part of the most important step to bringing conscious awareness more fully into the body.
Hi Josh, I agree with you about brainwave entrainment programs. The key is practicing an effective meditation, and then also, following through with your inner guidance. When you follow through promptly and consistently with your inner guidance, you place yourself in synchronicities and these in turn give you further insight into how things work.
I also agree with you that humanity is creating heaven on earth by living from this “sacred space” we access through an effective meditation practice.
I would like to recommend to your readers a heart /soul meditation I have described on my blog. The post is titled “Meditations for connecting with your higher self.” That heart /soul meditation and a grounding meditation are very effective.
However, I must say that the “highest highs” come when you actually follow through with your own inner guidance and create amazing things (from this inner connection that you’ve cultivated through meditation), despite having experienced a lot of obstacles in the form of physical blocks, people who try to stop you, monetary blocks, the establishment, etc. in the process.
Christine
Hi, Josh,
As usual, I love what you are sharing here and how you are teaching Christians about the true meaning of the Bible.
According to new ground-breaking research being done by the Institute of HeartMath (heartmath.org) in the coastal mountains south of Silicon Valley, the body actually receives ALL information first through the *heart*’s electro-magnetic field. The brain also has an electro-magnetic field, but it’s 100-5000x weaker than that of the heart. The heart stores some of the received information in the body, and only sends on to the brain what is necessary for the brain to handle.
Quite often when we meditate, particularly long-time meditators, we enter a state that IHM would call heart coherence, which causes not only the heart but ALL of the systems of the body to function optimally:
How each of us chooses a better feeling thought and positive emotions may vary, and meditation is certainly one time-tested way. The bottom line is that meditation benefits not only our mind, but our entire body, which then benefits all aspects of our life.
Thank you for the work you do with this site, Josh.
Many blessings,
Nancy
Nancy,
I am very interested in the is research. I have recently attained a book about this which I haven’t had the chance to read yet. No doubt it will add much needed information to my overall understanding as there are still gaps to fill. Thanks for this comment.
Sorry but the true meaning of the Bible has nothing to do meditation.
I was lost like you guys too once and believed the same deceit and lies also. There is a spiritual realm, but there is more than GOD in it. Satan was an angel of light and still disguises himself as one to this day the Bible says. He will make you believe anything.
The simplicity of the Bible is if you believe, are born again of the water and the Spirit, which is full
Immersion water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in another language not known to man but one where you speak mysteries to GOD and worship him in Spirit and in truth, which is known as speaking in tongues. You then will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
BIBLE prophecy has many great things to show and prove to unbelievers and not only that GOD proves himself by his word.
JESUS is coming back, and soon. When Russia, Syria, Iran, turkey along with a host of other countries surround Israel and there is nuclear war, this is when you know we are at the end. The signs of the times have already made it clear we are at the very door step and Bible prophecy about this war is already coming to fruition from Ezekiel 38,39.
GOD has only got to open the door and everyone will see and know the truth. It will no longer be “my” truth or “your” truth, but the one and only truth and all shall see.
And there will be judgment. And those who believed and walked with the LORD shall enter into his rest. But those who did not shall be judged. And those not found in the lambs book of life shall be cast into the lake of fire.
You must be born again or you can not enter or even see the kingdom of GOD.
And if you have not the Spirit of Christ, you are none of his.
Acts 2:38
John 3:3-8
If a literal spiritual being like Satan has the power to make us believe anything, then we would all be doomed. And if that being once was the right hand man with the glory and wisdom attributed to him before the fall, it wasn’t that wise, was it? It is my opinion Satan is the carnal mind itself, which is an enmity with God’s laws. Even Jesus called Peter Satan. Why? His direct reason was because he understood not the things of God. Peter, in other words, was using the carnal mind. Satan is no literal being with the power the traditions and doctrines of men attribute to him, but rather the fallen mind of man himself.
“Isn’t it also possible, then, that God, as pure consciousness, is experiencing himself through us, and the more of him (heightened consciousness) that we bring down into this body, the more fully he manifests in this physical realm? I guess we could take this a step further and say that heightened consciousness brings more of our true selves to manifest in this physical reality, too. All this within the confines of the mind, of course.”
Could just be my thinking Josh however, if God is experiencing Himself throug us, then why would “we” have to do anything? Why wouldn’t God bring Himself down(heightened consciousness) into our bodies? In essence you’re saying that God Himself is our true self. Yet it seems that what you say above separates us from God and God from us.
Betty,
Pure spirit and consciousness is the potential for everything. When pure spirit and consciousness manifest there is always limitation. Does this help?
There is always limitations — because? Need examples.
Betty,
Sorry for my late replies. Let’s explain it this way:
The One True God, the God that cannot be comprehended by thought or the intellect, is the unmanifested. This conscious energy is everything there ever was, will be, or has been. It is the realm of pure potential. However, in order for this potential to be actualized it has to become manifested. Through this manifestation (taking on a body or form of any kind) it becomes limited. It now has an individual aspect. In order to even have “I” consciousness, there must be the limited individual perspective which can be conscious of something or someone else in relation to it. This is the world of duality and polar opposites. You can’t truly “know” something until you experience it through the world of duality and experience. It is the process of involution and evolution talked about in ancient mystery schools.
Imagine the ONE true God only. What relationship would this BEING / CONSCIOUSNESS / ENERGY have with anything else if everything is in this unmanifested state of oneness. We can’t say it is manifested because in manifestation of any kind we must have a sense of duality. In the world of duality there is always limitation.
Does this make sense?
Can someone please explain most commonly effective way to induce gamma frequency? I’ve read so many techniques and none of worked for me so far. I’ve tried om’ing and recently read something about the effect of “Th” or “tho”…lost the link….and then there’s the keylontic high veca mantras which I found but doesn’t provide the visual shape pineal inductions. I just feel entirely lost on the whole meditation subject at this point. I don’t want to follow any instructions that may be summoning negative energies that I won’t know till it’s too late. Seriously, what is a general basic beginner level place to begin? Help please!
Lisa,
If nothing else has worked for you, begin with Zen style meditation and look into focusing on the breath. This is a simple and foundational meditation. Don’t worry about results early on. It takes time.