New Books in Psychology Meditation Side-Effects and Other Altered States, with Miguel Farias
Apr 9, 2025
Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and religion researcher at Coventry University, dives deep into meditation's complexities. He discusses the often-overlooked adverse effects of meditation, urging a balanced perspective on its benefits and risks. The conversation highlights how meditation can have both positive and negative outcomes, particularly for those with trauma. Farias advocates for a nuanced understanding of altered states of consciousness, emphasizing the need to recognize diverse experiences and their implications in both traditional and modern contexts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tart's Meditation
- Charles Tart meditated for 20 years because of social pressure.
- He realized he disliked it and it did nothing for him, finding relief in stopping.
Individual Differences in Meditation
- People respond differently to meditation, both in their ability to focus and their likelihood of experiencing altered states.
- Factors like hypnotizability and schizotypy influence receptiveness to these states.
Authenticity and Negative Experiences
- Buddhist texts discuss concerns about the authenticity of spiritual experiences and warn against negative ones.
- Even adept practitioners can encounter challenging or demonic experiences during meditation.
