Episode 33: Jhãna and Peak Experiences
Episode 33 of M3CS’s Contemplative Science Podcast saw Jonas Mago come on to the show to share his knowledge on Dhyāna - the most concentrated state of mind.
For the full podcast, check out the episode here.
In this episode, we cover...
How Dhyāna states can allow us to cultivate new ways of perceiving the world.
His research studying master meditators and their own experiences of Dhyāna.
Prediction and perception: the inner mechanisms underlying human flourishing.
Jonas Mago is a cognitive neuroscientist and wellbeing aficionado who is currently pursuing doctoral studies in neuroscience at McGill University. His work has explored meditation, prayer, collective cultural rituals and psychedelic therapies.
Here are some of the key insights from the conversation...
Some master meditators can go in and out of Dhyāna states at will.
”It's really rare to find people that can or will go in and out of these states and these very deep states. And speaking to them and asking them, what's the value for them? How did they get these Dhyānas? The most common answer is: they all had some practice, they're all trying to cultivate a certain wholesome way of being. And at some point, they just almost came across this thing that there's something about being very concentrated, really letting go of all the tension, all the expectations... and then from this point, where there's no fear, no anxiety... they think about: what would be meaningful? What would be the right thing to do? And then engage back in life.”
The cognitive research on Dhyāna may bring us closer to a definition of wellbeing.
”So many states of consciousness are so diverse, they combine so many different experiences that it's hard to isolate: what of these things is the wellbeing and what is other things? Dhyāna states are states that are so pure that there's in some ways really nothing left but wellbeing. So if we know the brain signatures of Dhyāna, that might be the brain signature of wellbeing or something very close to that.”
Jonas’ practical takeaways are not just for when you’re on the mat!
”And maybe the one thing I've learned is that there's much less value in striving for those peak states than I thought. So maybe the practices that I could recommend are: have a tea with a good friend and a good chat! Go for a nice walk and enjoy the sun outside. That's I think what some people practice a bunch of meditation to figure out how beautiful these things are.”
The best place to find Jonas is here.
See you next week!
