Rupashree Khubalkar — Nagpur University, Nagpur.

This study examines psycho-physiological effects of Integral Meditation on Peace (a meditative practice based on certain conceptualizations of Sri Aurobindo‚s Integral Yoga) on a sample of 13 young volunteer non-regular meditating individuals (mean age = 23.23 years) with respect to anxiety, level of consciousness, introspective reports, daily stress, and white blood cell (WBC) reactivity. Using pre and post-test single group design analysis of STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory by Speilberger et al.), MEC (Meditational Experiences Checklist by Khubalkar), and DSI (Daily Stress inventory by Brantley) scores, as well as subjective introspective reports, a comparison of before and after meditation differences was done. Findings showed altered level of consciousness, i.e., increase in level of consciousness in terms of increased number of higher-level conscious experiences, decrease in state and trait anxiety and perceived daily stress impact scores, and activation of immune system in terms of increased Total Leukocyte Count Felt pain due to needle prick was lowest during meditation. Findings showed similarity with observations of earlier studies with respect to anxiety, level of consciousness, introspective reports, and TLC count. The observed changes suggest the concrete presence of peace/peace force in the body as conceived by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Results are discussed in terms of the influence of peace in changing the psycho-physiology of a person. Implied benefits for self-enhancement, growth, positive health and clinical healing have been highlighted and discussed.

Email the author: "Dr. Rupashree Khubalkar" <rupashreervk@rediffmail.com>