Fire Kasina advanced meditation produces experiences comparable to psychedelic and near-death experiences: A pilot study

Sep 8, 2024Explore (New York, N.Y.)

Advanced Fire Kasina Meditation produces experiences similar to psychedelic and near-death states: A pilot study

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Abstract

Mean scores on the Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) were 85%, comparable to high-dose psilocybin.

Intensive meditation practice called Fire Kasina was explored for its potential to induce mystical experiences.
Mean scores on the Hood Mystical Experience Scale (HME) reached 93%, surpassing those reported for near-death experiences and high-dose psilocybin.
Qualitative interviews revealed that participants described their experiences as the most intense of their lives.
Substantial shifts in worldview were reported as a transformational effect following the meditation retreat.

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Psychedelic-assisted therapy studies suggest that the induction of "mystical experiences" combined with psycho-therapy is a possible intervention for psychiatric illness. Advanced meditation may induce powerful experiences comparable to psychedelics. We investigated effects of an intensive meditation practice called Fire Kasina. Six individuals completed a retreat, and participated in an interview in which they described their experiences. They also completed the Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), Hood Mystical Experience Scale (HME), and Cole's Spiritual Transformation Scale. Mean MEQ scores were 85 %, similar to prior observations of high-dose psilocybin and were stronger than moderate-dose psilocybin (t(5) = 4.41, p = 0.007, d = 1.80; W(5) = 21, p = 0.031). Mean HME scores were 93 %, exceeding levels reported for NDEs (mean 74 %) and high-dose psilocybin (mean 77 %). In qualitative analysis, experiences were described as the most intense of the individual's life, while subsequent transformational effects included substantial shifts in worldview.

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Fire Kasina advanced meditation produces experiences comparable to psychedelic and near-death experiences: A pilot study

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