The Art of Observing

Meditation is an ancient practice used to transform consciousness by altering attention, and it has gained ground in the western world during the last century. This book explores and describes meditation and its subjective consequences from the viewpoint of six long-term meditators. These consequences are hypothesized to be the outcome of the dissolution of the constructed and conditioned self. From observing, accepting and letting go of earlier conditioning a new awareness arises in the meditator who now conceives the world and existence from an expanded point of view, devoid of the notion of duality. The analysis of the qualitative interviews in relation to different theoretical perspectives on the self shows that the most essential effect of meditation is the increased flexibility of behaviour, emotions and thoughts, in addition to spiritual harmony. These effects can be considered a result of the transformation of the self, facilitated by meditative practice. This study should be interesting for anyone fascinated by meditation, psychology and alternative views of the human self and existence.