Effect of Yoga & Meditation on Consciousness & Mindfulness

Abstract

The effect of yoga and meditation on consciousness and mindfulness were examined comparing beginners, intermediate, advanced meditators and a group of non-meditators. The three experimental groups improved from pre-test to post-test compared to control group, highlighting the benefits of yoga and meditation on consciousness and mindfulness. Consciousness of advanced meditators was highest in comparison to other groups at pre-test. Consciousness and mindfulness of beginners increased at a faster rate over time. Further, the effect of intervention was examined on physical, emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual and self-consciousness. There was significant increase in social and self-consciousness after 11 weeks of intervention whereas physical and emotional consciousness increased significantly post intervention which was for 20 weeks. Although there was increase in cognitive and spiritual consciousness but it was not significant. A longer duration of practice may prove helpful for betterment of these faculties.