ABSTRACT

Higher states of consciousness are altered state of consciousness (ASCs) that are experienced as deeply meaningful, satisfying, and desirable, but also difficult to reach or maintain. They go beyond the normal baseline state of consciousness in the sense that in them subjective experience reaches extreme attentional, emotional, or cognitive levels. The attentional, emotional, and cognitive elements of higher states of consciousness may appear separately or in various combinations in different ASCs. Meditation as such is not a higher or altered state of consciousness, but rather a set of various techniques and practices that aim at controlling or regulating attention and thereby altering consciousness. A higher state of consciousness that sometimes occurs during endurance running is known as Runner's High. Typical higher states include flow, Runner's High, samadhi, Out-of-body experiences, and mystical experiences. The effects of mystical states on the subsequent life of the person are also often deep and long-lasting.