misc: yoga

Research on unitive states, mystical experiences, and spirituality engendered by Yoga practice, although currently limited, is an area of growing interest and importance. This chapter examines the research evidence for the association of Yoga with multiple aspects of spirituality and its related characteristics/phenomena, such as transcendence, nondual awareness, and mystical experiences. It also examines various factors reported in the literature that have been found to facilitate the effects of Yoga practice on spirituality. Evidence from a number of research studies suggests that how Yoga is perceived and practised has an impact on spirituality that emerges out of one’s practice. Furthermore, a number of large sample surveys found that even though the primary intent for starting a Yoga practice is typically for physical and mental health reasons, over time, the motivation for continuing Yoga practice eventually shifts to more holistic aspects of Yoga, such as spirituality. Among other factors, studies found that regularity of practice, Yoga teachers’ experience level, and preexisting perception of spirituality seem to play a significant role in the spiritual benefit of Yoga practice. Research findings from prospective trials in patient populations show that the practice of Yoga may also be found to be helpful in coping with the symptoms and complications of disease states and to be supportive in enhancing overall quality of life including spirituality. Given the limited yet promising research findings, future research in Yoga and spirituality could further benefit from studies using objective methods including neuroimaging, hormonal/neurochemical, psychophysiological, and even molecular biological assessments that can be strongly linked to changes in spirituality.

toga