Self-realization as the basis of psychotherapy: A look at two Eastern-Based practices, transcendental Meditation and Alpha Brain Wave Biofeedback

The “name of the game” for all types of psychotherapy is ultimately the maximization of human happiness. All psychotherapy then becomes concerned with such notions as self-realization, self-actualization, human fulfillment, etc., although a given system may not use such terminology. This paper looks at some Eastern contributions to the promotion of self-realization – in particular a technique in the Hindu Yoga meditative tradition, transcendental meditation (TM) which is beginning to attract substantial scientific attention. In addition the paper also looks at some of the rather arresting research in alpha brain wave biofeedback training, originating from EEG monitoring of Zen and Yoga practitioners.  People are training themselves to produce states of mind found subjectively to be pleasant.