DISCUSSION AND IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS:

 

 Several authors have reported incompatibility between Alpha activity manifestation in the rear areas of the brain - indicative of a state of relaxation or psycho sensory rest - and the process of creating mental images. Nonetheless, Bremner (1972) postulates in his experimental model on attention, that mental images or “internal focusing” are not incompatible with an increased production of Alpha.

 

 It is a widely known fact that meditation and relaxation methods (Yoga, Zen, Transcendental Meditation, [Autogenic] Training, etc.) produce effective mental and physical relaxation, as demonstrated by EEG changes in the Alpha frequency band (increase in this activity).

 

 In the present research study the subjects were not in a state of mental relaxation, in the strict sense of the term - for that matter, the Silva system has exercises specifically designed to achieve a deep level of mental and physical relaxation - but rather in a condition referred to as Basic Plane Level (BPL). It is interesting to point out that in order to reach this condition the Silva system involves the repetition and visualization of numbers.

 

 The BPL has to do with a certain level of mental and physical relaxation that, together, produces an ideal state to practice dynamic meditation. This meditation, whose ultimate goal can be stated in terms of the wholesome development of the human being, is achieved through specific techniques of self-awareness, self-education, self motivation, self-programming, syntonization and detection of information for solving problems, etc. All of these techniques imply great mental activity, rich in imagery.

 

 The results obtained in our research show that the Silva graduates that were studied produced a significant increase in the median values of Alpha in the occipital (O 1 and O 2) and temporal (T 3 and T 4) areas of the brain while in a state of dynamic meditation achieved through the Silva system. This increase in Alpha power indicates a lower level of perception of the external environment and a partial disconnection of some sensory areas. It has been reported that mental images, as opposed to sensory images, involve activity in the frontal lobes (Changeux, 1985); this could explain the results obtained in our research.

 

 ABSTRACT

 

 An electroencephalographic recording of 11 Silva graduates was performed in basal and in "dynamic meditation" conditions. Former studies report EEG changes in subjects practicing methods of meditation and relaxation. Our results indicate a significant increase in the median values of Alpha power in the occipital (O 1 , O 2) and temporal (T 3, T 4) areas of the brain while the research subjects were in a state of "dynamic meditation."

 

 

Silva Method Dynamics Center

Silva Mental Dynamics Center