In this article some very important lessons can be drawn related to spirituality and science.

The beauty of this work lies not in its metaphors, but in its attempt to capture what illumination feels like, and to hint that such states are not only real but may have subtle but measurable correlates in the body-mind system!

Lets go into the paper now.

In this paper the abstract is as follows:
” According to the experimental results and practitioners’ subjective experience, we report some hypotheses that may account for meditative phenomena during the practice of Zen-Buddhism. Orthodox Zen-Buddhist practitioners, aiming to prove the most original true- self, discover and uncover the inner energy or light on the way towards their goal. Perception of the inner light can be comprehended as resonance. Uncovering the inner energy optimizes physiological and mental health. In the meditation experiment, a significant correlation was observed between perception of the inner light and electroencephalographic (EEG) alpha blockage. We further examined this phenomenon by recording the EEG from subjects during a blessing that the subjects did not know being given. During the blessing period, significant alpha blocking was observed in experimental subjects who had been practicing meditation for years in preparation for being in resonance with the inner light. This report provides a new insight into the debate that meditation benefits our health.“

In the search to explain deep meditative experiences like inner light perception, many authors borrow terms from science, such as “resonance,” “quantum fields,” or “neurotransmission”, to add conceptual clarity or authority. One striking example appears in a 2003 article from The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, which likens Zen meditation to an RLC circuit reaching peak resonance when ego fades and the body enters harmonic unity with the cosmos.

Such metaphors are poetically powerful. They create bridges between scientific paradigms and inner experience. However, these metaphors must be handled with care. When taken literally, they risk turning symbolic language into pseudoscience. Structures like the pineal gland or the corpora quadrigemina may serve as spiritual symbols, but we should not confuse them with validated anatomical energy channels.

Moreover, while meditation can promote resilience and well-being, claims that it “eradicates disease” or guarantees perfect health drift into magical thinking and erode credibility.

At The Yoga of the Inner Light, we welcome cross-disciplinary exploration but we also advocate for clarity and groundedness. True illumination needs no embellishment. By honoring the mystery without distorting the science, we allow the inner light to speak in its own language, one of direct experience, beauty, and transformative awareness. But now the most important aspect if this study: seeing inner light has impact on our brain function!

Inner Light Physiology

This 2003 article also brings forth an interesting other hypothesis: perceiving the inner light during deep meditation is accompanied by measurable shifts in brain activity, specifically the phenomenon known as alpha blocking. EEG Alpha Blocking Correlated with Perception of Inner Light During Zen Meditation! In the experiments the subject was instructed to signal the experience (perception) of inner light. In order to capture the EEG changes, the subject let the experience last for a while before signaling the occurrence. EEG Alpha Blocking Correlated with Perception of Inner Light During Zen Meditation

This alpha blocking phenomenon was highly correlated with the fact that the subjects saw the light, according to the post-experimental interviews.

Key Observations:

• Alpha Blocking typically occurs when the brain shifts from a relaxed, eyes-closed alpha state (8–12 Hz) to higher-frequency beta rhythms (13–30 Hz) in response to sensory input or mental activity.
• In this study, alpha blocking occurred at the moment of perceived inner illumination, suggesting that this spiritual experience is not passive or relaxing, but rather activating, similar to insight or sudden realization.
• EEG patterns during these moments often became low-amplitude beta or even flat, which could indicate an altered state of consciousness not dominated by typical cognitive processing.

Inner Light and EEG Transitions

These shifts resemble the phosphene levels 4–6 described in our Yoga of the Inner Light taxonomy: a passage from visual flickers to full-field luminous presence or the arrival of kaleidoscopic entities. The experience is described as:

“This kind of experience enables them to remain in a serene, unified and ecstatic state of mind. It works like a sudden illumination that releases their mind from the inextricable maze.“

This resonates with both Dzogchen’s Thögal experiences and Christian mystical accounts of unio mystica: intensely vivid, boundary-dissolving episodes that alter one’s foundational sense of self.

I end with a quote:

“Perceiving the inner light, as stated by the practitioners, makes them feel they are being blessed by the inner energy of true self. This is one of the experiences discovered by orthodox Zen-Buddhist practitioners on the way towards unification of the physical, mental and spiritual (true-self ) entities. This kind of experience enables them to remain in a serene, unified and ecstatic state of mind. It works like a sudden illumination that releases their mind from the inextricable maze. As a result, they gain great health after years of practicing. The idea is that we may promote our health via disclosure of this inner energy. This report provides a new insight into the debate that meditation benefits physiological, psychological and mental health.”

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Shunyam Adhibhu