Transcendental Medication: The Evolution of Mind, Culture, and Healing

Transcendental Medication explores why human brains evolved to have consciousness but spend much of our time trying to reduce it. It suggests that limiting consciousness is more functional and satisfying for most people, and that our brains evolved mechanisms to deal with the stress of awareness. The book draws on biological and cultural studies of Pentecostal speaking in tongues and stress, as well as unconscious uses of self-deception as a mating strategy. It is written in a highly engaging style and will appeal to students and scholars interested in mind, altered states of consciousness, and evolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Transcendental Medication delves into the enigmatic question of why human brains evolved to possess consciousness, despite the majority of our time being devoted to diminishing our awareness. It presents a compelling argument that restricting consciousness, rather than expanding it, is more functional and satisfying for the majority of individuals, most of the time. The author suggests that our brains evolved mechanisms to cope with the stress of awareness in conjunction with awareness itself, as it would be too costly to handle otherwise.

Lynn defines dissociation as "partitioning of awareness," and explores various cultural and psychological practices, including religion, drug use, 12-step programs, and dancing. The chapters draw on biological and cultural studies of Pentecostal speaking in tongues and stress, the insights gained from our 800,000+ years of observing hearth and campfires, and the unconscious uses of self-deception as a mating strategy.

Written in a highly engaging style, Transcendental Medication appeals to students and scholars interested in mind, altered states of consciousness, and evolution. It is particularly suitable for those approaching the issue from cultural, biological, psychological, and cognitive anthropology, as well as evolutionary psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and religious studies.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367472634