A: Many of the problems in meditation come from a form of meditation called Samadhi, where one becomes transcendent and minimizes the connection with the body. Samadhi comes in stages; in the highest stage the body goes into a state that mimics death. The brain waves become extremely slow Delta waves normally found only in deep sleep. The heartbeat actually stops and is replaced by a high-frequency, low-amplitude flutter. Oxygen consumption is extremely low.

In even approaching this state, one's sense of reality is dramatically altered. The structures of the personality, with which one normally identifies, are unraveled. One devalues everything that is changeable, like one's body and mind. The symptoms of this can be easily mistaken for autism, catatonia, or even schizophrenia. Since you're always in control, all symptoms stop when you stop meditating, but you may forget that you're in control. The other-worldliness and limitlessness can be intoxicating and addictive.

I have spent weeks at a time in intensive Samadhi meditations, culminating in a month's retreat in a cave in the Alps, and I can report it is incredibly helpful when done under the guidance of a teacher who knows the method. As my personality structures dissolved, one psychosis after another appeared to take over. I fully experienced each delusion, and eventually all delusions left me and I was ushered into a palace of peace. By this intimate familiarity with the experience, but not the pathology, of mental illness, I believe an immunity is developed, and true sanity.

The Astral State is not usually harmful, but it blocks the onset of meditation as effectively as alcohol or drugs. However, I have seen people get stuck in this state after some weeks of intensive practice and become unaware that their thoughts were unconnected to reality. This is very de-stabilizing, and although it took little effort to slip into this fantasy, it takes a considerable effort to lift yourself free of the haze. In that trance condition, you are very susceptible to the suggestions of others, which could be a problem as well.

The Astral State can be easily avoided: instead of emphasizing the relaxation, focus on concentration. Relaxation is like sleep; meditation is like awakening. If you focus your mind, you avoid the psychic opening that can lead to unwanted influences and phony bliss.

On what should you focus your mind? I recommend concentrating on your heartbeat. It's perfectly natural, easy to do, free of any religious group ownership, and beneficial to both physical and mental health. And because you're centering your attention in your body, you won't get the unraveling that occurs in Samadhi. Your heartbeat is the one stability of your entire life. Concentrate on it and your mind will be stable too.