These devices have multiple built in programs for specific brainwave pattern entrainment, and allow for the download of additional programs from the manufacturer. Some even have a computer interface program that allows for you, the user, to create your own programs. Note: for those of us Apple users, none of the companies have direct Mac compatible software or even downloads, although some of them allow Windows emulation software to allow for this function.

The research sited from the David Paradise site indicates that much like other binaural technologies, although the device helps you reach a particular brain state, it doesn’t mean that you are forever dependent on the device to reach the state in the future. The ability to reach the state reliably apparently allows more rapid access to the state during meditation without the device at later dates.

A somewhat dated book, by Michael Hutchinson, which reviews the technology in some depth is MegaBrain. This is well worth a read, as there is no single source that gives background material in more detail.

The Wild Divine series is a group of rather sophisticated computer programs which provide a rather amazing and detailed means of monitoring internal physiological states during meditation. Provided with each of the programs is a biofeedback hand monitor which communicates with your computer via a USB cable. Events on the screen change as the physiological rates change in your body. The first two programs have a nearly video game appearance, and require that you find various locations in order to access the particular meditative exercises. The graphics which follow successful completion of each exercise are stunning.

My favorite of the three, though, is the last, which provides a direct series of tutorials on different meditative methods and different types of breathing exercises. Also included in this software is a heart rate variability monitor which allows for direct video biofeedback for this important physiological measure which many researchers claim correlates with heart health. This program is called Healing Rhythms. Another benefit set of this programs are the video instruction modules which include the likes of Andrew Weil and Deepak Chopra. The ability to objectively observe the level of relaxation using the software makes all three of the programs excellent training tools, even for those who find meditation otherwise “boring.” These are all available for both Mac and PC platforms. Note I have no connection with the company or their website.

The Beta brainwave state is that involved with thinking, cognitive activity, work, driving and other goal focused activity. It is necessary and useful to technological progress, and general daily functioning.

Alpha brainwaves begin in the eyes-closed state, and become more coherent across the brain hemispheres in meditative practice. The Alpha state typically increases a sense of relaxation, and in the sleep-deprived western world, many will fall into sleep states rapidly.

Theta brainwaves are typically experienced in sleep, but as the meditator extends practice over time, theta level brainwaves can be experienced. When consciously aware during Theta state, the individual may experience ecstatic states, dream like visions, and some even out of body experiences.

Delta brainwaves are expressed in phases 3 and 4 of deep sleep, usually far outside of awareness. When the advanced meditator learns to remain conscious at this brainwave state, the experience is often of a pure empty void.

Part of the descriptions of spiritual progress described across cultures appears to correlate with the act of remaining conscious at slower brainwave frequencies. To a large degree this is what is found when studying long term meditators using concentrative methods, such as mantras.

Brainwaves over the more superficial areas of the brain can be measured with EEG type devices. The measurement demonstrates a pattern of electrical activity in the form of waves of different frequencies. Although some of these patterns may also relate to certain forms of pathology, all of them are normal for various activities that we engage in.

• beta brain waves: alert awareness: from 12 to 30 hz
• alpha brain waves: relaxed states and light meditation: from 8 to 12 hz
• theta brain waves: deep relaxation, sleep, meditative reverie, trance states: from 4 to 7 hz
• delta brain waves: deep sleep: less than 3 hz
• gamma brain waves: ultra rapid brain waves related to special cognitive function: greater than 34 hz

These various brain electrical patterns more or less equate to the states of waking, dreaming and deep sleep. Wilber has suggested that these general states correspond to the levels of consciousness as reported from Vedanta theory: waking as gross consciousness, dreaming as subtle consciousness, and deep sleep with formless causal consciousness. Meditation is one of the few practices available to everyone which can allow conscious modulation of brainwave patterns. Practice on a daily basis, though, is the essential tool on the road to mastery of your brain.

If you’ve had any interesting results, feel free to share and post them.