Empirical evidence for increased creative cognition and associated EEG Synchrony following experience of self during low default mode network activity in youth

Abstract

Background: Western science divides the creative process into four stages: preparation, incubation, illumination and verification. The scientific study of creativity now focuses on brain function studying how different brain regions are involved, suggesting that process depends on coordinated use of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes of the brain. Brain studies indicate that EEG coherence is a bio-marker signature, suggesting that creativity involves increased integration between different brain regions. Traditional Indian approaches to understanding creativity are based on expanded states of mind described in Vedic literature. They suggest that ‘expansion of mind’ is the key step, achieved by practice of deep meditations. The disparity between the two approaches western and eastern, suggests that considering both together may bring deeper insights. Deep meditation is known to bring illumination, which is important. Brain mechanisms suggest themselves as illumination correlates with brain coherence and synchrony. Eastern wisdom may help resolve problems in the scientific approach. Eastern Literature: Certain Upaniñat, Çikñä, Yoga, and Alaìkära Çästra contain insights into the nature of creativity. The Upaniñat have deep implications for workings of the mind. Çikñä identifies four levels of speech: transcendental, ideas, linguistic thoughts, and speech. Ideas form the basis for cognition. Yoga brings access to the deepest level of consciousness Samädhi, the ‘blank’ state of mind held to be necessary for incubation; and Åtambharä Prajïä, the state where creativity arises. The works of Vyasa, Kälidäsa, and Saint Jïäneçvara, all experts in Alaìkära Çästra, offer examples of profound processes of cognition and creativity. The Upaniñat offer insights and patterns of thought that guide disciples of Masters to their own realization of illumination, and abilities to help solve humanity’s problems.