Can Mindfulness and Meditation Increase Selfishness and Reduce Generosity?

Did you read selfishness or selflessness in the title?

I too had to do a double-take when I first came across this recent study: Mindfulness and Meditation can increase selfishness and reduce generosity among those with independent self-construals. Given the proven benefits of these practices, such as reduced stress and a decrease in symptoms of depression, who would study the downside of these practices?

The researchers at the University of Buffalo wondered how culture and context could influence the results of these practices. Primarily, the Eastern culture where they originated, with an emphasis on interdependence. And the Western culture, which has adopted these practices, guided more by independence.

Their research set out to test if mindfulness and meditation can give different results depending on the way we think about ourselves–– ie “who I am”, “what I want” versus “who we are” and “what we want”. The results of the study seem to demonstrate that with mindfulness practice interdependence-minded individuals saw their selflessness and generosity grow over time, while the independent-minded people saw it drop.

The controversial results of this small study have already been accepted by the prestigious scientific journal Psychological Science. Leaving aside the merits and methodology of the study–– Vedic sciences, Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish have always discouraged the “one size fits all” approach to self-help remedies and spiritual practice.

In addition, other practices that help increase our sense of interdependence and universality, such as devotion to the divine, the study of the Vedic sciences, and seva (selfless service), are always prescribed alongside any mindfulness and meditation practices. In other words, mindfulness and meditation are rarely done as a stand-alone practice, such as the billion-dollar industry of Headspace meditation type apps we use today.

The Vedic seers recommended the study of Vedic astrology to all spiritual seekers and learned members of society because it is one of the fastest paths to developing universal consciousness.

Excerpt from book: Before Your Future

”My mentor and guru, Amma the hugging saint, says, “When a poet sees a flower, he writes poetry about it; a scientist will conduct research on it; a boyfriend will give it to his girlfriend; a worm will eat it; a devotee will offer it to God. Similarly, each person comes with his own attitude.”

The Vedic seers called Vedic astrology “the eyes of the Vedas” because each horoscope has its narrative and vantage point of the zodiac that gives a uniquely personal attitude and frame of reference. This understanding has allowed astrology to endure longer than any other healing modality throughout cultures and history, making it the most integrative, global, and inclusive ancient wisdom available to humankind. Born in the cradle of civilization, it offers a three hundred-sixty-degree view of the human experience and a penetrating understanding of the profound differences in the human psyche and consciousness”.

Finally, regardless of your cultural background, your horoscope will reveal if you are naturally more independence-minded or interdependence-oriented.

Earth signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn and Houses 2, 6, 10 emphasize personal resources, care of the body, and our day-to-day survival. Still, they are the hardest working sectors of the zodiac and have the capacity to direct their energy to our collective survival through seva, or selfless service.

Water signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, and Houses 4, 8, and 12 are heart-centered and search for universal connection and spiritual goals. However, they need to learn not to become overwhelmed with feelings and emotions, or lose their boundaries around other people.

Fire signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius and Houses One, Five, and Nine, seek purpose, adventure, and goal-oriented action. They are usually very independent with high self-esteem. These signs and houses are very capable of the sacrifice and courage needed to work towards the collective good once they can learn to control their ego.

Air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, and Houses 3, 7, and 11 seek community and connection but don’t necessarily have the courage and sacrifice available to the Fire and Water Element Signs and Houses. They can become justice warriors working for the collective good (especially Aquarius and the eleventh house) if they learn how to bring their lofty ideas and intellect into heart-centered action.

This video below is an excerpt from my Integrative Vedic Astrology Counseling, Level 1 Course on how to help people change course in life. It describes how each of us has a unique “karmic ecosystem”, and therefore the mentoring and remedies we receive should also be uniquely adapted to enhance our strengths and reduce our weaknesses.

Excerpt from Online Integrative Vedic Astrology Counseling, Level 1 Course