Spectrum Meditation Example
A complete example demonstrating progressive state training through Wilber's gross-subtle-causal spectrum with grounding safety.
The Skill
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | spectrum-meditation |
| Purpose | 20-30 minute progressive state training meditation |
| Framework | Wilber's Spectrum of Consciousness (1977, 2000) — Vedantic three-body model |
| Evidence | Moderate for meditation generally (1000+ RCTs); Theoretical for state-stage mapping |
What This Example Shows
- Research - Three-body model (Vedantic), spectrum of consciousness, meditation neuroscience
- Protocol Design - 6-phase meditation progressing through gross → subtle → causal states
- Safety Review - State training contraindications, pre/trans discernment, grounding adequacy
- Deployment - Ready-to-use spectrum meditation with scope options
6-Phase Structure
Progressive state training based on Wilber's spectrum model. Each phase deepens awareness:
| Phase | Duration | State | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Grounding | 2-3 min | Waking | Body awareness, arrive in present |
| 2. Gross Body | 5-7 min | Waking | Sensory awareness, physical sensations |
| 3. Subtle Body | 5-7 min | Dreaming | Imagery, energy, emotional textures |
| 4. Causal Body | 5-7 min | Deep Sleep | Formless awareness, witness consciousness |
| 5. Nondual Pointer | 2-3 min | Turiya | Subject-object dissolution (pointer only) |
| 6. Integration | 3-4 min | Return | Grounding, re-embodiment, closing |
Scope Options
| Scope | Phases Included | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1-2 only | Beginners, body-focused practice |
| Intermediate | 1-3 | Some meditation experience |
| Advanced | 1-4 | Experienced meditators |
| Full Spectrum | 1-5 | Advanced, with teacher context recommended |
Research Basis
Evidence level: Moderate (meditation) / Theoretical (state mapping)
Meditation practice has strong evidence (1000+ RCTs, meta-analyses for anxiety, depression, attention). The specific state-stage mapping — gross body to waking consciousness, subtle body to dreaming, causal body to deep sleep — comes from Vedantic philosophy as interpreted by Wilber. This mapping is a theoretical framework, not an empirically validated progression. The three-body model (sthula/sukshma/karana sharira) has millennia of contemplative tradition behind it but limited neuroscientific validation of the specific stage claims.
Pre/Trans Discernment
A critical safety feature drawn from Wilber's Pre/Trans Fallacy:
PRE-RATIONAL RATIONAL TRANS-RATIONAL
(regression) (healthy ego) (genuine transcendence)
↓ ↓ ↓
confusion stability clarity
dissolution groundedness spaciousness
loss of function normal function enhanced function
The practice includes checkpoints that help practitioners distinguish:
- Pre-rational dissolution (dissociation, confusion) — requires grounding, not deeper practice
- Trans-rational spaciousness (clarity, groundedness maintained) — safe to continue
Safety Review: Passed
- State training contraindications listed (dissociative disorders, active psychosis, unprocessed trauma)
- Pre/Trans Fallacy discernment built into phases 3-5
- Nondual content is a "pointer" only, not a promise
- Grounding bookends all sessions
- Foundation scope available for beginners (no subtle/causal content)
- "Return to body" exit ramp at every phase
- Mental health disclaimer present
Try It
/spectrum-meditation "morning practice" --scope foundation
/spectrum-meditation "evening deepening" --scope intermediate
/spectrum-meditation "retreat practice" --scope advanced --duration 30
"Consciousness is not a thing to be found — it is the finding itself. Rest as that which is already aware."