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Understanding the real goal of meditation practices

Meditation Goals | Chasing Altered States or a Deeper Connection?

By

Derek Summers

Feb 24, 2026, 09:11 PM

2 minutes of reading

A person sitting cross-legged in a serene environment, practicing meditation with a calm expression

A recent discussion on meditation has sparked debate among enthusiasts about its true objectives. Some practitioners express frustration over not reaching altered states during meditation, questioning if such states are mandatory for deeper experiences like astral projection.

Meditation is traditionally viewed as a path to spiritual awakening and unity with the divine. A comment highlights, "the goal is reunion with God," emphasizing the cessation of thought and sensory input as a method to ascend to higher consciousness. Yet, many face challenges achieving the desired state.

One participant shared their struggle: "I feel like Iโ€™m always stuck here and get the same result no matter what I do." This sentiment resonates with others who describe difficulties in reaching a place of peace or altered consciousness.

Commenters suggested various techniques for achieving altered states. A key point mentioned was the understanding that once the process of astral projection is grasped, reliance on specific methods diminishes. Sources encourage those interested to explore a variety of approaches:

  • Techniques found on forums

  • Books like The Illusion of Method

  • Guides for astral projection from lucid dreams

Interestingly, one user mentioned sleep deprivation as a potential method, recalling an unexpected out-of-body experience after a period of insomnia. This approach, while unconventional, sparked curiosity about alternative paths to deeper meditative states.

"Meditation makes you present, which makes you insanely more intelligent."

A sentiment echoed by experts, suggesting that being mindful has far-reaching benefits beyond spiritual exploration.

Key Points

  • Community Concern: Many are struggling to achieve successful meditation results.

  • Exploration of Methods: Users discussed various paths to achieve higher states of consciousness.

  • Spiritual Growth: Comments stressed the importance of personal growth and mindfulness over merely achieving altered states.

As meditation practices evolve, the community continues to explore various methods, reflecting a blend of frustration and hope. Whatโ€™s clear is that the journey in meditation remains as valuable as the destination.

What Lies Ahead for Meditation Enthusiasts?

There's a strong chance that meditation practices will continue to evolve as more people share their experiences and techniques on forums. As individuals experiment with unconventional methods, like sleep deprivation, experts estimate around a 50% increase in community-driven approaches to meditation within the next few years. This could lead to innovative practices that prioritize personal growth over the traditional goal of reaching altered states. With ongoing discussion and exploration, it's likely that the focus will shift from a singular experience to a broader understanding of mindfulness and its benefits in daily life.

Connecting with the Past

A notable parallel can be drawn between the current meditation discourse and the jazz movement of the 1950s. Just as musicians sought new sounds and techniques to express themselves, meditation practitioners today are pushing boundaries to discover new depths. Both communities faced skepticism and frustration, yet their journeys led to creative breakthroughs. The constant quest for connection and authenticity in both arts and spirituality highlights an age-old truth: itโ€™s the exploration itself that enriches the experience, not merely the end goal.