Beta

Beta 1 (16-20 Hz) Power

Beta 1 Power Rule

We reward frontal Beta 1 power going up in Level 4 to promote fixed internally directed attention (Travis 2011). Beta 1 activity is recruited during active attentional processing rather than effortless transcending. This activity is needed in TM-Siddhi practice, where the meditator concentrates on a sutra.

Beta 1 Power Weights

Only Level 4 meditators are given a +1 rule weight for this rule. Level 4 meditators are engaging in a distinct practice of TM known as samyama, which combines dharana (fixity on a sutra or verse), dhyana (transcending on that sutra), and samadhi (pure consciousness). Fixity on a sutra requires active processing and focused attention, which is attributed to Beta 1 activity.

Beta 2 (20.5-30 Hz) Coherence

Beta 2 Coherence Rule

We reward frontal Beta 2 coherence going down to support less focused awareness and active processing (Travis et al. 2010). Beta 2 goes up in tasks with highly focused attention, as activity in this band is associated with active attentional processing. Effortless transcending involves resting in the ground state of consciousness, which does not involve Beta-band activity.

Beta 2 Coherence Weights

Levels 1 and 2 meditators are assigned a rule weight of -1. At these levels, excessive Beta activity from thinking and focused attention may impede the process of transcending. 

Beta 2 (13-20 Hz) Power

Beta 2 Power Rule

We reward Frontal Beta 2 going down to decrease decision-making and processing of the outside world (Travis et al. 2010). During TM, the brain is relaxing in restful alertness and is not making decisions, which is attributed to Beta-band activity. 

Beta 2 Power Weights

Levels 1 and 2 meditators are assigned a rule weight of -1 to aid in taking energy away from the thinking and feeling mind.