The EEGresponses to intermittent photicstimulation were examined in a group of subjects experienced in meditation, and compared with those of a control group.

The meditators exhibited a significantly smaller decrement in alpha activity and alpha blocking over the course of the experiment than did the control group, and alpha induction occurred earlier and more frequently in the meditators.

These findings support the hypothesis that experienced meditators spontaneously enter the meditative state on closing the eyes, and also the view that physiologically the meditative state is one of prolonged drowsiness. An alternative interpretation, that mediation is a state of sustained attention, is discussed.