The Meditation Depth Index (MEDI) and the Meditation Depth Questionnaire (MEDEQ)

Is there a universal dimension of “Meditation Depth” valid to every individual and way of meditation? Or is there only a very subjective feeling of depth, that differs from person to person and from tradition to tradition? 45 authorized meditation teachers were asked about the depth of different experiences verbalized in 30 items. The agreement is highly significant. Five clusters, interpreted as depth structures, could be found through cluster analysis: “hindrances”, “relaxation”, “personal self”, “transpersonal qualities” and “transpersonal self”. An itemand factor-analysis supports a uni-dimensional Depth – factor in a group of 122 meditators. On this base the Meditation Depth Questionnaire was constructed. First investigations support the reliability and validity of the instrument.