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This data also points to the importance of a few other factors:

• The extended length and intensity of yogic practices seems to create more profound spiritual shifts.

• The social and intersubjective character of transcendental experience—the collective energy of the group—is helpful in creating and sustaining these shifts.

• The changes depend on the individual’s spiritual self-perception.

• It is necessary to revive spirituality in yoga by reinforcing the spiritual component of yogic practices such as yamas and niyamas, chanting, yoga nidra, use of mudras and bandhas, meditation, and understanding philosophy through yoga courses and discussions.

The ancient yogi knew that the intensity of practice over time speeds up the goal of furthering the development of the student. The gurukul system was based on the student or disciple staying with the guru for longer periods of time, with daily spiritual discipline and study, as per the guru’s direction. Today, only a few ashrams are left to fill this role, places where you can immerse yourself in longer intensive yogic practices. The role of the guru, however, became less accepted after revelation of the many power and sexual abuses around even the most respected names.