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Griera, however, mentions one more important factor—the social and intersubjective character of transcendence experiences.42 She noticed the importance of the group in favoring and sustaining the shift to another reality. That “collective energy” became a decisive factor for experiencing transcendence or, as the inmates describe it, “really doing Yoga.” “Yoga connects me with my divinity,” reports the practicing inmate. “Years ago I used to do drugs…and with yoga I have felt similar sensations… However, this comes from inside of me, comes from my own serenity and I feel happy with myself.” Based on the outcomes, Griera suggests that yoga is not only physical work but also, in some cases, a doorway to spiritual knowledge. For some inmates the practice of yoga can even be the starting point for a spiritual journey.

The importance of the group setting and intensity of practice was also stressed in another study that compared members of a yoga ashram with another group of non-ashram residents (the control group).43 The ashramites showed a higher percentage of positive responses on a number of factors, including “felt personality change,” “experience resulted in change in life,” “experience of oneness,” and being “in touch with divine or spiritual.”