stumblingNous

This is a bit of an aimless query. I am in the final semester of a BA at a well-known university. My focus so far is fairly interdisciplinary; two majors, covering philosophy, psychology, and religion, but also having some coursework in computer science and anthropology. I don't know whether to go for an MA, a PhD, or which field to consider. Religious studies was my main focus as an undergraduate, and where I won most merit, so I feel like it is a natural continuation. As naive as it is, I already have a distinct research interest I intend to work towards until a new one takes precedence. I am very intrigued by the way the mind can act upon itself, particularly in practices called meditation, often appearing in mystic, occult, or ascetic contexts. I first discovered this passion while living among Mahayana Buddhists, and after exposure to tantric and Western occult practices. I would like to specialize in this subject, understand how it works at a cognitive level, and engage with it at a theoretical level. Religion has been fruitful for this because of how easily it incorporates interdisciplinary methods. But now, looking at graduate programs, I am uncertain how I should specialize towards my goal. For clarification, this goal looks at meditational practices in obscure traditions, and seeks to understand them conceptually, potentially theorizing on their positive application in society, education, and therapeutic settings. I have a GPA over 3.9, and have won honors and awards that may bolster an application.