Neural correlates of meditation – Insights from Sera Jey Monastery study
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology explores the distinct neural correlates of concentrative and analytical meditation using electroencephalography (EEG).
Conducted at the Sera Jey Monastery in India, the study involved 23 monks and revealed different brain activity patterns associated with these two meditative practices, providing new insights into cognitive and emotional regulation.
The research aimed to clarify how different forms of meditation influence brain activity, addressing a significant gap in the literature.
Despite meditation’s growing popularity, the specific neural mechanisms underlying various practices remain underexplored.
The study focused on concentrative meditation, which involves focusing attention on a single object, and analytical meditation, which involves reflecting on specific concepts or teachings.
The findings showed that concentrative meditation resulted in more pronounced changes in brain activity, particularly increased alpha and theta wave power in the frontal and posterior regions, suggesting enhanced attentional control and reduced mind-wandering.
Analytical meditation, while also altering brain activity, showed less dramatic effects.
Notably, advanced meditators exhibited a marked peak in the beta frequency range, indicating enhanced cognitive and attentional processes from long-term practice.
Study author Bruno Neri highlighted the importance of approaching this research with humility and a willingness to learn from the monks, emphasizing the value of combining Western neuroscience with long-standing Eastern contemplative practices to better understand consciousness.
Future research is recommended to explore the long-term effects of meditation and its therapeutic potential for clinical populations.
The study underscores the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches in unraveling the complexities of consciousness and the profound impact of meditation on the brain.
References
- Report from a Tibetan Monastery: EEG neural correlates of concentrative and analytical meditation
- Study with Tibetan monks reveals how different types of meditation affect brain activity
