Long-term practice of intuitive inquiry meditation modulates EEG dynamics during self-schema processing

Gao, Junling; Leung, Hang Kin; Wu, Bonnie Wai Yan; Hung, Jenny; Chang, Chunqi; Sik, Hin Hung

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20075

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…When presented with images of themselves and the Buddha, seasoned monks exhibited a diminished neural response to their own image during meditation, but not to the image of the Buddha. This implies that for these practitioners, the meditation's focus has shifted more toward an internal conceptualization of "self," demonstrating a more flexible approach to processing self-identity [51]. The study's outcomes suggest that intuitive inquiry meditation (Zen Buddhism) leads to a more adaptable and detached mindset when engaging with the concept of self.…”

Section: Differences Between Yoga and Zen Meditation Traditionsmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Our neuroscience research examined the effects of long-term intuitive inquiry meditation of Zen practice on brain responses to self-pattern processing. This research offered intriguing insights into how Zen practice influences self-concept and concept of Buddha belief and doubt [51]. It is a meditative practice characterized by persistent questioning and doubt, fostering deep introspection [55].…”

Section: Differences Between Yoga and Zen Meditation Traditionsmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Zen Buddhism, a unique branch of Mahayana Buddhism that appeared in China and later spread to Japan and other East Asian regions, diverges from this approach. Zen mainly focuses on practice known as "zazen" or seated meditation, and more uniquely Can-Hua-Tou, the inquiry meditation [51]. This form of meditation is central to Zen practice and is aimed at achieving deep states of absorption and insight.…”

Section: Differences Between Yoga and Zen Meditation Traditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Yoga, Mind-Body Coherence, and Zen

Gao,

Hung Sik

2024

Yoga - Exploring the Health Benefits and Diverse Dimensions

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Eastern meditative traditions, such as yoga, Qigong, Tibetan Buddhism, and Zen/Chan, have long underscored the interplay of mind and body, and this mind-body problem is gaining empirical support through modern neuroscience. Our recent studies reveal a tangible link between the brain’s electrical activity and the heart’s rhythm, exemplifying the mind-body synergy. This chapter covers topics that Yoga integrates breath and posture to unify mind, body, and the environment; and furthermore, Zen/Chan meditation directly aims to dismantle all conceptual illusions, including those of self and universe, sharpening the practitioner’s mental acuity, and challenging their perception of reality. This chapter explores the mind-body nexus and contrasts various meditative disciplines, primarily focusing on the nuances between Yoga and Zen/Chan meditation.

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Section: Differences Between Yoga and Zen Meditation Traditionsmentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Differences Between Yoga and Zen Meditation Traditionsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Differences Between Yoga and Zen Meditation Traditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Yoga, Mind-Body Coherence, and Zen

Gao,

Hung Sik

2024

Yoga - Exploring the Health Benefits and Diverse Dimensions

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Bridging Ecologies through Contemplative Technologies: Existential Relevance of Huatou 話頭 and the Huayan sanmei men 華嚴三昧門 for Oxytocin and Environmentally Sustainable Behavior

Morseth

2024

Religions

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Contemplative technologies in the form of Buddhist practices that challenge the sense of self and thereby enhance the experience of interrelationality are viable strategies for addressing existential concerns such as the environmental crisis. Much of the existing research on Buddhism and ecology neglects to measure environmentally sustainable behavior or engage with empirical research. Likewise, experiments measuring the effects of contemplative practice on oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone often implicated in interrelational contexts, are scarce. This study explores the existential relevance of Chan and Huayan practices for oxytocin and environmentally sustainable behavior. Using empirical methods, it reports on an experimental fieldwork study among international participants in a one-month retreat at a Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Salivary oxytocin, recycling, and food waste were measured, while phenomenological reports of experiences during contemplative practice were also obtained. Results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicate a marginal increase in oxytocin following Chan practice of the huatou “Who recites the Buddha’s name?” which targets the sense of self, consistent with phenomenological reports reflecting an interrelational, ecological sense of self through huatou. Results also indicate increased recycling and decreased food waste by mass as a function of time on retreat. While the precise mechanisms explaining why participants exhibited more environmentally sustainable behaviors are currently unclear, the discussion proposes an empirically testable framework for bridging ecologies that links emotion, sense of self, and behavior. Contemplative practices may contribute to changes in oxytocin and environmentally sustainable behavior through activation of existential, aesthetic emotions such as doubt and awe, thereby inducing changes in the practitioner’s sense of self, which they may then experience as interrelated with broader ecologies, a possibility awaiting further research. The huatou fieldwork and proposed follow-up study on the Huayan sanmei men thus shed light on the relevance of contemplative technologies from Chinese Buddhism for bridging ecologies in the existentially relational sense.

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Long-term practice of intuitive inquiry meditation modulates EEG dynamics during self-schema processing

Cited by 2 publications

References 48 publications

Yoga, Mind-Body Coherence, and Zen

Yoga, Mind-Body Coherence, and Zen

Bridging Ecologies through Contemplative Technologies: Existential Relevance of Huatou 話頭 and the Huayan sanmei men 華嚴三昧門 for Oxytocin and Environmentally Sustainable Behavior

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