Yoga, Mind-Body Coherence, and Zen

Abstract

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.