Communications Biology
June 12, 2026
Saketh Malipeddi, Arun Sasidharan, Bianca Ventura et al.
Distinguishing between self (internal) and environment (external) is fundamental to human experience, yet mind-body traditions describe non-dual states where this boundary dissolves. However, the neural basis of non-duality remains underexplored. We investigate this in advanced and novice meditators from the Isha Yoga tradition and meditation-naïve controls using psychological scales and...
bioRxiv Preprint Server
May 27, 2026
Praerna Chowdhury, Ramajayam Govindaraj, Arun Sasidharan et al.
preprint
Background Electroencephalographic (EEG) studies attempting to characterise the neural signature of meditation typically rely on contrasts with passive rest or comparisons among practitioners based on experience. However, these approaches rarely include active control states and seldom establish the reliability and robustness of identified quantitative EEG features. Consequently, the validity...
Neuroscience of Consciousness
2026
Bianca Ventura, Andrea Buccellato, Saketh Malipeddi et al.
Different forms of meditation, like Vipassana and Shoonya, require distinct attentional features. For instance, Vipassana, which involves systematically scanning different body parts, may demand a sustained yet dynamic focus with a temporally stable and regular attentional emphasis. In contrast, Shoonya meditation has been described as involving a non-directed or defocused attentional stance,...
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
September 9, 2025
Ratna Jyothi Kakumanu, Ajay Kumar Nair, Arun Sasidharan et al.
preprint
Abstract Our study adopted a novel approach, utilizing four biomarkers, namely EEG potentials, their first-order derivatives, and phase slip rates derived from each, to discern the differences between novice Vipassana (NVP) subjects and non-meditator controls (NMC). Phase slip rates are discontinuities in instantaneous phase that represent cortical phase transitions, indicating a significant...
Consciousness and Cognition
July 1, 2025
Gulshan Kumar, Safoora Naaz, Nahida Jabin et al.
Studies on the electrophysiological and phenomenological aspects of dream experiences provide insight on consciousness during sleep. Whole night polysomnography (PSG) studies were conducted among 29 healthy young participants with high dream recall abilities. Dreams reports were collected during the second night by multiple awakening protocol. On the third night, participants were presented...
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
June 26, 2025
Prakash Shrimali, Arun Sasidharan, Saketh Malipeddi et al.
1 citation
preprint
Abstract Meditation encompasses diverse practices that train attention inward, in contrast to externally oriented task states. However, the neurodynamic features distinguishing meditative states from non-meditative states across traditions remain unclear. We analyzed high-density EEG data (N=170; 121 advanced meditators, 49 controls) across four traditions: Vipassana, Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga,...
bioRxiv Preprint Server
February 11, 2025
Saketh Malipeddi, Arun Sasidharan, Rahul Venugopal et al.
2 citations
preprint
Introduction Mind-body practices, such as meditation, enhance mental well-being. Research studies consistently demonstrate improved brain function and psychological well-being in meditation practitioners. A substantial body of neuroscientific evidence highlights changes in alpha and theta frequency bands during meditation among practitioners. Neurophysiological effects of meditation are...
bioRxiv Preprint Server
August 29, 2024
Saketh Malipeddi, Arun Sasidharan, Rahul Venugopal et al.
4 citations
preprint
A balanced mind, or equanimity, cultivated through meditation and other spiritual practices, is considered one of the highest mental states. Its core features include deidentification and non-duality. Despite its significance, its neural correlates remain unknown. To address this, we acquired 128-channel EEG data (n = 103) from advanced and novice meditators (from the Isha Yoga tradition) and...
The neuroradiology journal
June 1, 2023
Ashwini S Savanth, Vijaya Pa, Ajay K Nair et al.
Meditation practices increase attention, memory, and self-awareness. The neuroscientific study of meditation has helped gain useful insights into the functional changes in the brain. In this study, we have assessed the performance of meditators with different years of practice while performing an engaging task rather than studying the meditation practice itself. This task helps assess many...
Sleep Science
June 17, 2022
Ravindra P. Nagendra, Talakad N. Sathyaprabha, Bindu M Kutty
Objectives: Meditation practices positively influence the neural, hormonal and autonomic systems. We have demonstrated that long-term practice of mindfulness meditation increases N3 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stages and bring efficient autonomic modulation during sleep. In the present study, the probable humoral correlation that could bring about these changes is evaluated. Material and...
Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
2022
Ravindra P. Nagendra, Talakad N. Sathyaprabha, Bindu M Kutty
11 citations
Meditation practices positively influence the neural, hormonal and autonomic systems. We have demonstrated that long-term practice of mindfulness meditation increases N3 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stages and bring efficient autonomic modulation during sleep. In the present study, the probable humoral correlation that could bring about these changes is evaluated. Long-term Vipassana...
International Journal of Yoga
2022
Ashwini S Savanth, P A Vijaya, Ajay Kumar Nair et al.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on mental training techniques such as meditation have reported benefits like increased attention and concentration, better emotional regulation, as well as reduced stress and anxiety. Although several studies have examined functional activation and connectivity in long-term as well as short-term meditators from different meditation...
Progress in Brain Research
2019
Ratna Jyothi Kakumanu, Ajay Kumar Nair, Arun Sasidharan et al.
Several studies have demonstrated that meditation naïve subjects can, in just a few weeks, become proficient enough in meditation to show cognitive improvements accompanied with functional and structural changes in the brain. Would long-term exposure to qualitatively different levels of meditative training bring about differences in cognitive processing? Would meditation prior to task...
Biological Psychology
May 1, 2018
Ratna Jyothi Kakumanu, Ajay Kumar Nair, Rahul Venugopal et al.
Meditation, as taught by most schools of practice, consists of a set of heterogeneous techniques. We wanted to assess if EEG profiles varied across different meditation techniques, proficiency levels and experience of the practitioners. We examined EEG dynamics in Vipassana meditators (Novice, Senior meditators and Teachers) while they engaged in their traditional meditation practice...
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)
June 1, 2016
Nirmala Maruthai, Ravindra P. Nagendra, Arun Sasidharan et al.
The present study is aimed to ascertain whether differences in meditation proficiency alter rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep) as well as the overall sleep-organization. Whole-night polysomnography was carried out using 32-channel digital EEG system. 20 senior Vipassana meditators, 16 novice Vipassana meditators and 19 non-meditating control subjects participated in the study. The REM sleep...