A 20-minute guided mindfulness meditation session does not significantly improve control of a sensorimotor rhythm-based brain-computer interface. Thirty-seven subjects performed cursor control tasks before and after either a meditation exercise or a control condition of listening to a journal article. No significant change in BCI performance or EEG control signal occurred in either group, and the difference between groups was not significant. The findings suggest that longer meditation practice is needed to enhance SMR-based BCI control.
A comparison of the six stages of spirituality in medieval Christian mysticism, as proposed by Bonaventure, with the six-fold sādhana of Advaita Vedānta, as taught by Śaṅkara, reveals both similarities and differences in the pursuit of ultimate reality. Bonaventure's stages—Sense, Imagination, Reason, Intelligence, Understanding, and Spark of Conscience—aim at unity with God, while Śaṅkara's practices—mind control, sense control, mental tranquility, endurance, potential faith, and concentration—seek unity of Brahman and Self. The comparison explores how medieval religious believers in both traditions desired ultimate reality and suggests possibilities for dialogue between Christianity and Advaita Vedānta.