What do we really know about Buddhist meditation research? : controversies and problems surrounding the study of Buddhist meditation
Religio revue pro religionistiku December 30, 2025 Silvie Kotherová
Research on Buddhist meditations often portrays them as a universal remedy, but this article argues that such a uniformly positive image is misleading. The historical roots of meditation research show that an overly favorable view, lacking reports of side effects, stems from engaged scientists associated with the mindfulness movement and the Mind and Life Institute, who promote religious interests through a scientific framework. The rise of positive psychology and social media further perpetuate this idealized portrayal. The article examines the current reciprocal dynamics between science and Buddhism, where science investigates Buddhism and Buddhism also uses science to advance its own interests.