The Neuroscience of Meditation
M. E. Johnson
Elsevier eBooks 2020 DOI: 10.1016/c2018-0-03129-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | vipassana meditation retreat |
| Duration | 7-day retreat |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | Proposes that Western neuroscientific and phenomenological models from the Qualia Research Institute can be connected to Eastern contemplative practices like vipassana meditation. |
Abstract
Background: I’m a philosopher at the Qualia Research Institute (QRI) working on the intersection of neuroscience and phenomenology. As part of this research and to develop my practice, I recently did a 7-day vipassana meditation retreat. The following are some perspectives, models, and hypotheses I had on how some of the ‘Western’ ideas we’re working with at QRI could connect to ‘Eastern’ contemplative practices. (Yes, I know I wasn’t supposed to think during a retreat, but enlightenment will just have to wait, I have things to do. . . )
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mechanisms of mindfulness | 2005 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness | 2012 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- A systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies on arousing or wake-promoting effects in Buddhist meditation Frontiers in Psychology October 27, 2023
- How did we get here? Evolutionary, psychological, and cultural challenges in cultivating contemplative practices Humanities and Social Sciences Communications May 2, 2026
Cites 3
- Functional brain mapping of the relaxation response and meditation Neuroreport May 1, 2000
- Human development II: we need an integrated theory for matter, life and consciousness to understand life and healing. TheScientificWorldJournal July 6, 2006
- Sleep, consciousness and the spontaneous and evoked electrical activity of the brain. Is there a cortical integrating mechanism? Neurophysiologie Clinique February 2003