Dynamic causal modeling of low-density resting-state EEG in long-term meditation practitioners
Gianluca Rho, Francesco Bossi, Ngawang Norbu, Jampa Kechok, Ngawang Sherab, Jampa Soepa, Jampa Thakchoe, Alberto Greco, Enzo Pasquale Scilingo, Nicola Vanello, Bruno Neri, Alejandro Luis Callara
Scientific Reports February 26, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-41310-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Monks and geshes of the Tibetan University of Sera Jey in India |
| Intervention | Meditation |
| Topics | Default mode network Meditation |
| Keywords | Salience neuroscience Cognition Neurophysiology Electroencephalography Leverage statistics Causal model Cognitive psychology Neuroimaging Perception |
| Key findings | Long-term meditation practice alters connectivity within the default mode network and salience network, with experienced meditators exhibiting enhanced self-referential processing in the DMN and reduced reactivity in the SN. |
Abstract
Meditation is a complex cognitive practice associated with significant neurophysiological changes, particularly in long-term practitioners. These individuals represent an ideal human model for investigating neural changes associated to their consistent, frequent, and sustained cognitive engagement. However, in Western societies, long-term practitioners are relatively rare compared to Eastern monastic communities. In this study, we leverage a collaboration with a unique monastic population, the Monks and Geshes of the Tibetan University of Sera Jey in India, to examine the long-term effects of meditation on resting-state effective brain connectivity. Specifically, we hypothesize that different levels of meditation experience modulate intrinsic connections in two resting-state brain networks: the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN). To test this, we apply dynamic causal modeling for EEG to analyze effective connectivity and validate our hypothesis. Our results reveal that long-term meditation practice can alter connectivity within the DMN and SN, with distinct patterns of modulation based on meditator experience. Experienced meditators appear to exhibit enhanced self-referential processing in the DMN and reduced reactivity in the SN, supporting the notion that meditation refines attentional control and internal awareness. These findings provide new insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying long-term meditation and highlight the role of monastic practitioners as an invaluable model for studying experience-related modifications in the human brain.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cites 25
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Default Mode Network Activity and Connectivity in Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology March 29, 2012
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- The precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the default mode network: Evidence from a partial correlation network analysis Neuroimage June 13, 2008
and 20 more in the library