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The neuroscience of advanced meditation: The promise of third wave meditation research.

Matthew D. Sacchet, Jonathan M. Lieberman

Neuron May 6, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2026.02.009 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Topics Meditation
Key findings Third wave meditation research investigates advanced meditation states, stages, and endpoints, with current neuroscientific progress and far-reaching implications.

Abstract

Third wave meditation research-the study of advanced meditation-investigates states, stages, and endpoints of meditation practice that emerge with increasing mastery. We review current neuroscientific progress, outline future research directions, and highlight far-reaching implications of this emerging scientific subfield.