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) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAdvanced meditation research, known as third wave meditation research, explores the states, stages, and endpoints of meditation practice that arise with greater expertise. This review examines current neuroscientific findings in this area, proposes future research directions, and discusses the broad implications of this emerging scientific subfield.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | 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.