Contemplative Science and Buddhist Science

The scientific study of Buddhist and Buddhism-derived practices like mindfulness meditation has grown rapidly since the early 2000s, driven by a community known as contemplative science. This chapter traces the history of contemplative science, emphasizing the Mind and Life Institute's role, and examines the more controversial term 'Buddhist science'—the idea that Buddhism is uniquely compatible with science. Critiques of Buddhist science are shown to be inaccurate and exaggerated in at least one context. The chapter concludes that shared assumptions in both fields about the thematization of experience create significant challenges for researching contemplative practices.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The scientific study of Buddhist and Buddhism-derived practices such as mindfulness meditation has accelerated dramatically since the start of the twenty-first century, and this dramatic increase in research emerges from a vibrant community of inquiry that often adopts the moniker of “contemplative science.” This chapter begins with a brief history of contemplative science, focusing on the pivotal role of the Mind and Life Institute, and then examines a related and even more contentious term: “Buddhist science.” Rooted in the notion that Buddhism is exceptional in its compatibility with science, Buddhist science has been the target of critiques that, in at least one context, turn out to be inaccurate and exaggerated. The chapter concludes by examining how the thematization of experience, which emerges from common assumptions in both contemplative science and Buddhist science, leads to significant challenges in conducting research on contemplative practices.