Monks in the Laboratory
J. Schomberg
Educational Media Reviews Online June 8, 2009 DOI: 10.59236/emro.v11i6a3978 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Documentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Longtime practitioners of Tibetan Buddhist meditation |
| Key points | The documentary illustrates research examining brain functioning during meditation, focusing on attention and cognitive and emotional control, particularly through the practice of open presence meditation. |
Abstract
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980Produced by ARTE FranceDirected by Delphine Morel2006, DVD, color, 52 min. This is a fascinating documentary of research done by neuroscientists affiliated with the Mind and Life Institute. The purpose of their research is to examine longtime practitioners of Tibetan Buddhist meditation. They use interviews and MRI scans to observe the brain during focused intentional or open presence meditation or neutral mind states to better understand brain functioning related to attention and cognitive and emotional control. (Open presence is related to the ability to control attention and emotion.) Dialogue in English, or French or Tibetan with English subtitles. Interviews and laboratory observations. Highly recommended for libraries collecting in the areas of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or Buddhism.