The Neurodynamic Core of Meditation: Dissociating Meditation from Rest and Task in a Reliability-based EEG study
Praerna Chowdhury, Ramajayam Govindaraj, Arun Sasidharan, Apar A Saoji, Ravindra P N, Georg Northoff, Bindu M Kutty
bioRxiv Preprint Server May 27, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.64898/2026.05.27.728082 via bioRxiv
Summary
EEG features that reliably distinguish meditation from other states remain uncertain because most studies lack active control conditions and do not test reliability. This study used a multi-session within-subject design with experienced Brahmakumaris Rajayoga meditators to identify state-dependent EEG dynamics that are both distinct and reliable, addressing prior methodological shortcomings.
Study at a glance
| Design | within-subject design |
|---|---|
| Population | experienced meditators from the Brahmakumaris Rajayoga tradition |
| Key finding | The study aimed to identify reliable and robust quantitative EEG features that distinguish meditative state from other states, addressing limitations of prior research. |
Abstract
Background Electroencephalographic (EEG) studies attempting to characterise the neural signature of meditation typically rely on contrasts with passive rest or comparisons among practitioners based on experience. However, these approaches rarely include active control states and seldom establish the reliability and robustness of identified quantitative EEG features. Consequently, the validity of proposed neurophysiological markers of meditative state remains uncertain. The present study addressed these limitations by using a reliability-informed, multi-session within-subject design to characterise distinct state-dependent EEG dynamics in experienced meditators from the Brahmakumaris Rajayoga tradition.