The Neuroscience of Meditation
January 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/c2018-0-03129-1 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
A philosopher at the Qualia Research Institute describes perspectives, models, and hypotheses from a 7-day vipassana meditation retreat, connecting Western ideas about neuroscience and phenomenology with Eastern contemplative practices. The work offers theoretical reflections on how these frameworks might intersect, based on the author's personal retreat experience.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Western ideas from the Qualia Research Institute on neuroscience and phenomenology can be connected to Eastern contemplative practices like vipassana meditation. |
Abstract
Background: I’m a philosopher at the Qualia Research Institute (QRI) working on the intersection of neuroscience and phenomenology. As part of this research and to develop my practice, I recently did a 7-day vipassana meditation retreat. The following are some perspectives, models, and hypotheses I had on how some of the ‘Western’ ideas we’re working with at QRI could connect to ‘Eastern’ contemplative practices. (Yes, I know I wasn’t supposed to think during a retreat, but enlightenment will just have to wait, I have things to do. . . )