Neural Pattern of Chanting-Driven Intuitive Inquiry Meditation in Expert Chan Practitioners.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) September 5, 2025 Kin Cheung George Lee, Hin Hung Sik, Hang Kin Leung et al.
Long-term Can-Hua-Tou (Chan/Zen) meditation practice is associated with distinct high-frequency brain activity patterns. Experienced monks showed elevated beta and gamma brainwave activity across all conditions compared to novice practitioners, with the most pronounced difference in gamma band activity over fronto-parietal regions. Unlike relaxation-based meditation styles that increase alpha and theta waves, Chan meditation produces a profile dominated by beta-gamma dynamics, consistent with the Buddhist concept of one-pointed concentration and vigilance during self-inquiry. Novice practitioners showed negligible beta or gamma modulation. These findings indicate that different contemplative strategies produce distinct neurophysiological changes, with intensive cognitive meditation linked to enduring high-frequency cortical synchrony.