Mindfulness
March 11, 2018
William van Gordon, Edo Shonin, Thomas J. Dunn et al.
38 citations
Advanced Buddhist meditators can intentionally induce near-death experiences (NDEs) at a planned time, a phenomenon called meditation-induced NDE (MI-NDE). In a study of 12 such meditators, the MI-NDE produced significantly greater increases in NDE profundity, mystical experiences, and non-attachment compared to two other meditation practices. Participants' NDE profundity also increased across a 3-year period. Qualitative analysis revealed that participants were consciously aware of the NDE, retained volitional control over its content and duration, and reported rich non-worldly encounters. The findings corroborate features of regular NDEs and suggest unexplored dimensions, indicating it is feasible and ethical to study real-time neurological activity during NDEs using advanced meditators.
Mindfulness
March 1, 2024
Matthew Furnell, William van Gordon, James Elander
22 citations
Incorporating Buddhist wisdom practices into mindfulness-based interventions may enhance prosocial behavior through mechanisms such as developing a sense of interdependence and common humanity, fostering altruistic desire, and experiencing oneness. A systematic review of 12 studies with 2,185 participants found suggestive evidence for these effects, but raised concerns about overreliance on self-report measures and difficulty isolating the effects of specific meditation practices. The findings reinforce the perspective that wisdom-based meditation practices contribute to prosocial behavior, but future studies should use diverse measures including real-world scenarios.
Healthcare
November 25, 2025
Matthew Furnell, William van Gordon, James Elander
People high in neuroticism showed greater gains in prosocial behavior after a mindfulness intervention that included wisdom-based practices (contemplations on interdependence and the emptiness of self) along with concentration and ethics practices, compared to a similar intervention without the wisdom component or a waitlist control. High agreeableness improved well-being outcomes for both mindfulness interventions, while high openness improved well-being only for the intervention that included wisdom practices. The findings suggest that tailoring mindfulness programs to personality traits, especially by adding wisdom-based elements, may enhance their effectiveness for individuals prone to interpersonal sensitivity and self-protective tendencies.