Beyond mindfulness: Arousal-driven modulation of attentional control during arousal-based practices.
Current research in neurobiology January 1, 2022 Maria Kozhevnikov, Alina Veronika Irene Strasser, Elizabeth Mcdougal et al. 13 citations
Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhist) practices that modulate attentional control through arousal-driven influences, rather than through monitoring continuous thought processes as in mindfulness, produce distinct neural and physiological states. In 16 highly experienced practitioners, the generation stage (Yidam) and completion stage with sign (Tummo) induced parasympathetic withdrawal (arousal) and phasic alertness, seen as decreased high-frequency heart rate variability and increased alpha2 power. These states were later employed in Tantric Mahamudra, which led to high cortical excitability, non-selective focused attention, and reduced attentional control, with power reductions in all frequency bands except theta. In contrast, non-Tantric Mahamudra resembled mindfulness practices, with parasympathetic dominance, tonic alertness, and active monitoring, shown by increased alpha1 power and less pronounced decreases in other bands. A neurobiological model differentiating arousal-based and mindfulness-related practices is proposed.