The Science of Meditation
Asian Traditions of Meditation October 31, 2016 DOI: 10.21313/hawaii/9780824855680.003.0012
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractScientific research on meditation began in the 1970s with a focus on the physiology of relaxation, while a second ongoing wave emphasizes modes of attention and their neural correlates. Anglo-American scientists have dominated both waves, yet the meditation practices studied have almost exclusively Asian origins. This essay argues that the shifting focus of meditation research is shaped not only by available scientific methods but also by the specific form of meditation under investigation and by influences from society and popular culture.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The focus of scientific meditation research is shaped by scientific methodology, the form of meditation studied, and societal and cultural influences. |
Abstract
The first big wave of scientific research on meditation came in the 1970s and mainly focused on the physiology of relaxation. The second wave, which is still ongoing, has a stronger focus on modes of attention and their neural correlates. In both waves of meditation research, Anglo-American scientists have dominated the arena, but the kinds of meditation investigated have almost exclusively been of Asian origin. This essay argues that the shifting focus of scientific studies is not only determined by the available scientific methodology, but also by the form of meditation under investigation, as well as the influence from society and popular culture.