Enlightenment, a Distinct Cognitive State: Executive Awareness Cognition Theory (ExACT)

Enlightenment, the goal of long-term meditation, involves a dissolution of the self-boundary experienced as nondual awareness. The Executive Awareness Cognition Theory (ExACT) proposes that enlightenment results from a functional reversal of the brain's resting state networks: the Central Executive Network (CEN) replaces the Default Mode Network (DMN) as the default network. This neural shift corresponds to nondual awareness becoming the default perception mode, with the subjective self experienced as virtual. The theory aims to provide a reference for future meditation research and establish enlightenment as a distinct cognitive state with specific neural and phenomenological markers.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Enlightenment, which can be described as the end goal of long-term meditation practices, is a mental state where the boundaries of the apparent Self dissolve, experienced as a nondual awareness. The neural correlates of meditation reveal patterns such as deactivation of the Default Mode Network, activation of the Central Executive Network, and structural brain reorganization.In this context, we introduce the Executive Awareness Cognition Theory (ExACT) of Enlightenment. The central tenet of this theory is a network dynamics' flip in the brain's resting state networks’ functioning, specifically between the CEN and the DMN, which is distinguished by the CEN taking the role of the default network. The described neurological change is accompanied by nondual awareness taking the position of the default mode of perception and the subjective experience of Self is perceived as virtual. This theory is expected to be a reference point for future research in Meditation/Mindfulness and establish Enlightenment as a distinct cognitive state with specific neural and phenomenological markers.