Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana.
Avijit Chowdhury, Marta Bianciardi, Eric Chapdelaine, Omar S. Riaz, Christopher Timmermann, Remko Van Lutterveld, Terje Sparby, Matthew D. Sacchet
Neuroimage December 14, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120973 via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAdvanced meditation states known as Jhanas, achieved through concentration absorption, are associated with distinct patterns of brain activity and subjective experience. In an intensive case study of an experienced meditator, each Jhana state showed unique neural signatures, including changes in gamma power, alpha desynchronization, and connectivity between frontal and parietal regions. These findings suggest that Jhana states are not merely variations of ordinary mindfulness but involve specific, reproducible neurophenomenological profiles. The work demonstrates that deep meditative absorption can be systematically studied using multimodal brain imaging and first-person reports, providing a foundation for understanding altered states of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | One experienced meditator |
| Duration | 37 sessions over several months |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Neuroscience Consciousness Brain research |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key finding | Each Jhana state of advanced concentration absorption meditation exhibits distinct neural signatures, including changes in gamma power, alpha desynchronization, and frontoparietal connectivity, indicating reproducible neurophenomenological profiles. |
Abstract
Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana.