Over coffee or over green tea, they all agree that the mind is the root of all things (Part I)

Dr. Samar Zebian & Aaed Ghanem^[1] (guest columnist) -  I (Samar) remember an incident years ago when I was at the computer doing something that was less than uplifting (data entry). In between re-coding and rechecking the data for the umpteenth time, I got sidetracked thinking about what might count as a genuine incommensurability-an enduring or permanent incompatibility between two entities/persons. In the midst of this, an email interceded. The subject line read, "14th Dalai Lama to keynote for the Neuroscience Society". The nonsense about the permanent incommensurability between science and religion, which I really didn't believe to begin with, faded instantaneously. Well of course!!!!, the Dalai Lama and his followers need to know what is going on inside the brain. It is a no brainer! In this three part series, Aaed and I wish to provide some basic knowledge about meditation and why mind & brain scientists are studying this ancient practice. In the second article, to be published next month, we explore the research on meditation and what has been discovered about consciousness, brain enhancement and well-being. The final article examines the controversial possibility of using technology to induce mediation-like mental states.

The history of meditation dates back 5,000 years. The oldest documented technique is The Glorious Light Meditation discovered by Dr. Muata Ashby on the walls of the Tomb of Seti in Egypt. Another indigenous form is Sufi meditation and its pillars are Muraqaba and Shahood (to keep an eye, observe and witness). India, however, remains the motherland of meditation and is a major force in its global propagation.

  The word "mediation" is used to refer to a remarkably wide range of contemplative practices (e.g. Sufi Zikr, Tibetian tantric practices or ritual dances). For the purposes of this article we focus on the main pillars of Buddhist contemplative practices because these have been studied by mind researchers.

In the Buddhist tradition meditation is a highly evolved technique to alleviate suffering and support enlightenment. In its most basic form, it involves 4 main practices: mindfulness, mantra, yoga and breath control (pranayama).  Mindfulness is both a state of attentiveness/awareness and a state of interconnectedness to a higher purpose or being. Mantra is a subtle sound vibration commonly repeated as a poetic hymn during meditation. Yoga involves exercises and postures which cleanse the body and facilitate inward reflection. Breathing techniques are used to modulate attention and influence energy flow.

According to Aaed meditators remain peaceful (at least most of the time) even in difficult situations. Meditation also seems to support the initiation of new endeavors and the successful completion of old ones by clearing the mind, reducing stress, supporting creativity and alleviating physical ailments. For Aaed, meditation is an ornament of life that illuminates its beauty. This may sound poetic and optimistic,  but meditators experience these tangible psychological states as they explore the vastness of the human mind and its relation to the body and world.

The Dalai Lama's regard for science has been a major impetuous for brain and psychological research on meditation and positive emotion. His neuroscience conference keynote was just one in a series of exchanges/meetings between Buddhist monks and brain scientists which began more than a decade ago. Additionally, the Dalai Lama published a book with Paul Ekman, the modern father of research on facial emotional expression.^[2] More recently, the 14th Buddhist priest donated unsolicited personal funds to research centers that examine the brain basis of positive emotions. His interest in science seems genuine and decidedly utilitarian. He is on record stating his willingness to shatter religious teachings in the name of verifiable facts. How many religious leaders do you know that "talk the talk" and then "walk the walk"? I (Samar) find the Dalai Lama's position very bold, very courageous. He must have some take on how scientific and Buddhist worldviews can inform each other in the "science-IS-religion" age.

On the surface Buddhist brain perspectives involve some eyebrow-raising formulations. For example, when the Dalai Lama speaks of a "luminous consciousness" that transcends death but may not have brain correlates, the tribes of neuro and cognitive scientists get a bit uneasy. When meditators claim they can literally shut off the brain. Isn't that dangerous! Also, take for example the state of ´samatha where the advanced meditator claims to mentally focus on only one thought for a theoretically unlimited period of time. According to mind scientists, this should be impossible. As outside observers, it is amazing to see that such a productive and mutually reciprocal exchange has endured. Next month we consider what discoveries have ensued.

^[2] -  Dalai Lama & Ekman, P. (2008). Emotional awareness. New York: Henry Holt.