Zen/Science Studies?

[Dainin]

A friend asked me to inquiry if there are any "hard" science studies on the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of Zen practice, including what "enlightenment experiences" (i.e., kensho, satori) entail. She is not interested in anything by actual practitioners of Zen or Buddhism (e.g., a psychologist who is also a Zen practitioner or the Dalai Lama's work at MIT). She is only interested in studies by independent "completely objective" scientists outside of the practice.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Keith

[Jun]

Re: Zen/Science Studies?

You need to look for the studies of Dr Akira Kasamatsu and Dr Tomio Hirai of the Department of Neuro-Psychiatry, Tokyo University.

Try these on for size..............

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 081841.htm

http://www.enabling.org/ia/vipassana/Ar ... ience.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2725487.stm

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=4770779

http://www.crystalinks.com/medbrain.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/410003.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4613759.stm

Google away................

[Dainin]

Re: Zen/Science Studies?

Hi Jun,

!Muchas gracias! A lot of interesting looking stuff. I'm looking forward to reading it in more depth later on today.

Take care,
Keith

[Jundo]

Re: Zen/Science Studies?

Hi,

This is the most complete list I have ever found on medical/physiological/neurological studies on the effects of meditation. It runs to several pages, although I am not sure if it has been updated (it may be only up to several years ago). The research is ongoing ... even as we sit.

http://www.noetic.org/research/medbiblio/ch1.htm

In fact, everyone at Treeleaf would benefit from scanning the several chapters presented.

Gassho, Dr. Jundo

[Dainin]

Re: Zen/Science Studies?

Thank you, Dr. Jundo! My friend and I appreciate the link.

Best,
Keith