Comments on: Meditation on the Brain: a Conversation with Andrew Newberg http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/ Brain Fitness and Cognitive Health news Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:58:08 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Alvaro Fernandez http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-229370 Alvaro Fernandez Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:03:56 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-229370 Dylan: thank you for your thoughtful, and I'd say, mindful, comment. On your 2 points: 1- "I don’t know much about neural science but I imagine that if scientists could pinpoint these areas, a machine could be created that could help people learn to meditate": well, similar approaches are already under way, so what you suggest is likely to happen once 1) scientists have a more defined understanding of the brain-basis of a variety of mental states, 2) neuroimaging is not as expensive as it is today. Similar approaches today for emotional self-regulation rely on biofeedback, which is pretty inexpensive, and there is a start-up, called Omneuron, builds on fMRI and cognitive therapy (more established than meditation to help patients with depression) to accelerate the development of skills. You can learn more at http://www.omneuron.com/PNAS_study.html 2- In my view, the religious vs. atheist discussion adds very little to the "enlightenment" agenda you propose, which is attractive to many people no matter religious/ secular inclinations. I am not sure about launch a new "religion" but indeed I encourage you to socialize with like-minded people and encourage each other into a path of lifelong learning and positive contributions to the world. Dylan: thank you for your thoughtful, and I’d say, mindful, comment. On your 2 points:

1- “I don’t know much about neural science but I imagine that if scientists could pinpoint these areas, a machine could be created that could help people learn to meditate”: well, similar approaches are already under way, so what you suggest is likely to happen once 1) scientists have a more defined understanding of the brain-basis of a variety of mental states, 2) neuroimaging is not as expensive as it is today. Similar approaches today for emotional self-regulation rely on biofeedback, which is pretty inexpensive, and there is a start-up, called Omneuron, builds on fMRI and cognitive therapy (more established than meditation to help patients with depression) to accelerate the development of skills. You can learn more at
http://www.omneuron.com/PNAS_study.html

2- In my view, the religious vs. atheist discussion adds very little to the “enlightenment” agenda you propose, which is attractive to many people no matter religious/ secular inclinations. I am not sure about launch a new “religion” but indeed I encourage you to socialize with like-minded people and encourage each other into a path of lifelong learning and positive contributions to the world.

]]> By: Anirudh http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-227256 Anirudh Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:08:01 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-227256 Yoga (Application) which was based on the control of the body physically and implied that a perfect control over the body and the senses led to knowledge of the ultimate reality. A detailed anatomical knowledge of the human body was necessary to the advancement of yoga and therefore those practising yoga had to keep in touch with medical knowledge. (Romila Thapar, A History of India, volume one). I suggest : Mind and brain are two distinct things. Brain is anatomical entity whereas mind is functional entity. Mind can be defined as the function of autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is claimed that mind can be brought under conscious control through the practice of meditation. But how? ANS is largely under hypothalamic control which is situated very close to optic chiasma (sixth chakra or ajna chakra). Protracted practice of concentration to meditate at this region brings functions of ANS say mind under one’s conscious control. ANS is further divided into parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). On the basis of these facts I have discovered a mathematical relationship for spiritual quotient (S.Q.). Spiritual Quotient can be expressed mathematically as the ratio of Parasympathetic dominance to Sympathetic dominance. PSNS dominates during meditative calm and SNS dominates during stress. In this formula we assign numerical values to the physiological parameters activated or suppressed during autonomic mobilization and put in the formula to describe the state of mind of an individual and also infer his/her level of consciousness. Meditation is the art of looking within and science of doing nothing. We don’t use anything in meditation. We just try to concentrate to meditate at some point in human anatomy known as ‘chakra’ in Indian System of Yoga. The current of mind is flowing outward through the senses and unconsciously. The mind comes at rest gradually through regular practice of meditation. Then comes self realization and enlightenment. Protracted practice of meditation under qualified guidance will help to manage all sort of psychological problems. Emotional Quotient can also be expressed mathematically as the product of I.Q. and Wisdom Factor. E.Q. stands for Emotional Quotient. An intelligent person may not be wise. But a wise man will always be intelligent. An intelligent person having certain level of positive emotions can be said as wise. An intelligent person lacking wisdom will turn autocrat. A wise man will always be a democrat who respects others existence. Some may raise doubt that how could be the Wisdom quantified? The answer is simple -if Mental Age of I.Q. can be quantified then Wisdom can also be quantified, of course, comparatively with more efforts. Wilhelm Stern had given the formula of I.Q.. It is, Mental Age/ Chronological Age x 100. Spiritual Quotient (S.Q.) leverages both E.Q. and I.Q. Radha Soami Faith is a branch of Religion of Saints like Kabir, Nanak, Paltu, Soamiji Maharaj and others. You may call It a New Wine in Old Bottle. We should not expect any miracle overnight. In this discussion, it appears, that experts from various disciplines are participating someone of course from psychology. He /she can understand my views more clearly. Maslow has given Hierarchy of Needs. At the top of it is need for self-actualization or self-realization. In our society we should learn To Live and Let Live and help to satisfy others need. When the lower order needs, physiological and sociological both, are satisfied then only a person think to satisfy need for self-realization in true sense. Else he/she may spend all his/her life to satisfy at the most the for self-expression instead of self-realization. It is, therefore, the duty of every responsible person, at the least, of our society to give serious thought over it. For the satisfaction of need for self-realization i.e. establishment of harmony of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness we need following three things: 1. Mater or Guru (A Self-Realized Soul) 2. Secret of Levels of Universal Consciousness 3. Method for traversing the path. Anirudh Kumar Satsangi Yoga (Application) which was based on the control of the body physically and implied that a perfect control over the body and the senses led to knowledge of the ultimate reality. A detailed anatomical knowledge of the human body was necessary to the advancement of yoga and therefore those practising yoga had to keep in touch with medical knowledge. (Romila Thapar, A History of India, volume one).

I suggest : Mind and brain are two distinct things. Brain is anatomical entity whereas mind is functional entity. Mind can be defined as the function of autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is claimed that mind can be brought under conscious control through the practice of meditation. But how? ANS is largely under hypothalamic control which is situated very close to optic chiasma (sixth chakra or ajna chakra). Protracted practice of concentration to meditate at this region brings functions of ANS say mind under one’s conscious control.

ANS is further divided into parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). On the basis of these facts I have discovered a mathematical relationship for spiritual quotient (S.Q.). Spiritual Quotient can be expressed mathematically as the ratio of Parasympathetic dominance to Sympathetic dominance. PSNS dominates during meditative calm and SNS dominates during stress. In this formula we assign numerical values to the physiological parameters activated or suppressed during autonomic mobilization and put in the formula to describe the state of mind of an individual and also infer his/her level of consciousness.

Meditation is the art of looking within and science of doing nothing. We don’t use anything in meditation. We just try to concentrate to meditate at some point in human anatomy known as ‘chakra’ in Indian System of Yoga. The current of mind is flowing outward through the senses and unconsciously. The mind comes at rest gradually through regular practice of meditation. Then comes self realization and enlightenment. Protracted practice of meditation under qualified guidance will help to manage all sort of psychological problems.

Emotional Quotient can also be expressed mathematically as the product of I.Q. and Wisdom Factor. E.Q. stands for Emotional Quotient. An intelligent person may not be wise. But a wise man will always be intelligent. An intelligent person having certain level of positive emotions can be said as wise. An intelligent person lacking wisdom will turn autocrat. A wise man will always be a democrat who respects others existence.

Some may raise doubt that how could be the Wisdom quantified? The answer is simple -if Mental Age of I.Q. can be quantified then Wisdom can also be quantified, of course, comparatively with more efforts. Wilhelm Stern had given the formula of I.Q.. It is, Mental Age/ Chronological Age x 100. Spiritual Quotient (S.Q.) leverages both E.Q. and I.Q.
Radha Soami Faith is a branch of Religion of Saints like Kabir, Nanak, Paltu, Soamiji Maharaj and others. You may call It a New Wine in Old Bottle. We should not expect any miracle overnight.

In this discussion, it appears, that experts from various disciplines are participating someone of course from psychology. He /she can understand my views more clearly.

Maslow has given Hierarchy of Needs. At the top of it is need for self-actualization or self-realization.

In our society we should learn To Live and Let Live and help to satisfy others need. When the lower order needs, physiological and sociological both, are satisfied then only a person think to satisfy need for self-realization in true sense. Else he/she may spend all his/her life to satisfy at the most the for self-expression instead of self-realization.

It is, therefore, the duty of every responsible person, at the least, of our society to give serious thought over it.

For the satisfaction of need for self-realization i.e. establishment of harmony of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness we need following three things:

1. Mater or Guru (A Self-Realized Soul)
2. Secret of Levels of Universal Consciousness
3. Method for traversing the path.

Anirudh Kumar Satsangi

]]> By: Dylan Payne http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-227176 Dylan Payne Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:34:16 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-227176 I am a sixteen year old atheist, and the son of two biologists. While I have no interest in learning about the supernatural, I have become quite interested in the psychology behind religion, and spirituality, specifically meditation. Most of my research on the subject has been done through speculation, reading, and conversation with friends and family, so I was fascinated to read about the psychology of religion from a scientific standpoint. I have several ideas and questions on the subject that I would love to get feedback on. I have read quite a bit about brain scans performed on monks during meditation. It seems that different areas of the brain, or “neural circuits”, as Mark Waldman put it, become very active during meditation. I don’t know much about neural science but I imagine that if scientists could pinpoint these areas, a machine could be created that could help people learn to meditate. The mechanism is simple: a person is attached to an fMRI machine which is programmed to emit a sound when certain areas of the brain associated with meditation light up. The student may then be able to recognize the right thought processes by the sound and learn to meditate much faster than conventional methods allow. The same machine may work to reinforce any other circuits in the brain, like doing muscle isolation exercises. Another less realistic, but perhaps more important question that I have is the question of enlightenment. Religious ideas such as spirituality and meditation seem to have captured the interest of a number of neuroscientists today. Meditation is an important part of Buddhism but it is thought of by most Buddhists as a means to an end. An equal or greater amount of Buddhist literature has been devoted to the subject of enlightenment than the subject of meditation. I can’t deny that enlightenment may be as false as any other religious myth, but I believe that enlightenment is a legitimate mental state, explainable in scientific terms. I think that enlightenment is simply letting go of one’s insecurities and emotional connections to the world. Everything that we see in the world is warped by our own perceptions. When you let go of your emotions, you can see the world through a clear lens, for what it really is. I think that this is the wisdom gained from enlightenment. Techniques for gaining enlightenment have been created and refined by monks for hundreds of years. Unfortunately these techniques are based around supernatural Buddhist beliefs. I think that enlightenment, and the process of achieving it should be analyzed scientifically for the benefit of any non-Buddhist who wishes to achieve mental peace. Perhaps a new and more effective method for achieving enlightenment could be created based on studies of ancient Buddhist methods, much like pills derived from Chinese herbal medicines. My last idea was the idea that got me interested in religious psychology. It is simply this: a new religion for atheists without any supernatural beliefs; a religion based on human psychology. As Newberg said “…all of us human beings would benefit from spiritual practices to achieve higher state of being, develop compassion, increase awareness, in ways compatible with any religious or secular beliefs…From an education point of view, I believe schools will need to recognize that rote learning is not enough, and add to the mix practices to improve cognition, and manage stress and relationships.” This is all good to talk about, but how many atheists are going to pick up religious practices such as meditation or prayer without any encouragement or guidance? If these age-old techniques for mental improvement aren’t going to reach anyone non-religious but a small group of mostly middle-aged, mostly white people how important is it to research them? Across the world, religions are falling out of favor with people due to undeniable contradictions with scientific observations and the impracticality of practicing a religion in a modern life. A religion formed to fit modern lifestyles, with clearer tenets and a focus on community could help fill the spiritual void left by religions based on the supernatural. Creating a new religion for atheists is a chance to make a religion that is better thought out; to keep what was good from the old (community, spirituality, charity etc.), and throw out the bad (unclear teachings, widespread corruption, justification of violence). Perhaps a new religious institution created by atheists with no other motive than to help people live happily together could be the first major instrument in our battle against “the tyranny of our selfish genes”. Please reply if you have any thoughts or criticisms of my ideas! I am a sixteen year old atheist, and the son of two biologists. While I have no interest in learning about the supernatural, I have become quite interested in the psychology behind religion, and spirituality, specifically meditation. Most of my research on the subject has been done through speculation, reading, and conversation with friends and family, so I was fascinated to read about the psychology of religion from a scientific standpoint. I have several ideas and questions on the subject that I would love to get feedback on.
I have read quite a bit about brain scans performed on monks during meditation. It seems that different areas of the brain, or “neural circuits”, as Mark Waldman put it, become very active during meditation. I don’t know much about neural science but I imagine that if scientists could pinpoint these areas, a machine could be created that could help people learn to meditate. The mechanism is simple: a person is attached to an fMRI machine which is programmed to emit a sound when certain areas of the brain associated with meditation light up. The student may then be able to recognize the right thought processes by the sound and learn to meditate much faster than conventional methods allow. The same machine may work to reinforce any other circuits in the brain, like doing muscle isolation exercises.
Another less realistic, but perhaps more important question that I have is the question of enlightenment. Religious ideas such as spirituality and meditation seem to have captured the interest of a number of neuroscientists today. Meditation is an important part of Buddhism but it is thought of by most Buddhists as a means to an end. An equal or greater amount of Buddhist literature has been devoted to the subject of enlightenment than the subject of meditation. I can’t deny that enlightenment may be as false as any other religious myth, but I believe that enlightenment is a legitimate mental state, explainable in scientific terms. I think that enlightenment is simply letting go of one’s insecurities and emotional connections to the world. Everything that we see in the world is warped by our own perceptions. When you let go of your emotions, you can see the world through a clear lens, for what it really is. I think that this is the wisdom gained from enlightenment. Techniques for gaining enlightenment have been created and refined by monks for hundreds of years. Unfortunately these techniques are based around supernatural Buddhist beliefs. I think that enlightenment, and the process of achieving it should be analyzed scientifically for the benefit of any non-Buddhist who wishes to achieve mental peace. Perhaps a new and more effective method for achieving enlightenment could be created based on studies of ancient Buddhist methods, much like pills derived from Chinese herbal medicines.
My last idea was the idea that got me interested in religious psychology. It is simply this: a new religion for atheists without any supernatural beliefs; a religion based on human psychology. As Newberg said “…all of us human beings would benefit from spiritual practices to achieve higher state of being, develop compassion, increase awareness, in ways compatible with any religious or secular beliefs…From an education point of view, I believe schools will need to recognize that rote learning is not enough, and add to the mix practices to improve cognition, and manage stress and relationships.” This is all good to talk about, but how many atheists are going to pick up religious practices such as meditation or prayer without any encouragement or guidance? If these age-old techniques for mental improvement aren’t going to reach anyone non-religious but a small group of mostly middle-aged, mostly white people how important is it to research them? Across the world, religions are falling out of favor with people due to undeniable contradictions with scientific observations and the impracticality of practicing a religion in a modern life. A religion formed to fit modern lifestyles, with clearer tenets and a focus on community could help fill the spiritual void left by religions based on the supernatural. Creating a new religion for atheists is a chance to make a religion that is better thought out; to keep what was good from the old (community, spirituality, charity etc.), and throw out the bad (unclear teachings, widespread corruption, justification of violence). Perhaps a new religious institution created by atheists with no other motive than to help people live happily together could be the first major instrument in our battle against “the tyranny of our selfish genes”. Please reply if you have any thoughts or criticisms of my ideas!

]]> By: Alvaro http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-225120 Alvaro Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:58:02 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-225120 All, thank you for your excellent comments! Gary: it is important to note that research is showing that praying can be beneficial for the one praying (not for anyone being prayed for). A natural effect, yes. A supernatural effect, no. Rob: I agree with you. In fact, Dawkins' The Selfish Gene includes these two amazing paragraphs: "When we die there are two things we can leave behind us: genes and memes...But if you contribute to the world's culture, if you have a good idea, compose a tune, invent a sparking plug, write a poem, it may live on, intact, long after your genes have dissolved in the common pool." "... We have at least the mental equipment to foster our long-term selfish interests rather than merely our short-term ones...We have the power to defy the selfish genes of our birth and, if necessary, the selfish memes of our indoctrination. We can even discuss ways of deliberately cultivating and nurturing pure, disinterested altruism-something that has no place in nature, something that has never existed before in the whole history of the world. We are built as gene machine and cultured as meme machines, but we have the power to turn against our creators. We, alone on earth, can rebel against the tyranny of the selfish replicators." I would love Dawkins to build on content like this, building bridges with people who may disagree with us in order to "rebel against the tyranny of the selfish replicators" All, thank you for your excellent comments!

Gary: it is important to note that research is showing that praying can be beneficial for the one praying (not for anyone being prayed for). A natural effect, yes. A supernatural effect, no.

Rob: I agree with you. In fact, Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene includes these two amazing paragraphs:

“When we die there are two things we can leave behind us: genes and memes…But if you contribute to the world’s culture, if you have a good idea, compose a tune, invent a sparking plug, write a poem, it may live on, intact, long after your genes have dissolved in the common pool.”

“… We have at least the mental equipment to foster our long-term selfish interests rather than merely our short-term ones…We have the power to defy the selfish genes of our birth and, if necessary, the selfish memes of our indoctrination. We can even discuss ways of deliberately cultivating and nurturing pure, disinterested altruism-something that has no place in nature, something that has never existed before in the whole history of the world. We are built as gene machine and cultured as meme machines, but we have the power to turn against our creators. We, alone on earth, can rebel against the tyranny of the selfish replicators.”

I would love Dawkins to build on content like this, building bridges with people who may disagree with us in order to “rebel against the tyranny of the selfish replicators”

]]> By: GaryD http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-223466 GaryD Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:59:42 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-223466 Very interesting post! Quoting from the post" "practices that have traditionally been associated with religious and spiritual contexts may also be very useful from a mainstream, secular, health point of view" This is not surpristing to me. In fact, many of the "religious" practices found in the Old Testament were health related (ie. dietary rules, cleanliness rules,etc). It does not surprise me at all that "religious" and "spiritual" practices would be useful from a mainstream, secular, health point of view. From a believing persons view point, I believe such practices were given to use for our provision in the first place. It is in fact interesting to see that science has discovered that spiritual practices such as prayer (likened to meditation) and even music and singing have beneficial affects on our brains. Again, thanks for the post. GaryD Very interesting post!

Quoting from the post”

“practices that have traditionally been associated with religious and spiritual contexts may also be very useful from a mainstream, secular, health point of view”

This is not surpristing to me. In fact, many of the “religious” practices found in the Old Testament were health related (ie. dietary rules, cleanliness rules,etc).

It does not surprise me at all that “religious” and “spiritual” practices would be useful from a mainstream, secular, health point of view. From a believing persons view point, I believe such practices were given to use for our provision in the first place.

It is in fact interesting to see that science has discovered that spiritual practices such as prayer (likened to meditation) and even music and singing have beneficial affects on our brains.

Again, thanks for the post.

GaryD

]]> By: Rob http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-222739 Rob Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:21:35 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-222739 I can't speak for Richard Dawkins, but I suspect he would have no problem with the kind of spirituality discussed in this interview. As a non-believing, non-religious person, I really enjoy and benefit from meditation, and I am interested in spirituality. A human spirit need not be a literal transcendent soul in order to be a recognizable concept worth experiencing and talking about. I can’t speak for Richard Dawkins, but I suspect he would have no problem with the kind of spirituality discussed in this interview.

As a non-believing, non-religious person, I really enjoy and benefit from meditation, and I am interested in spirituality. A human spirit need not be a literal transcendent soul in order to be a recognizable concept worth experiencing and talking about.

]]> By: Points of Interest, #38 « Mind, Soul, and Body http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-216571 Points of Interest, #38 « Mind, Soul, and Body Sat, 13 Dec 2008 05:48:46 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-216571 [...] At Sharp Brains, Alvaro interviews Dr. Andrew Newburg about the ins and outs of meditation, and the evidence that it can strengthen and improve brain health, mental health, and just plain overall health. [...] [...] At Sharp Brains, Alvaro interviews Dr. Andrew Newburg about the ins and outs of meditation, and the evidence that it can strengthen and improve brain health, mental health, and just plain overall health. [...]

]]> By: Mark Waldman http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-215116 Mark Waldman Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:21:14 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-215116 I work closely with Dr. Newberg, and when you look at all of the brain-scan meditation studies (including Davidson's), an emergent consistency appears: the different practices (including yoga) tend to strengthen a specific neural circuit that enhances cognition, self awareness, and social empathy. This circuit, which appears to be both functionally and structurally altered by contemplative spiritual practices also suppresses areas in the limbic system that generate anxiety, depression, and stress. Thus we feel it is safe to say that meditation-along with exercise, intense social interaction, and intense intellectual pursuits-are three of the most important activities for maintaining a healthy brain. Sincerely, Mark Waldman Associate Fellow Center for Spirituality and the Mind, University of Pennsylvania I work closely with Dr. Newberg, and when you look at all of the brain-scan meditation studies (including Davidson’s), an emergent consistency appears: the different practices (including yoga) tend to strengthen a specific neural circuit that enhances cognition, self awareness, and social empathy. This circuit, which appears to be both functionally and structurally altered by contemplative spiritual practices also suppresses areas in the limbic system that generate anxiety, depression, and stress. Thus we feel it is safe to say that meditation-along with exercise, intense social interaction, and intense intellectual pursuits-are three of the most important activities for maintaining a healthy brain.

Sincerely,
Mark Waldman
Associate Fellow
Center for Spirituality and the Mind,
University of Pennsylvania

]]> By: M. A. Greenstein http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/comment-page-1/#comment-214334 M. A. Greenstein Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:39:06 +0000 http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/12/04/meditation-on-the-brain-a-conversation-with-andrew-newberg/#comment-214334 Alvaro and Dr. Newberg, Thank you so much for bringing another perspective to the brain/mind discussion of meditation, mysticism and spirituality. During the 1970's, when Indian yogis, Zen monks and South American shamans were being shuttled into university brain research labs up and down the West Coast (of the U.S.), I had the extraordinary chance to work in Dr. Val Hunt's UCLA lab that looked into shamanistic models using electromyography. I suspect had we used the kind of testing equipment now available to neuroscientists, we would have found some fascinating correlates to the muscle movements we were recording. Today, the field of religious and spiritual studies is spreading open to encompass new horizons, ones privilege both the neuroscientific and the ethnographic paradigms that define the "meditative" experience. For those of us working in the brain research and fitness fields, we have a chance to translate the insights of ancient traditions into clear pictures and accessible practices of how to achieve peaceful and wise hearts, brains, bodies and minds. Gtatefully yours, Dr. G. M. A. Greenstein, Ph.D., R.Y.T. Alvaro and Dr. Newberg,

Thank you so much for bringing another perspective to the brain/mind discussion of meditation, mysticism and spirituality. During the 1970’s, when Indian yogis, Zen monks and South American shamans were being shuttled into university brain research labs up and down the West Coast (of the U.S.), I had the extraordinary chance to work in Dr. Val Hunt’s UCLA lab that looked into shamanistic models using electromyography. I suspect had we used the kind of testing equipment now available to neuroscientists, we would have found some fascinating correlates to the muscle movements we were recording.

Today, the field of religious and spiritual studies is spreading open to encompass new horizons, ones privilege both the neuroscientific and the ethnographic paradigms that define the “meditative” experience.

For those of us working in the brain research and fitness fields, we have a chance to translate the insights of ancient traditions into clear pictures and accessible practices of how to achieve peaceful and wise hearts, brains, bodies and minds.

Gtatefully yours,

Dr. G.

M. A. Greenstein, Ph.D., R.Y.T.

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