This week in meditation some creative developments and innovative resources.
1. Mind Labs for Advanced Contemplative Practices:
Fascinating reading this past week having been draw into a small article that took me to the discovery of The Center for Contemplative Research (CCR) .. and the innovative “Mind Labs,” which provide long-term spaces for advanced meditators to undergo thousands of hours of practice under expert guidance. These labs are facilitating interdisciplinary research by combining insights from neuroscience, psychology, and physics to deepen our understanding of consciousness and well-being – bridging traditional contemplative wisdom with modern science to explore the transformative potential of meditation. The CCR currently has campuses in Colorado and Tuscany, and will soon be expanding into the Asia-Pacifc (New Zealand). I spent quite a few hours on the CCR website learning more about the Mind Labs, the research and diving into some of the library resources. Inspirational stuff!
You can read more here: The Center for Contemplative Research and What is a Mind Lab?
2. Advanced Meditation and Brain Mapping:
Research from Massachusetts General Hospital used advanced 7T MRI technology to investigate the brain activity of adept meditators practicing jhana, an absorptive meditation linked to self-transcendence, attentional focus, and internally generated joy and equanimity—qualities often disrupted in psychiatric conditions. The study revealed distinct patterns of brain activity associated with these states, emphasizing meditation’s potential in treating mental health challenges and enhancing well-being. Researchers also explored integrating neurotechnology, such as neurofeedback, to refine meditation-based therapies by targeting specific brain systems involved in advanced meditative states. According to Dr. Matthew Sacchet, the reserch “holds significant and untapped promises in alleviating suffering and promoting human flourishing.”
You can read more here: MRI study on meditation and brain mapping
“Just as astronomers need observatories and neuroscientists need laboratories to conduct their research, so do contemplatives need supportive environments, companions, and mentors to optimally develop the contemplative technology of shamatha and the contemplative science of vipashyana.“
— B. Alan Wallace
Epilogue to Fathoming the Mind:
Inquiry and Insight in Düdjom Lingpa’s Vajra Essence
‘Meditation in the News’ is my attempt to build a regular habit of reading, digesting and sharing some of the (many) articles and press releases that I receive daily about meditation and meditation research. I hope you enjoy!