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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory

Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory

Published on: May 11, 2020

Brain activation during compassion meditation: a case study.

Maria Engström¹, Birgitta Söderfeldt

¹Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. maria.engstrom@liu.se

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)

|September 1, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study explored the brain activity during compassion meditation in an experienced Tibetan Buddhist. Findings show activation in brain regions associated with empathy and positive emotions.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychology
Buddhist Studies

Background:

Compassion meditation involves cultivating feelings of love and empathy.
Tibetan Buddhism has a rich tradition of contemplative practices.
Understanding the neural basis of meditation can inform mental health interventions.

Observation:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine an experienced meditator.
A block paradigm contrasted compassion meditation with word repetition.
The study focused on identifying brain regions activated during the practice.

Findings:

Significant activation was observed in the left medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate gyrus.
Additional activation occurred in the right caudate body, extending to the right insula.
The left midbrain, near the hypothalamus, also showed significant activation.

Implications:

Results support the hypothesis linking compassion meditation to brain areas involved in empathy.
Activation patterns suggest a neural basis for the pleasant feelings associated with this practice.
This research contributes to understanding the neurological effects of contemplative practices.