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  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine Denver, CO, USA.

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This summary is machine-generated.

Zen Buddhist meditation trains attention and awareness, reducing egocentricity to foster compassion. This practice can lead to profound states of awakening, known as kensho and satori, transforming consciousness and behavior.

Keywords:
Zenallocentricegocentricmeditationthalamic model of enlightenment

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies

Background:

  • Zen Buddhist practices involve long-term mindful training of attention and awareness.
  • Practices aim to shed egocentric behaviors and cultivate compassion through insight-wisdom.
  • This review explores the link between brain training in Zen and acute states of awakening (kensho and satori).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review ten key concepts related to Zen meditative practices and their impact on consciousness.
  • To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of Zen's transformative states of awakening.
  • To connect meditative training with direct experience and altered self-perception.

Main Methods:

  • Distinguishing between concentrative and receptive meditation techniques.
  • Analyzing "top-down" and "bottom-up" attentive processing modes.
  • Examining the ego/allo and soma/psyche processing frames of reference.

Main Results:

  • A model is proposed where attention-grabbing stimuli may inhibit thalamo-cortical functions via GABA release.
  • This inhibition could reduce maladaptive selfhood aspects and enhance unified, other-centered experiences.
  • Long-term meditation training correlates with intuitive functions and spatial problem-solving.

Conclusions:

  • Zen meditative practices offer a comprehensive approach to brain training.
  • These practices can induce significant transformations in consciousness and behavior through states like kensho and satori.
  • Understanding these states may illuminate the relationship between mindfulness, selfhood, and direct experience.