Knowing the Knowing. Non-dual Meditative Practice From an Enactive Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Contemplative Studies
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Non-dual practices aim to dissolve self-other and subject-object distinctions.
• These practices are linked to wellbeing but are understudied in contemplative science.
• Existing research lacks a theoretical framework for non-dual experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a theoretical cognitive science framework for non-dual experiences.
• To outline common elements of non-dual practices.
• To propose hypotheses for studying non-dual practices using an enactive approach.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemplative traditions (Zen, Mahāmudrā, Dzogchen, Advaita Vedanta).
• Presentation of enactive cognitive science principles.
• Development of a theoretical model for non-dual experience.
• Comparison of the model with Mahāmudrā meditation.

Main Results:

• Identified common elements across non-dual practices.
• Proposed a theoretical model for achieving non-dual states based on enactive cognition.
• Demonstrated the model's coherence through comparison with Mahāmudrā meditation.

Conclusions:

• The enactive cognitive science model provides a framework for studying non-dual experiences.
• Further research is needed to integrate concrete elements of non-dual practices into this model.
• This work facilitates a principled enactive view of non-dual meditative practices.