Mulitcellular Organisms

Meditation (2024, 2025, Updates)

Even though the pre-frontal and parietal lobes are inactivated during both REM sleep (see Figure 10-18) and meditation (Figure 10-24a),

		meditation is different from sleeping or dreaming. It generates brainwaves in the Theta state, which is in a slightly higher frequency range than the Delta (sleeping) state (see Figure 10-21). The state is on the border line between consciousness and sleeping. The anterior cingulate gyrus becomes underactive in meditation (see Figure 10-24b). It is known that the cingulate gyrus concentrates on internal stimuli, and contains the feeling of self. Curiously, this is the same area that becomes underactive in hypnosis (when the identity of self dissolved) and Schizophrenia (when own thoughts are confused with outside voices). Thus it doesn't seem to be accidental that in meditation, the sense of boundaries is lost and it induces a feeling of "at one" (union) with the universe.
Figure 10-24a Meditation [view large image]	Figure 10-24b Meditating Brain [view large image]

The physiological effects related to meditation are measurable and reliably repeatable. It includes the lowering of a subject's metabolic rate, decreasing blood pressure, pulse rate and muscle tension. Meditation can counteract the stress-induced fight-or-flight response and achieved a calmer and more relaxing state, which tends to strengthen the immune systems. One report showed that the subject could reduce oxygen intake to 1/3 of the normal resting state by allowing the parasympathetic nervous system to take over - an extraordinary feat, given that respiration is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, over which we ordinarily have no conscious control. Other studies suggest that meditation can help to alleviate bronchial asthma, hypertension, and insomnia. It is being recommended by more and more physicians as a way to prevent, slow or at least control the pain of chronic diseases like heart conditions, AIDS, cancer and infertility. It is now believed that the body produces more nitric oxide when deeply relaxed, and that this molecule acts as an antidote to cortisol (hormone associated with inflammation) and other potentially toxic stress hormones.

Meditation, nearly as old as humanity, has always been part of Eastern religions. Starting from 2nd century A.D. meditation became important part of Christian practice until early 1500s when Martin Luther disapproved mysticism. Jewish and Muslim meditations have established around 1000 A.D. Meditation was used as a medium to communicate with the higher being(s). Actually, the brain is playing trick on the practitioners by producing various illusions. Now the West is rediscovering the benefits of meditation. In its most modern forms, it has dropped the mantra bit that has the subject memorize a secret phrase or syllable; instead it only requires focusing on a sound or breathing. In fact, just closing the eyes in a quiet place (to block sensory inputs) and relaxing the mind (to minimize internal processing) would attain the same result without much ado. Figure 10-25a displays a 2011 update on the many measurable benefits by scientific studies.

Figure 10-25a Meditation, 2011 [view large image]

		While many benefits of meditation have been unveiled gradually in the last 15 years, recent (~2014) neuro-scientific findings have shown that the adult brain can still be transformed through experiences including meditation. Figure 10-25b shows the growth of cortical material by experiments with 20 meditation and control participants respectively. A 2014 article defines meditation as the cultivation of basic human qualities, such as a more stable and clear mind, emotional balance, a sense of caring mindfulness, even love and compassion - qualities that remain latent as long as one does not make an effort to develop them. It is also a process of familiarization with a more serene and flexible way of being. Meditation is categorized into three major types as shown in Table 10-02a.
Figure 10-25b Brain Growth	Figure 10-25c Focused Meditation

Type	Method	Benefits	Brain Area(s)
Focused Attention	Concentrate attention on something with corrective steps to bring back wandering thought (see Figure 10-25c)	Better focus, less anxiety, more creativity	Sustaining foeus occurs at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (see Figure 10-25c)
Mindfulness	Let strayed thought to float by without reacting	Less stress, improved sleep patterns, lower the risk of infection and depression	Activity decreases in insular^§ cortex and amygdala; increases in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (see Figure 10-25c)
Compassion	Practice generosity and visualize suffering of others	Reinforcement of inner balance, strength of mind, and a courageous determination to help those who suffer	Actitity increases in insula cortex, temporal parietal junction, medial prefrontal cortex

Table 10-02a Types of Meditation

		A mis-conception about meditation is to associate "silence of the brain" with successful session. This seems to stem from the mis-interpretation of the term "Silent Sitting" (靜坐) in Chinese. Actually, the brain never sits still. It would turn into the default mode during the inactive state. It becomes "silence" only in brain death (see definitions in Figure 10-25d). Thus, only a relaxed state can be achieved by minimizing external and internal stimulations.
Figure 10-25d Brain Death Definition [view large image]	Figure 10-25e Internal Vision [view large image]	Internal stimulations mostly involve thinking about the past, planning on the future, and monitoring the present condition.

In the focused state, it is common to see a spot of light; then it would expand into some vague image similar to the one shown in Figure 10-25e. Such experience is often reported by prisoners in solitary confinement with no sound and no light. The difference is that the external stimulations are deliberately shut off during meditation.

[2024 Update]

Since the active brain consumes a lot of energy at the rate of 20 watt, it is surmised that we can save the energy from useless random thought by switching it off. The saved energy can be used to heal or strengthen the broken parts or deteriorate organ in the body, for example. Meditation could be one way to achieve such task. It turns out that it is not easy to turn off the random thought and the outcome is rather un-expected. Here's what happens in the experiment (with closing eyes) :

Random thought always pops up in moment of silence. It is very difficult to suppress.
It is suggested to recite a mantra or to concentrate on something (e.g., a picture) to ward off the random thought. This is just to replace one mental task by another, the brain is still very active.

Trying to suppress the thought doesn't help either as the effort requires active brain function.

Relaxing the body would help, especially the facial muscle.

By concentrating at something like a dark screen, the moment of absolute resting may occur in very short duration when the brain ignores whatever comes up. So it doesn't seem to save a lot of energy.

Exposure to such unique state seems to be beneficial in a subtle way that cannot be told. That's the mystic part of the experience. The exercise doesn't seem to inactive the brain, but rather makes it to enter an unknown stage.

Idea Powered by Energy

See "Default State" for restless brain, the 2024 article about "Brain burns through the same amount of energy whether you𠆫e daydreaming or taking an exam", and Tao (道).

[End of 2024 Update]

[2025 Update]

Here's the conversation on meditation with ChatGPT (in Italic text):

Can you update the types of meditation by 2025?

ChatGPT said:
As of 2025, meditation practices have continued to evolve, integrating traditional techniques with modern innovations to address diverse needs. Here are some notable types of meditation:
1. Guided Meditation: A teacher leads practitioners through the practice, either in person or via digital platforms. This method is particularly beneficial for beginners seeking structured guidance.
2. Mantra Meditation: Involves the repetition of a word, phrase, or sound to quiet the mind. Common in various traditions, it aids in enhancing concentration and fostering a deeper state of awareness.
3. Movement Meditation: Combines physical activity with meditative focus, suitable for individuals who find peace through action and wish to develop body awareness. Practices like yoga, tai chi, and walking meditation fall under this category.
4. Dynamic Meditation: Incorporates physical actions such as shaking, dancing, or breathing exercises to release tension and achieve a meditative state. This method is designed to help practitioners break free from ingrained patterns and experience inner silence.
5. Heart Rhythm Meditation: Focuses on synchronizing breath with heartbeat, aiming to influence one's mental, emotional, and physical state. This practice emphasizes attention on the heart and the coordination of breath and heartbeat.
6. Orgasmic Meditation (OM): A practice that combines mindfulness with physical stimulation, typically involving a partner. It emphasizes heightened awareness and connection, though it has been subject to controversy and legal scrutiny.
7. Technology-Assisted Meditation: The rise of meditation apps and online platforms has made various meditation techniques more accessible. These tools offer guided sessions, timers, and tracking features to support consistent practice.

These diverse meditation practices cater to varying preferences and goals, allowing individuals to choose methods that resonate with their personal needs and lifestyles.

Inner Silence

Has the research in Connectome discovered the link between meditation and the wiring of the neurons?

ChatGPT said:
Recent research has explored the relationship between meditation practices and the brain's connectome-the comprehensive map of neural connections within the brain. Studies have indicated that long-term meditation can lead to alterations in brain connectivity patterns, suggesting a link between meditation and the wiring of neurons.
For instance, a study examining long-term Buddhist meditators found distinct differences in their brain's functional connectivity compared to non-meditators. These differences were observed in large-scale brain networks associated with attention and self-referential processing.
Another study focused on individuals who had engaged in extensive periods of silence and meditation. The findings revealed modifications in resting-state functional connectivity between the language network and other key brain networks, such as the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the dorsal attention network. These changes suggest that prolonged meditation may influence how different regions of the brain communicate during rest.
Additionally, research utilizing connectome harmonics - a method to study brain dynamics - has shown that meditation can alter the energy, power, and complexity of brain states. This indicates that meditation not only affects specific regions but also influences the overall dynamic properties of brain activity.

Collectively, these studies support the notion that meditation can induce changes in the brain's wiring, enhancing our understanding of the neural mechanisms (the brain regions and processes that carry out specific functions, such as learning, behavior, ...) underlying meditative practices.

Therefore, the claims of seeing unusual things are unusual neuron activities during meditation?

ChatGPT said:
Yes, based on recent research in connectomics, the unusual experiences reported during meditation-such as seeing lights, colors, visions, or feeling a sense of detachment - can likely be attributed to changes in neural activity and connectivity.

Meditation has been shown to alter the brain's default mode network (DMN), sensory processing regions, and thalamo-cortical pathways, which may explain these perceptual shifts.
For example:
1. Increased Connectivity in Visual and Sensory Areas
o Meditation has been linked to increased activity in the occipital and parietal lobes, which process visual and spatial information. This could lead to visual hallucinations or heightened perception.

2. Altered Default Mode Network (DMN) Activity
o The DMN, responsible for self-referential thinking and daydreaming , is often suppressed in deep meditation. This could contribute to the sense of "oneness" or ego dissolution reported by meditators.

3. Unusual Thalamo-cortical Interactions
o The thalamus acts as a relay for sensory information. Changes in its connectivity may alter sensory perception, leading to unusual auditory or visual phenomena.

4. Increased Gamma and Theta Wave Activity
o Advanced meditators exhibit heightened gamma wave activity, which has been associated with states of deep awareness and altered perception. Theta waves, common in deep meditation, may also play a role in dream-like visions.

So, rather than being supernatural or mystical, these experiences likely arise from neuro-physiological changes in brain connectivity and activity patterns.

Are those unusual prescriptions harmful or beneficial to health?

ChatGPT said:
The unusual perceptions during meditation-such as seeing lights, colors, or experiencing altered states of awareness-are generally not harmful. In fact, they can be beneficial, depending on context and individual differences.
Potential Benefits:
1. Enhanced Neuro-plasticity
o Meditation has been shown to rewire neural connections, promoting cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and resilience.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
o Altered states during meditation are often associated with deep relaxation, which lowers cortisol levels and improves mental well-being.
3. Increased Focus and Creativity
o Unusual perceptions may reflect heightened brain synchronization, leading to improved problem-solving and creative thinking.
4. Spiritual or Existential Insights
o Some people report profound experiences that help them gain a new perspective on life, reducing existential anxiety.
Potential Risks:
1. Meditation-Induced Psychosis (Rare Cases)
o In rare instances, intense meditation can trigger dissociation, paranoia, or psychotic episodes, particularly in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
2. Overreliance on Unusual Experiences
o Some meditators may seek out hallucinations or altered states instead of focusing on mindfulness, which could lead to escapism rather than self-awareness.
3. Disruption of Sense of Self
o Deep meditation can sometimes lead to depersonalization or a sense of ego dissolution, which may be unsettling for some individuals.

Conclusion:
For most people, these unusual perceptions are harmless and can enhance mental well-being. However, in rare cases, excessive or improperly guided meditation may lead to psychological distress. Moderation and proper guidance (especially for beginners) help ensure that meditation remains a positive experience.

How is meditation perceived in different countries around the world?

ChatGPT said:
Meditation is a global practice, deeply rooted in various cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions. Its perception and practice vary significantly across different countries, reflecting unique historical and cultural contexts.
India: Often regarded as the birthplace of meditation, India has a rich history of practices such as yoga and mindfulness, integral to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Meditation here is traditionally viewed as a spiritual discipline aimed at self-realization and enlightenment.
Japan: In Japan, meditation is closely associated with Zen Buddhism. Practices like zazen (seated meditation) and mindfulness are deeply embedded in cultural rituals, including the tea ceremony. These practices emphasize simplicity, mindfulness, and the cultivation of inner peace.
China: Chinese meditation practices are influenced by Taoist and Confucian traditions, focusing on cultivating essential energy (Qi) and harmonizing with the Tao. Techniques such as Tai Chi and Qigong combine physical postures with meditative focus to promote balance and harmony.
"Meditation" in Chinese :

Western Countries: In Western nations, meditation has gained popularity primarily for its health benefits, including stress reduction and improved mental well-being. Mindfulness meditation, derived from Buddhist practices, has been widely adopted and secularized, often practiced independently of religious contexts.

Indonesia: Meditation is a common practice in Indonesia, with a significant portion of the population engaging in daily meditation routines. The practice is often intertwined with religious observances and is seen as a means to achieve inner peace and spiritual growth.

These examples illustrate how meditation is perceived and practiced differently around the world, shaped by cultural, religious, and historical factors. While the core objective of attaining inner peace and self-awareness remains consistent, the methods and significance attributed to meditation vary across cultures.

[End of 2025 Update]

^§ Insular Cortex - In each hemisphere of the mammalian brain the insular cortex is a portion of the cerebral cortex folded deep within the lateral sulcus (the fissure separating the temporal lobe from the parietal and frontal lobes, see Figure 10-25b). The insulae are believed to be involved in consciousness and play a role in diverse functions usually linked to emotion or the regulation of the body's homeostasis. These functions include perception, motor control, self-awareness, cognitive functioning, and interpersonal experience.