Enhancing Human Cognition Through Vajrayana Practices

Overview

Journal J Relig Health

Publisher Springer

Specialties General Medicine
Psychology
Social Sciences

Date 2019 Feb 17

PMID 30771143

Citations 3

Authors

Maria Kozhevnikov

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Phenomenological studies suggest the existence of enhanced cognitive states, termed flow or peak experiences, in which specific cognitive processes (e.g., attention, perception) can be dramatically increased for limited durations. Here we review new scientific evidence that shows that specific types of meditation that developed out of certain religious traditions such as Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) and Hindu Tantra lead to the enhanced cognitive states, characterized by heightened sympathetic activation and phasic alertness (a significant temporary boost in focused attention). This is in contrast to the meditation practices (Shamatha, Vipassana) from other traditions such as Theravada and Mahayana that elicit heightened parasympathetic activity and tonic alertness. Such findings validate Buddhist scriptural descriptions of heightened arousal during Vajrayana practices and a calm and alert state of mind during Theravada and Mahayana types of meditation. The finding demonstrates the existence of enhanced cognitive states-the unique and energized states of consciousness characterized by a dramatic boost in focused attention.

Citing Articles

Adverse Effects of Meditation: Autonomic Nervous System Activation and Individual Nauseous Responses During Samadhi Meditation in the Czech Republic.

Kotherova S, Cigan J, Stepankova L, Vyskocilova M, Littnerova S, Ejova A J Relig Health. 2024; 63(6):4840-4860.

PMID: 38605255 PMC: 11576787. DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02024-5.

A systematic review and activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of fMRI studies on arousing or wake-promoting effects in Buddhist meditation.

Chaudhary I, Shyi G, Huang S Front Psychol. 2023; 14:1136983.

PMID: 38022985 PMC: 10646186. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1136983.

Unbalanced Flows in the Subtle Body: Tibetan Understandings of Psychiatric Illness and How to Deal With It.

Samuel G J Relig Health. 2019; 58(3):770-794.

PMID: 30788755 PMC: 6522444. DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00774-1.

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