Our class discussion this week focused on brain development. A particular focus of the lecture was on ways that our conscious mind (Pre-frontal cortex, PFC) can influence more basic structures and processes in our brain. Specifically emotional responses mediated by the amygdala. On a basic level, this utilization of PFC control over emotional function is something that everyone learns to a greater or lesser extent. Otherwise, we all might spend our lives flopping on floors and throwing tantrums like 4-year-olds every time something didn't go our way. More interesting to me, however, was the more extreme (and interestingly enough, scientifically measurable) control that can be developed through mental exercise, specifically Buddhist meditation. One of the most famous researchers studying the psychological effects of meditation is Richard Davidson. A particular focus of Davidson's research is the idea of neural "plasticity," the idea that our brain function continues to be changeable and adaptable throughout life (not just during early childhood), and that our mental activities can bring about real changes in our brain. In his research, Davidson has often enlisted the assistance of leading Buddhist teachers; most notably His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Although I haven't been as rigorous as I would like, I have long had an interest in Buddhism and Buddhist meditation practices. I have attended Buddhist services and meditation instruction classes at several different Buddhist centers, and I have attempted to practice meditation on my own. When it comes to the scientific study of Buddhism and meditative practices, however, I have somewhat mixed opinions.
On the one hand, it is encouraging to see scientific evidence for the positive benefits of meditation that I have myself experienced. Meditation has always been an "alternative" practice here in the US, seen as foreign and strange by most people. The growing body of scientific evidence for its benefits will hopefully lead more people to a meditative practice.
On the other hand, I fear that this "rationalization" of Buddhism and meditation is too reductive. Although Buddhism does not believe or worship an all powerful God or creator, it is still a religion. It is this religious sentiment, a hunger for transcendence, that attracts many to its practice. We seek out Buddhism not only for more emotional and physical calm, but to answer the larger existential questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? What happens after Death? When meditation becomes merely a daily exercise that you do to produce some specific, physiological benefit (similar to going for a jog), it loses this religious sense of wonder.
Additionally, if we take this scientificlogic regarding meditation even further, knowing the neural pathways that are able to produce greater emotional control, more long-lasting happiness, and greater compassion and peace between all people, shouldn't we be searching for a more scientific or medical way for everyone to achieve this state? Meditation, after all, is a diffiicult and time-consuming practice. Many of the study subjects on meditation's neurological effects are monastics who spend hours each day, for years on end, meditating. This is hardly practical for the majority of people. Also, there are myriad ways of meditating advocated by hundreds of different teachers and schools. Shouldn't we instead be searching for a standardized and easily repeatable method? An "enlightenment Pill?"
This may sound disingenuous, but it seems, to me, the most logical outcome. But how could such "treatment" be accomplished? Who would have access? How much would it cost? Would your insurance cover it? Is spiritual suffering a pre-existing condition?
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