Religion in Asia: Lab-Grown Bliss: The Prospects and Challenges of the Scientific Study of Asian Meditations

Accounts of meditative attainments such as states of jhāna (absorption), nirodha (cessation of consciousness), or luminous pure awareness are familiar from countless stories in Buddhist scriptures. If you had asked scholars a few decades ago, they would have suggested folklore studies as the appropriate discipline. Today, as accounts of meditation practice have become widely known, these states are studied in neuroscientists’ labs.

Just over a year ago, Professor Eyal Aviv helped to organize a conference that brought together neuroscientists and Buddhist Studies scholars. Instead of the expected convergence of interests, what emerged was a series of surprising disagreements. In this talk, Professor Aviv will present some of the recent findings on meditative attainments, explain concerns raised by Buddhist Studies scholars, and suggest possible paths forward.

Doors will open no sooner than 15 minutes before the event start time. Free lunch will be provided to people that RSVP.

The Elliott School can coordinate with the university to reasonably accommodate most disabilities. If you need specific accommodations, please contact the Sigur Center at [email protected]. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but at least three days prior to the program to ensure accommodation.