Meditation styles and EEG's
This graph depicts scientific research
comparing meditation styles. The stimulus was a simple repetitive sound like
that of a clock or a metronome. The control subject was a person given
rudimentary meditation instruction. The resulting EEG response levels measured
correspond with the philosophy of the respective styles.
- The control subject displays the normal orienting response followed by
habituation, as his curve rises up and then drops down again. The new
stimulus is looked at, identified, and then ignored.
- The Zen master's curve is a straight line; his responses neither orient to
the stimulus nor habituate it. Zen is open to experience, but not
reactive to it.
- The Yoga master shows rapid habituation as his curve drops off rapidly.
Yoga philosophy is not to be distracted (closed).
Source: Lecture at A.R.E. in
1978