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Researching Meditation

Studies published over the last few years have highlighted the beneficial effects of meditation practice on the mind/body system. Meditation is shown to positively affect attention, increase the brain’s gray matter, improve the immune system, reduce stress and enhance an overall sense of well-being. While many of us already know this from our own direct experience, the scientific community has only relatively recently begun quantifying changes in behavior and biology brought about by meditation. IMS supports such advances, recognizing the potential for human understanding and for decreasing the world’s suffering.

As more and more scientists study the workings of the brain, experienced and novice meditators are and will be in demand. Earlier this year, initial results of a study of IMS yogis (retreatants) were published in the prestigious Public Library of Science journal PLoS Biology. Conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, they suggest that meditation leads to a significant shift in how our brains allocate attention.

IMS has approved proposals from other research groups inviting yogis to undertake various tests and evaluations. We will notify anyone who meets the criteria for these research opportunities; participation is completely voluntary and studies will be conducted with minimal impact on retreats.

View PDF of the research article, published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Biology (May 7, 2007).