Positive Health Online

Abstract

GILLANI and SMITH, Roosevelt University Stress Institute, Chicago, IL 60605, USA, attempted to rigorously map the psychological effects of Zen meditation among experienced practitioners.

Background

Methodology

59 Zen meditators with at least 6 years experience practised 1 hour of traditional Zazen seated meditation. A control group of 24 college students silently read popular magazines for 1 hour. All subjects were assessed before meditation/relaxation using the Smith Relaxation States Inventory (SRSI), the Smith Relaxation Dispositions/ Motivations Inventory (SRD/MI) and the Smith Relaxation Beliefs Inventory (SRBI) . After meditation/relaxation, subjects were assessed again on the SRSI .

Results

Assessments taken prior to practice revealed that meditators were less likely than control subjects to believe in God and more likely to believe in 'Inner Wisdom' ; and meditators were more likely to display the relaxation dispositions 'Mental Quiet', 'Mental Relaxation' and 'Timeless/Boundless/Infinite' . Following practice of meditation/ relaxation, meditators showed greater increases than control subjects in the relaxation states 'Mental Quiet', 'Love and Thankfulness' and 'Prayerfulness' . Meditators also showed reductions in 'Worry' .

Conclusion

References

Gillani NB, Smith JC. Zen meditation and ABC relaxation theory: an exploration of relaxation states, beliefs, dispositions, and motivations. Journal of Clinical Psychology 57 (6): 839-46. Jun 2001.

Comment

A most reassuring result!