Positive Health Online

Abstract

LO and co-workers, Department of Electrical and Control Engineering National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, pclo@faculty.nctu.edu.tw, have found that EEG alpha blocking is correlated with seeing an inner light during Zen meditation.

Background

Orthodox Zen Buddhist practitioners discover the inner energy or inner light on the way towards finding their true self. Perception of this inner light can be understood as a resonance. This study aims to elucidate some of the meditative phenomena that are experienced by practitioners.

Methodology

The study used electroencephalograms (EEG) of meditating subjects.

Results

A significant correlation was found between perception of the inner light by practitioners and alpha blockage in the EEG. In a further experiment, an EEG was recorded of subjects who were receiving a blessing without their knowledge. During the blessing period, significant alpha blocking was again found in these subjects.

Conclusion

This report provides a new insight that may benefit the debate about health benefits of meditation.

References

Lo PC, Huang ML, Chang KM. EEG alpha blocking correlated with perception of inner light during zen meditation. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 31 (4): 629-642, 2003.