Publication: Neurophysiology of Mindfulness Meditation: A Narrative Review Based on Buddhist Perspective
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Meditation, an inward journey to explore profound levels of consciousness
rooted in Buddhism, has significant physical and psychological benefits, including
enhanced well-being, improved concentration, emotional stability, and positive
cognitive shifts. This narrative review consolidates past two decades of research
on the neurophysiological effects of Buddhist mindfulness meditation based on
neuroimaging findings, and aims to examine the Buddhist view of mindfulness
meditation in relation to the structural and functional changes in the brain areas
in health and diseases. Meditation practices, such as Vipassana in Buddhism,
emphasize mindfulness and non-judgmental awareness of oneself and surrounding.
Neuroimaging studies have revealed its significant impact on brain regions including
structural changes involving anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), temporal lobe, insula,
hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and other areas.
Four fundamental mechanisms summarize the mindfulness meditation: attention
regulation, body awareness, emotion regulation, and a transformed self-
perspective. The scientific explanation of effects of meditation is challenging, and
we are only beginning to understand in neurophysiological terms. Previous research
on mindfulness meditation has employed diverse methodological approaches,
including self-reported measures, behavioral tasks and neuroimaging techniques;
but there lacks a standardization, making it difficult to compare the findings.
However, the cognitive processes are thought to underlie the potential benefits
of mindfulness meditation in promoting mental well-being on an individual and
societal level.
This review highlights the mechanisms of mindfulness meditation to improve
cognitive flexibility and promote mental well-being, in relation to Buddhist
philosophy, with implications for individual and societal benefits.
KEY WORDS
Buddhism, Cognition, Consciousness, Meditation, Mindfulness, Neurophysiology
Description
Joshi B,1 Jha JP,2 Karn A,3 Shrestha L1
1Universal College of Medical Sciences
Bhairahawa, Nepal
2Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
Jumla, Nepal
3BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Dharan, Nepal
Keywords
Buddhism, Cognition, Consciousness, Meditation, Mindfulness, Neurophysiology