An Electroencephalographic Study of the Zen Meditation (Zazen)

During well-achieved Zen meditation, the brain's alpha rhythm shows reduced habituation to sensory stimuli compared to the ordinary waking state, indicating a unique state of consciousness characterized by calm, pure, and serene concentration without tension. This subjective experience, achieved through strict adherence to Zen training rules, contrasts with hypnotic trance, though both alter consciousness. The electroencephalogram serves as a useful neurophysiological method for detecting disturbances of consciousness in clinical practice, and the authors detail electrographic characteristics reflecting the mental state during Zen-sitting.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors present the results of their experiments in detail and discuss some of the electrographic characteristics in which the mental state in Zen-sitting will be reflected. In clinical practice, electroencephalogram often becomes a good neufophysiological method to find out the disturbance of consciousness. According to the instructions of Zen meditation, the regulation of inner mind is strongly emphasized. By obeying the rules of Zen training the well-achieved meditation has been completed. In the well-achieved meditation, it will be said that "concentration" without tension is going on in the utmost inner world of psychic life. From a psychological point of view, both Zen meditation and hypnotic trance bring about the changes of consciousness. In Zen meditation the alpha blocking is less susceptible to habituation to sensory stimuli than in ordinary waking state. Zen meditation is purely a subjective experience completed by a concentration which holds the inner mind calm, pure and serene.