The Changes in Brain Waves in Monks and Nuns During Zen Meditation in Two Vietnamese Zen Truc Lam Monasteries

Meditation is characterized by a deepened state of relaxation on the one hand and increased alertness on the other. Zen meditation fosters a distinct state combining relaxation and sustained alertness. The study investigated differences in bioelectrical brain activity of monks and nuns during Zen meditation in their natural monastic environment, with 13 practitioners from two Vietnamese Zen monasteries. Results showed a stable increase in the alpha range in both monasteries, an increase in theta and a decrease in beta in one monastery, and distinct meditation strategies between the two monasteries. Mobile EEG technology proved effective in naturalistic settings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the dynamics of the bioelectrical brain activity of monks and nuns during Zen meditation in their natural monastic environment. The participants were practitioners residing in two Vietnamese Zen monasteries: Truc Lam Tay Thien ( N = 7) and Truc Lam Thuong Chieu Buddhist Academy ( N = 6). The measurements were carried out using a four-channel BrainBit Flex mobile cap, capturing the theta (5–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (15–30 Hz) frequency bands. The results indicate that meditation is characterized by a deepened state of relaxation on the one hand and increased alertness on the other (a stable increase in the alpha range in both monasteries and an increase in theta and a decrease in beta in the second monastery). The differences identified seem to indicate distinct meditation strategies in the two monasteries (dynamic decreases in the theta range and slow increases in beta in the Truc Lam Tay Thien Monastery; dynamic decreases in beta and slow increases in theta and beta in the Truc Lam Thuong Chieu monastery). These findings contribute to an understanding of the specificity of the neural mechanisms underlying Zen meditation, which appears to foster a distinct state characterized by a combination of relaxation and sustained alertness. By highlighting its potential role in mental health, the study also demonstrates the effectiveness of using mobile electroencephalogram (EEG) technology in naturalistic environments. It can also assist professionals and practitioners in developing their skills and obtaining other benefits.