A Theoretical Discussion of Bhavana and its Effects on Brain Plasticity.

摘要

This study contributes a view of meditation as self-directed neuroplasticity in which both the mind and brain are understood as interactive phenomena. It challenges some contemporary assumptions that consider meditation as a brain-only activity as well as those yet to consider the neurological relevance of bhavana practice. The methodology draws upon the neurophysical model of mind-brain interaction proposed by Schwartz, Stapp, and Beauregard, and utilizes a multidisciplinary integrated literature review approach that contrasts the respective epistemologies of bhavana and neuroscience. This project explores the contemplative science of neuroplasticity, a nascent field that investigates the intersections between neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative practice, in dialogue with the early tradition of Buddhist bhavana (the Buddhist discipline of mental culture) as preserved in the Pali discourses and Chinese agamas. Recent neuroscientific studies reveal theoretical gaps in discussions of how early forms of Buddhist meditative practice may interact with the brain. Neuroscientists, some of whom are also Buddhists practitioners, have published essays concerning meditation. However, there is paucity of Buddhist scholarly voices: to date little has been done to discuss these studies from the viewpoint of the complementary nature of mind-and-brain interaction. The first goal of the present study is discussing the Hebbian theory of synaptic plasticity and its relevance to bhavana. The second goal is presenting a critical analysis of the Lazar et al study (2005) concerning meditation's impacts on cortical plasticity. The third goal is offering a speculative map of the anapanasati Sutta [my italics] as exercises in neuroplasticity. This investigation engages the following questions: How might the concept of bhavana facilitate a more dynamic understanding of meditation's effects on neuroplasticity? Why is the complementary nature of mind-and-brain interaction important for both contemplative science and Buddhist meditative studies? Is the Mahayana idea of skill in means (upaya) an appropriate way to transmit Buddhist meditation in secular settings?