From Cushion to Laboratory: The Science of Buddhist Meditation with Marina Vinyals & Hans Burghardt

shantidevanyc.org/marina-hans-sep26/

Buddhism is often described as a science of the mind—a contemplative tradition that offers a systematic understanding of how the mind works and how it can be trained to cultivate greater wisdom, compassion, and lasting well-being. Over centuries, generations of practitioners have explored these teachings through direct experience, arriving at remarkably consistent insights into the nature of the mind and the causes of happiness and suffering.

In recent decades, advances in neuroscience have made it possible to study the effects of Buddhist meditation in the laboratory. Research involving both experienced meditators and beginners has shown that these practices can produce measurable changes in the brain, influencing attention, emotional regulation, compassion, and overall well-being. While science and Buddhism approach the mind from different perspectives, many contemporary findings echo insights that Buddhist practitioners have developed for centuries.

In this talk, we will explore what neuroscience is revealing about Buddhist meditation, examine some of the practices that have been the focus of scientific research, and discuss what these discoveries can teach us about cultivating a healthier, happier, and more resilient mind in everyday life.