In the fall of 2005, I, the Dalai Lama, had the honor of delivering the inaugural Dialogues between Neuroscience and Society lecture at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Washington, DC. It was a remarkable gathering, with over 30,000 neuroscientists in attendance, reflecting the growing interest in the intersection of neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy. My address aimed to illuminate the common ground between these two realms of thought, particularly concerning the nature of the mind, and it was heartening to see that many in the audience found resonance in my words.
While some controversy surrounded my invitation due to my dual roles as a head of state and a religious leader, I remained focused on my prepared remarks. However, I did take a moment to express my enthusiasm for modern technology, emphasizing that as a Buddhist monk, I am open to the potential benefits that scientific advancements can offer, including those related to neuroscience.
I also shared a lighthearted sentiment with the audience, acknowledging that despite my dedicated daily meditation practice, it is indeed a challenging endeavor. In a playful manner, I expressed that if neuroscientists could replicate the benefits of meditation through technological means, I would eagerly volunteer. Interestingly, recent experiments from researchers at MIT and Stanford have made strides toward realizing this prospect.
The reciprocal interest between myself and some members of the neuroscience community has led to fruitful collaborations. Notably, investigations into the brains of long-term meditators have yielded valuable insights into the effects of meditation on brain function. Studies conducted at the University of Wisconsin have demonstrated tangible changes in brain networks associated with attention during focused attention meditation. Furthermore, advanced practices such as open monitoring meditation have revealed unprecedented patterns of brain activity, particularly in the form of sustained gamma-synchrony, which has become a notable indicator of the meditative state.
The emergence of sustained gamma activity in long-term meditators has sparked curiosity about its underlying mechanisms and potential benefits. It is hypothesized that this unique brain rhythm is linked to the activation of specific interneurons in the cerebral cortex. The implications of sustained gamma-activity are an area of ongoing exploration within the neuroscience community.
In summary, the ongoing dialogue between neuroscience and Buddhist philosophy holds great promise for advancing our understanding of the mind and consciousness. The collaborative efforts between these two domains continue to yield fascinating discoveries that have the potential to benefit humanity at large.
Disclaimer: Dalai Lama writer impersonated, but the event and basic facts are real.
