Best Bets on Meditation Research: Any Suggestions?

[fringekitty]

I'm looking for suggestions on current research (within the past 5 years or so) examining the effects of meditation on the body and brain. In particular, a good scientific literature review which is still readable by someone without a Ph.D. would be appreciated. Also, I'd like to examine research discussing the possible side-effects of meditation

Comments

[jezebelleinhell]

If you google Edward Knight you might find something

He is a Buddhist with schizophrenia who lectures all over the country about the effects of meditation on the brain

[fringekitty]

That's really helpful. I had read a short piece on him some time ago, but had forgotten his name.

[fringekitty]

Thanks for the links. I believe I read several secondary sources regarding these studies, but not the primary source. Are these the same series of studies that also examined the Carmelite nuns? I also saw research which studied the ecstatic experiences of Pentecostals, but I've lost that link.

[achadachad]

guy i used to know at Bangor university (Wales, not USA or Ireland) was doing a lot of that, try searching the publications listings for Paul Preem

[fringekitty]

Thanks!

[therapsidia]

This isn't much help, but I read about that the same research done with the Zen monks also included certain orders of Catholic nuns...they had similar brain activity during deep meditation/prayer.

[staggeronward]

There's a book called "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" which has a brief section on meditation. It's not much, but it's a great book, and the author is a great scientist and vocal atheist.

[fringekitty]

I appreciate the recommendation!