Vajrayana Meditation Techniques Can Enhance Brain Performance
Dear friends,
I found this to be an interesting article. Many of Buddha’s teachings when examined carefully will be very logical. Using Vajrayana meditations will improve cognitive performance of the brain according to scientific research. Our awareness will also grow and memory will be vastly improved when we engage in Vajrayana meditations guided. This I found to be very true from my limited personal experience especially after retreats.
In the Vajrayana tradition, we are encouraged to do meditations and practices from the Theravadin, Mahyana and Vajrayana traditions combined but not at one go of course. We are taught to not abandon any part of Buddha’s teachings and respect all the traditions. All teachings and meditation techniques extended from the Buddha will have benefit in one way or the other. Buddha will not teach anything that does not have benefit.
If we combine the Theravadin and Vajrayana techniques we will experience both relaxation and cognitive improvements. The results are permanent and lasting. Let the scientists research further and find out that the benefits are lasting. I am excited for further research. Even if we focus on Vajrayana meditative techniques alone we will gain the benefits of heightened cognitive performance, sharper awareness and relaxation.
Tsongkapa and Manjushri meditations are excellent for cognitive enhanced performance in our lives as well as relaxation. There are other techniques within Vajrayana also. When we engage in Tsongkapa meditations it will give a sense of satisfaction coming from within as another auxiliary result. We will feel more calm, more relaxed and more focused. I have been speaking about this to many for years and now I am glad to see science is also proving this point to be true.
I applaud this research as Buddha’s meditative techniques under research will prove more and more beneficial to mankind. The proof will be in the pudding as the saying goes.
I had to share this with all of you. Have you experienced the effects they are talking about?
Tsem Rinpoche
Study Reveals that Vajrayana Meditation Techniques Associated with Tibetan Buddhism Can Enhance Brain Performance
August 13, 2014
Contrary to popular belief, not all meditation techniques produce similar effects of body and mind. Indeed, a recent study by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has demonstrated for the first time that different types of Buddhist meditation – namely the Vajrayana and Theravada styles of meditation – elicit qualitatively different influences on human physiology and behaviour, producing arousal and relaxation responses respectively.
In particular, the NUS research team found that Vajrayana meditation, which is associated with Tibetan Buddhism, can lead to enhancements in cognitive performance.
The study by Associate Professor Maria Kozhevnikov and Dr Ido Amihai from the Department of Psychology at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was first published in the journal PLOS ONE in July 2014.
Vajrayana and Theravada meditation produce different physiological responses
Previous studies had defined meditation as a relaxation response and had attempted to categorise meditation as either involving focused or distributed attentional systems. Neither of these hypotheses received strong empirical support, and most of the studies focused on Theravada meditative practices.
Assoc Prof Kozhevnikov and Dr Amihai examined four different types of meditative practices: two types of Vajrayana meditations (Tibetan Buddhism) practices (Visualisation of self-generation-as-Deity and Rig-pa) and two types of Theravada practices (Shamatha and Vipassana). They collected electrocardiographic (EKG) and electroencephalographic (EEG) responses and also measured behavioural performance on cognitive tasks using a pool of experienced Theravada practitioners from Thailand and Nepal, as well as Vajrayana practitioners from Nepal.
They observed that physiological responses during the Theravada meditation differ significantly from those during the Vajrayana meditation. Theravada meditation produced enhanced parasympathetic activation (relaxation). In contrast, Vajrayana meditation did not show any evidence of parasympathetic activity but showed an activation of the sympathetic system (arousal).
The researchers had also observed an immediate dramatic increase in performance on cognitive tasks following only Vajrayana styles of meditation. They noted that such dramatic boost in attentional capacity is impossible during a state of relaxation. Their results show that Vajrayana and Theravada styles of meditation are based on different neurophysiological mechanisms, which give rise to either an arousal or relaxation response.
Applications of the research findings
The findings from the study showed that Vajrayana meditation can lead to dramatic enhancement in cognitive performance, suggesting that Vajrayana meditation could be especially useful in situations where it is important to perform at one’s best, such as during competition or states of urgency. On the other hand, Theravada styles of meditation are an excellent way to decrease stress, release tension, and promote deep relaxation.
Further research
After seeing that even a single session of Vajrayana meditation can lead to radical enhancements in brain performance, Assoc Prof Kozhevnikov and Dr Amihai will be investigating whether permanent changes could occur after long-term practice. The researchers are also looking at how non-practitioners can benefit from such meditative practices.
Assoc Prof Kozhevnikov said, “Vajrayana meditation typically requires years of practice, so we are also looking into whether it is also possible to acquire the beneficial effects of brain performance by practicing certain essential elements of the meditation. This would provide an effective and practical method for non-practitioners to quickly increase brain performance in times of need.”
Source: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-08-reveals-vajrayana-meditation-techniques-tibetan.html
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Meditations are excellent for cognitive enhanced performance in our lives as well as relaxation. The silence and stillness we experience in meditation and
the increased happiness and diminished stress. Calming our mind and gaining insight . Researchers had also observed that there is an immediate dramatic increase in performance on cognitive tasks following only Vajrayana styles meditation. Even just a single session of Vajrayana meditation have amazing benefits that can lead to radical enhancements in brain performance. That’s wonderful. Different meditation techniques have different results yet all meditation have excellent effects
on the mind and body of each individual who practiced it.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.
Vajrayana students have long been taught to anchor their practices in Samatha and Vipassana meditation, then, as they advance in their practice to undertake Deity visualizations. Due to the complexity of the practice, a teacher is necessary. However, a student of Vajrayana, practicing both styles of meditation, should see benefits spiritually, mentally and physically. Foundation meditation will anchor practice—and relieve stress—bringing important health benefits. Deity practices will advance spiritual attainments—and protect the mind.
An additional area of benefit, from separate studies, is treatment of anxiety or depression. “Buddhist traditions see wisdom and Compassion as interrelated—two wings of a bird,” writes Christer Germer and Ronald Siegel in an unlikely source—a psychotherapy-medical text. In the book, various scholars, scientists and clinicians describe how Buddhist compassionate practices can “enhance the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, suicidal behavior, couple conflict and parenting stress.”
In Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy, an entire section on clinical applications is dedicated to visualizing compassionate Buddha images (normally Avalokitesvara). It is noted that the visualization should be of a compassionate figure “who embodies the qualities of unconditional acceptance, quiet strength and wisdom… beyond human fallibility.” The example they used was Avalokitesvara or Guanyin (the female Chinese form).
Adding this clinical experience, to this new research on cognitive benefits shows added benefits specifically from visualization practice of compassionate Buddha’s.
Medical profession, has long accepted the positive benefits of many forms or meditation. Amazing…..many studies across decades of researchers have proven meditation is simply good for the body, relaxation and our health. They found that Vajrayana meditation techniques involving deity visualization improve cognitive performance and may be promising for degenerative brain disorders too. Different meditation techniques would have different results and effects on the mind and body. The most important thing is the goal of the practice which is to enhance a sense of awareness and presence.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this informative article with us to understand better.
This is great to see the scientists’ researches, one of them is NUS has proved Vajrayana meditation techniques can lead us to enhancements in cognitive performance. Buddha’s teachings since 2,500 years ago taught us not to abandon any part of Buddha’s teachings but to respect all the traditions. We should believe that Buddha will not teach anything does not benefit to the sentient beings. Nevertheless, in order to have the pure teaching of Lama Tsongkhapa (is in fact the teachings of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni if traced back to the origins), we have to seek for a qualified spiritual guru with pure lineage. Furthermore, Assoc Prof Kozhevnikov clearly stated that Vajrayana meditation typically requires years of practice. Therefore, in order to have the correct meditation techniques, this is very important for us to have a qualified guru who is able to helps us in achieving what we wish to have.
Thank you Rinpoche and blog team for sharing with all if us here this wonderful research. I rejoice that universities have also done a study about the different meditation techniques and how it benefits humans based on the layman view point. If Vajrayana meditation can be simplified to improve one’s cognitive performance… it will benefit many, even if they are of a different religion, truly helping everybody. 🙂 _/\_
It is very exciting to be a Buddhist right now. It is perhaps the 3rd most exciting time since Buddha taught, then Tsongkhapa taught. Now the amazing thing is how the scientific method has started independently verifying these great teachers. So we may be 2,500 years removed from Shakimuni, but we now have non-buddhists confirming what he spoke and taught! Very, very exciting indeed. Do not marginalize this, it is absolutely revolutionary and it WILL change the world, as humans all over every corner of the Earth are now in contact with a non-secular science resembling Buddhism.
I have heard that this is a dark-age, however, one where we are producing less Buddha’s than other times. I heard that I forgot where but I think it was a Rinpoche…
Dear Josh,
Thank you for your comment. During this degenerate age, it is believed that people will be less likely to attain enlightenment, although Dharma is still available. Buddhism and science have increasingly been discussed as compatible, and Buddhism has entered into the science and religion dialogue. This is good as more and more studies are validating what Lord Buddha has taught, but there is also the danger that the Dharma may become just a subject of academic study, with not many people practising it, or even there are practitioners there will not be many will gain attainments due to the degeneration. An example I can think of is the popularity of meditation, which has now become a method of ‘relaxation’ instead of preparatory for higher thoughts, analytical meditation and concentrate on the object single-pointedly.
You may be interested to read this article, in which Rinpoche shared about the practice of Heruka and Vajrayogini, as well as a brief explanations of the Kaliyuga and the five degenerations: Deep blue figure within fiery mass of light https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/great-lamas-masters/deep-blue-figure-within-fiery-mass-of-light.html
It is very good to know that science is now validating what the Buddha had spoken 2600 years ago. Which is probably why in the developed and developing world many people are embracing Buddhism.
Great effort by the NUS, I am sure that meditation will not be a great interest of people who practise Buddhism/ dharma especially. I personally do not think that meditation is a religious activity, it can be done even by Christians and Jews, it depends on how open-minded we are.
I have done a few sessions of light meditation, when it’s done with concentration, we’d realise that our mind and body feels lighter and you somehow feel peaceful. The only thing I find hard about meditation is concentration and controlling my thoughts, it’s a good exercise to discipline ourselves.
I do believe all dharma practitioners would be very excited to engage in meditations. I am for one. It is through meditation we can uncover the real from the unreal, truth from delusion. It is the best tool for a human being to discover more about him or herself.
Great to know that NUS did this research on different meditation techniques and it is very interesting to know that they discovered Vajrayana meditation techniques creates “arousal” whereas Theravadan thechniques create deep relaxation. It’s now clearer why we call Vajrayana practices the “swift” path. I suppose the energy is more intense and focused in producing action and results whereas the other is to calm one’s mind down to create a stillness in awareness? Both are excellent techniques, depending on what the individual requires at that moment. I am glad that the Uni’s taking initiative to further study more on how to implement meditation to improve performance but I wonder what will they use to replace the visualisation of the Buddha deity for the non-Buddhist. Buddha’s teachings always brings about some kind of benefit.
The findings from the above researches, have shown that Vaijrayana meditation can lead to radical enhancements in the brain performance, and further investigations are being carried out to ascertain whether permanent changes could occur after long term practices. As Rinpoche said, “Tsongkapa and Manjushri meditations are excellent for cognitive enhanced performance in our lives as well as relaxation”. We feel glad to join Rinpoche in applauding this reaserch, and are extremely gratified to see that even Science is so keen to prove that Buddhism meditative techniques has so much healthy benefits for mankind. Om mani padme hung.
Thanks for Rinpoche’s sharing. Mediation in proper way did help us to calm down our mind . wishing that can practice the right method of meditation.
Splendid article to reinforce us further in meditation, would it possible the miracle of mantra especially Manjushri and Tsongkapa mantra that allows us to absorb knowledge and wisdom more easily and expands our cognitive mind?
with folded hands, thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. Feel glad to be in this Tibetan Buddhism.
Yes Rinpoche i agree by engaging in Tsongkapa meditation one can feel more calm, more relaxed and more focused.
I have experienced it during our 3 days 2 nights Tsongkapa retreats in KFR nearly a month ago lead by Pastor Yek Yee, hope to attend more retreats in the future as i find it very beneficial. Thank you Rinpoche for allowing us to have meditation retreats in KFR
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing with all if us here this wonderful research. I rejoice that universities have also done a study about the different meditation techniques and how it benefits humans based on the layman view point.
Through this it shows that many people are starting to believe Buddha’s words, and when someone say that Buddha’s teachings are not true we can show them concrete prove that meditation indeed helps us as a whole.
With the report from the National University of Singapore (at the placing of the World’s 22nd Ranking University), I believe that more people would believe what they have written. I am truly happy that NUS has done such a great job to have done this study.
在這個現代化的時代，一切都需要科學的研究來證明其有效性，佛教是唯一一個受科學的證明有效的。感谢仁波切的分享.
Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing. Buddha teachings are effective and can benefit all sentient beings.
Great shares. Thanks so much! I’ll pass them along.
Dear Janna Weiss,
Hope that you’re well! There’s a whole treasure of knowledge on H.E. Tsem Rinpoche’s blog and YouTube channel. However, I thought that since you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy these ones too!
A Lama Tsongkhapa Meditation: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/a-tsongkhapa-meditation.html
Meditation on Death (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4j5RJfu5X0
A Special Setrap Meditation (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unNeXOWwcIY
Supreme Contemplation: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/supreme-contemplation.html
New Zealand TV reports Thupten Rinpoche’s death meditation: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/new-zealand-tv-reports-thupten-rinpoches-death-meditation.html
S.N. Goenka – Vippassana Pioneer Passes Away: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/people/s-n-goenka-vipassana-pioneer-passes-away.html
And if you’re ever in Malaysia, we have a meditation retreat held at Kechara Forest Retreat every weekend till the end of this year 🙂 https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/meditation-retreat-in-november.html
With folded hands,
Jean Mei
Dear Rinpoche,
This research came timely as more and more people are focused on Buddhism, especially Tibetan Buddhism. Supported by strong research from Professors and anchored by a good University.
If the further research came to have an easier method of Vajrayana meditation, I believe many more people will catch on. Buddha’s teachings is definitely beneficial. But we cannot force all other religions to follow the Buddha’s ways. If Vajrayana meditation can be simplified to improve one’s cognitive performance… it will benefit many, even if they are of a different religion, truly helping everybody.
In this modern age, everything requires science and research to prove validity, and Buddhism is the only one that science proven.
Kudos to the researchers! I hope more to come soon.
Thank u Rinpoche for the finding. Its really is a good read and it enhance our belief on what Vajrayana Meditation can benefit oneself. I am sure NUS as one of the top university in the world will bring more credibility to this finding.
Yes, my root guru was talking about this article in Dharma class last night. This article is a must read.
Dear Rinpoche,
I’m very happy that scientists are paying more attention to meditative techniques. Their findings will be useful for practitioners to explain their experiences and the effects of their meditation practices. The positive research findings will encourage more people to engage in meditation as it is a very important part of the Buddhist spiritual practices. I have practised mostly Vajrayana meditative techniques such as the Lamrim meditations as explained in Pabongka Rinpoche’s “Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand” and I have also read and practised a little bit using Theravadin meditative techniques, especially the breathing exercises and found that both traditions have their benefits. Vajrayana meditation is very helpful in transforming the mind. In fact the Lamrim meditative techniques are a step-by-step guide for mind training or mind development. If we do the analytical meditation (contemplation) and placement meditation (single-pointed concentration) properly, we will gain both quiescence and special insight. The meditations, and many of them are based on Rinpoche’s teachings, have kept me going all these years.
Thanks a million Guru dev for this awesome article. It is like a god sent advice at the right time. I suffer from very very bad ADHD since young and at times the ADHD episodes can be pretty devastating , to add things worst I was misdiagnosed more than 6 times to be having various mental and cognitive disorder,s (from OCD to Bipolar to Dysthemia) over the period of 4 yearsand was prescribed with ton’s of medications where some almost Killed me . It was like time stood still for 5 years as I suffered the consequence of the misdiagnosis and the medication’s which made me loose 5 years of my life. Now I am conformed of have very chronic ADHD with some past childhood traumas and am working on it and am getting better as i have seeked alternative treatments. But for the past days my ADHD symptoms are manifesting and I find it very difficult to handle but somehow MIGSTEMA is of great help and today when I read this very article it is as if my lord Bhagavan Tsongkhapa have sent this for me . Thank you dear Guru deva for this article I am happy and grateful I am moving in the path of recovery . Withe your blessings I know I will overcome this my LORD . MY humblest obeisances to you OH GREAT ONE ! I bow down to you my lord Guru . Thank you Thank you and thank you a million my lord ….