Advanced concentrative absorption meditation (jhana) was better distinguished by non-oscillatory than oscillatory dynamics, with deeper states showing equalized feedback and feedforward processes.
Case Report (n=1)
Does advanced concentrative absorption meditation alter neural connectivity regimes in an experienced meditator?
Advanced concentrative absorption meditation is characterized by distinct non-oscillatory neural dynamics and an equalization of feedback and feedforward processes.
We present a neurophenomenological case study investigating distinct neural connectivity regimes during an advanced concentrative absorption meditation called jhana (ACAM-J),characterized by highly-stable attention and mental absorption. Using EEG recordings and phenomenological ratings (29 sessions) from a meditator with +20,000 hours of practice, we evaluated connectivity metrics tracking distinct large-scale neural interactions: nonlinear (WSMI and Directed Information), capturing non-oscillatory dynamics; and linear (WPLI) connectivity metrics, capturing oscillatory synchrony. Results demonstrate ACAM-J are better distinguished by non-oscillatory compared to oscillatory dynamics across multiple frequency ranges. Furthermore, combining attention-related phenomenological ratings with WSMI improves Bayesian decoding of ACAM-J compared to neural metrics alone. Crucially, deeper ACAM-J indicate an equalization of feedback and feedforward processes, suggesting a balance of internally- and externally-driven information processing. The results from this intensively sampled case study are a promising initial step in revealing the distinct neural dynamics during ACAM-J, offering insights into refined conscious states and highlighting the value of nonlinear neurophenomenological approaches to studying attentional states.
Potash et al. (Mon,) conducted a case report in Advanced concentrative absorption meditation (jhana) (n=1). Advanced concentrative absorption meditation (jhana) was evaluated on Neural connectivity regimes (nonlinear vs linear metrics). Advanced concentrative absorption meditation (jhana) was better distinguished by non-oscillatory than oscillatory dynamics, with deeper states showing equalized feedback and feedforward processes.