Articles tagged with Buddhism
A researcher warns that AI can distort our perceptions of death and existence by blurring presence and absence. He suggests that embracing selfless selves, or interconnectedness, can help us accept impermanence and the inevitability of death.
A study explores how Buddhist philosophy can enhance psychotherapy in the context of digital mental health. The findings focus on three key lenses: networked dynamics, reciprocity, and cognitive flexibility. These lenses frame experience as relational and evolving, highlighting the importance of overlooked connections and incidental en...
The Golden Light Sutra, a 1,000-year-old Chinese translation of a Buddhist scripture, is now freely accessible online via Kyushu University Library's digital archive. The collection offers valuable resources for studying the history of Japanese language and literature.
Researchers discovered a common cognitive feedback loop used by Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues practices to achieve profound focus and joy. This 'Attention, Arousal and Release Spiral' offers insights into cultivating deep states of tranquility and bliss.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
Researchers are uncovering daily life in ancient India through newly analyzed Proto-Sarada inscriptions, including administrative documents and clay seals. The project aims to create a comprehensive edition of these inscriptions, shedding light on the social, economic, and cultural history of pre-modern South Asia.
Research in England finds higher COVID-19 case rates among Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Muslims, Sikhs, and those disadvantaged in wave 2. In contrast, White British, Christians, healthy individuals, and relatively affluent people had higher rates in wave 3.
A study found that Tibetan Buddhist monks with long-term deep meditation practice had distinct gut microbiome profiles, associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Their gut microbiota was enriched with beneficial bacteria that may influence mental health.
Observing the five Buddhist precepts appears to reduce the influence of perceived stress on depression. High levels of neuroticism and stress may be less likely to develop depressive symptoms if followers closely adhere to these moral practices.
Researchers analyzed ancient incense samples from a Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple and found evidence of exotic spices like elemi and frankincense. The findings provide insight into the complex role of incense in religious rituals and court activities during this period.
Research from 63 countries reveals different happiness tests are effective in Western and Asian cultures, with the Eastern Interdependent Happiness scale performing consistently across countries, contrary to the unreliable Western Subjective Happiness Scale. The study expands on the understanding of happiness beyond Western ideals.
A new study suggests that meditation has a limited role in improving an individual's behavior towards others and increasing compassion. Despite initial positive results, the study found that methodological flaws and biases significantly influenced the findings.
A new study chronicles and categorizes challenging meditation experiences among Western Buddhists, revealing a broader range of effects than previously documented. The research identified seven types of experiences and 26 categories of influencing factors, which vary widely in duration and associated distress or impairment.
The project investigates Buddhist networks in Eastern Central Asia from the 6th-14th centuries, exploring transregional links between China, India, Tibet, and Central Asian regions. The team will analyze manuscripts and conduct field research to understand how Buddhism spread and evolved.
The article discusses the intricacies of culture and identity for Tibetan Muslim refugees in India, highlighting their struggles to hold onto their identities amidst complex circumstances. Despite being granted citizenship in India, they faced economic and social challenges, further isolating their community.
A scholar of religion proposes a new theory on religious diversity, suggesting that religions share more commonalities than differences. He argues that interreligious theology can help believers overcome prejudices and develop appreciation for other religions.
A global study involving 6,902 university students found that Einstein and Mandela are consistently ranked as heroes, while Hitler is often considered the worst villain across cultures. The results highlight varying opinions on historical figures and events, reflecting cultural differences in perception.
Archaeological excavations at Lumbini, Nepal have uncovered a previously unknown sixth-century B.C. timber structure dating back to the birthplace of the Buddha. The discovery confirms an earlier date for the life of the Buddha than previously thought and sheds light on the early development of Buddhism.
A rare ataxite class of meteorite was found to be the material of a 1,000 year-old Buddhist statue, known as the Iron Man, discovered by a Nazi expedition in 1938. The statue is valued at $20,000 due to its rarity and age.
Researchers found that spirituality is positively correlated with mental health regardless of religious affiliation. Increased spirituality reduces self-centeredness and enhances sense of belonging, leading to lower levels of neuroticism and higher extraversion.
A UCSF-led study finds that meditation significantly reduces destructive emotions and improves social and emotional behavior in female schoolteachers. The study's findings suggest increased awareness of mental processes can influence emotional behavior, leading to better relationships and overall well-being.
Research categorizes meditation into three types: focused attention (beta/gamma activity), open monitoring (theta activity), and automatic self-transcending (alpha1 activity). Different techniques produce distinct results, and lumping them together can lead to inaccurate interpretations.
A study found that intensive meditation training improves perceptual discrimination and sustained attention, leading to better task performance over time. The benefits persisted even after five months, particularly for those who continued to meditate daily.
Researchers found that Deity Yoga (DY) meditation enhances mental rotation and visual memory skills. DY practitioners showed significant improvements compared to Open Presence (OP) meditators and controls after a 20-minute meditation session.
A recent study published in Osteoporosis International found that the bone density of vegan Buddhist nuns was identical to that of non-vegetarian women, despite lower protein and calcium intakes. The researchers noted that fruits and vegetables may have positive effects on bone health.
A recent MIT study estimated that Americans contribute more than twice as much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere as those living in other countries, regardless of income level. The study found that a homeless person and a Buddhist monk had the lowest carbon footprints at around 8.5 tons and 10.5 tons per year, respectively
Scientists have identified oil-based paint layers in ancient Buddhist murals from the Bamiyan caves, dating back to the mid-7th century A.D. The findings contradict traditional views of oil painting's origins in Europe, suggesting a longer history of use in Asia.
Researchers found that trained meditative practice, particularly one-point meditation, can significantly alter the normal fluctuations in conscious state induced by perceptual rivalry. This suggests that high-level neural influences can modulate attention and consciousness, supporting previous work on the topic.
A three-year project studies the Dhyanna of Entering into Non-Conceptuality, an 8th-century scripture considered authentic Buddha's teaching. The research aims to show similarities between Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism and how they have been interpreted differently throughout the ages.