New study suggests meditating on emptiness might be better than mindfulness
BY HALEIGH ATWOOD| MARCH 26, 2019
In a recent study, meditating on emptiness led to a 24 percent decrease in negative emotions.
Emptiness meditation may be more effective at improving well-being than mindfulness meditation, according to psychologists at the University of Derby, UK.
Led by psychologist and lecturer William Van Gordon, an international research team conducted the first-ever study to investigate the impact of Buddhist emptiness meditation.
A central Buddhist insight, emptiness is the understanding that neither we nor any phenomenon in the universe — sentient or otherwise — has a permanent, separate, and independent core, or soul.
“Mindfulness and other contemplative techniques are very useful for creating mental calm and space in which to explore the mind,” Van Gordon said.
“Mindfulness and other contemplative techniques are very useful for creating mental calm and space in which to explore the mind,” Van Gordon said.
“But one has to go a step further and undermine the emptiness of self and the emptiness of all phenomena — that’s very consistent with the Buddhist teachings across most traditions.
“In the last few decades, we’ve seen a significant increase of scientific interest in investigating contemplative Buddhist approaches. This really started with a first phase of investigations concerning mindfulness about 20 or 30 years ago. About 10 or 15 years ago there was a second phase concerning compassion and loving kindness. What we’re seeing now is a third phase of investigation focusing on wisdom, emptiness, and non-attachment.”
In order to have a complete understanding of Buddhist techniques, Van Gordon believes science must cover all three phases: mindfulness, compassion, and emptiness.
“In the last few decades, we’ve seen a significant increase of scientific interest in investigating contemplative Buddhist approaches. This really started with a first phase of investigations concerning mindfulness about 20 or 30 years ago. About 10 or 15 years ago there was a second phase concerning compassion and loving kindness. What we’re seeing now is a third phase of investigation focusing on wisdom, emptiness, and non-attachment.”
In order to have a complete understanding of Buddhist techniques, Van Gordon believes science must cover all three phases: mindfulness, compassion, and emptiness.
He wants to see an increasing focus on the relationship between emptiness and wellbeing.
Link: https://www.lionsroar.com/new-study-suggests-meditating-on-emptiness-might-be-better-than-mindfulness/?mc_cid=b7e5e36a10&mc_eid=1f63905ec9
Link: https://www.lionsroar.com/new-study-suggests-meditating-on-emptiness-might-be-better-than-mindfulness/?mc_cid=b7e5e36a10&mc_eid=1f63905ec9
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