Meditation Type Alters Brain Criticality

A controlled neuroimaging study of Theravada monks (avg. ~15,000 hours of practice) finds that the brain’s gamma oscillations and a measure called 'criticality' shift depending on whether the monk is doing focused‑attention (samatha) or open‑monitoring (vipassana) meditation. The paper emphasizes that long‑term practice and meditation style—not just experience—may map to different neural coordinates of consciousness, while noting small sample sizes and methodological controversy around 'criticality'. — If different contemplative practices produce distinct, measurable brain states, that affects claims about the neural basis of consciousness, the design of meditation‑based therapies, and how neuroscience validates subjective reports.