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Keywords = Vipassana

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28 pages, 5922 KiB  
Article
Thoughtseeds: A Hierarchical and Agentic Framework for Investigating Thought Dynamics in Meditative States
by Prakash Chandra Kavi, Gorka Zamora-López, Daniel Ari Friedman and Gustavo Patow
Entropy 2025, 27(5), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27050459 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
The Thoughtseeds Framework introduces a novel computational approach to modeling thought dynamics in meditative states, conceptualizing thoughtseeds as dynamic attentional agents that integrate information. This hierarchical model, structured as nested Markov blankets, comprises three interconnected levels: (i) knowledge domains as information repositories, (ii) [...] Read more.
The Thoughtseeds Framework introduces a novel computational approach to modeling thought dynamics in meditative states, conceptualizing thoughtseeds as dynamic attentional agents that integrate information. This hierarchical model, structured as nested Markov blankets, comprises three interconnected levels: (i) knowledge domains as information repositories, (ii) the Thoughtseed Network where thoughtseeds compete, and (iii) meta-cognition regulating awareness. It simulates focused-attention Vipassana meditation via rule-based training informed by empirical neuroscience research on attentional stability and neural dynamics. Four states—breath_control, mind_wandering, meta_awareness, and redirect_breath—emerge organically from thoughtseed interactions, demonstrating self-organizing dynamics. Results indicate that experts sustain control dominance to reinforce focused attention, while novices exhibit frequent, prolonged mind_wandering episodes, reflecting beginner instability. Integrating Global Workspace Theory and the Intrinsic Ignition Framework, the model elucidates how thoughtseeds shape a unitary meditative experience through meta-awareness, balancing epistemic and pragmatic affordances via active inference. Synthesizing computational modeling with phenomenological insights, it provides an embodied perspective on cognitive state emergence and transitions, offering testable predictions about meditation skill development. The framework yields insights into attention regulation, meta-cognitive awareness, and meditation state emergence, establishing a versatile foundation for future research into diverse meditation practices (e.g., Open Monitoring, Non-Dual Awareness), cognitive development across the lifespan, and clinical applications in mindfulness-based interventions for attention disorders, advancing our understanding of the nature of mind and thought. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Information Theory and Consciousness II)
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17 pages, 7637 KiB  
Article
Elastic Body Spring Method (EBSM) for the Stability Analysis of the Global Vipassana Pagoda in Mumbai, India
by Alessandro Gandolfi, Natalia Pingaro and Gabriele Milani
Buildings 2025, 15(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050653 - 20 Feb 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 714
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative procedure for the stability assessment of masonry domes, aiming at simplifying the modelling and the computational stages of structural analysis. It exploits a macroscopic approach to discretise masonry, specifically using elastic bodies linked by nonlinear interfaces. The latter [...] Read more.
This paper presents an innovative procedure for the stability assessment of masonry domes, aiming at simplifying the modelling and the computational stages of structural analysis. It exploits a macroscopic approach to discretise masonry, specifically using elastic bodies linked by nonlinear interfaces. The latter are made by axial and, when needed, tangential trusses—in turn characterised by an elastic perfectly plastic/brittle behaviour—which constitute the joints connecting homogenised elastic macroblocks. The objective is—by employing low-cost commercial Finite Element software—to predict the behaviour of a masonry curved structure up to failure, maintaining the computational complexity low and the approach accessible to a common user. The process enables not only the quantification of damage at failure but also the tracking of its evolution within the structure, by examining axial forces found in the trusses at each load step. The method allows the modelling of the response of any kind of masonry structure under imposed loads or displacements. Its efficacy is proven on a paradigmatic dome (Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai, India) by comparing the results with limit analysis precedent studies. Finally, the major reliability of a 3D approach is demonstrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Scientific Developments on the Mechanics of Masonry Structures)
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8 pages, 235 KiB  
Entry
Buddhism in Addiction Recovery
by Vanessa Wang and Bryant M. Stone
Encyclopedia 2022, 2(1), 530-537; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia2010035 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6734
Definition
Buddhism was established by Guatama Buddha as a practice to liberate sentient beings from suffering. Mindfulness-Based interventions (MBIs) are Western psychologists’ adaptation of mindfulness/Vipassana to treat mental illnesses. In addition to mindfulness, Buddhist recovery peer-support programs also adopt the Four Noble Truths, the [...] Read more.
Buddhism was established by Guatama Buddha as a practice to liberate sentient beings from suffering. Mindfulness-Based interventions (MBIs) are Western psychologists’ adaptation of mindfulness/Vipassana to treat mental illnesses. In addition to mindfulness, Buddhist recovery peer-support programs also adopt the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts, which are the Buddha’s prescription to cease suffering and to discipline one’s ethical conduct. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
21 pages, 5433 KiB  
Article
Attention and Default Mode Network Assessments of Meditation Experience during Active Cognition and Rest
by Kathryn J. Devaney, Emily J. Levin, Vaibhav Tripathi, James P. Higgins, Sara W. Lazar and David C. Somers
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(5), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11050566 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7867
Abstract
Meditation experience has previously been shown to improve performance on behavioral assessments of attention, but the neural bases of this improvement are unknown. Two prominent, strongly competing networks exist in the human cortex: a dorsal attention network, that is activated during focused attention, [...] Read more.
Meditation experience has previously been shown to improve performance on behavioral assessments of attention, but the neural bases of this improvement are unknown. Two prominent, strongly competing networks exist in the human cortex: a dorsal attention network, that is activated during focused attention, and a default mode network, that is suppressed during attentionally demanding tasks. Prior studies suggest that strong anti-correlations between these networks indicate good brain health. In addition, a third network, a ventral attention network, serves as a “circuit-breaker” that transiently disrupts and redirects focused attention to permit salient stimuli to capture attention. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to contrast cortical network activation between experienced focused attention Vipassana meditators and matched controls. Participants performed two attention tasks during scanning: a sustained attention task and an attention-capture task. Meditators demonstrated increased magnitude of differential activation in the dorsal attention vs. default mode network in a sustained attention task, relative to controls. In contrast, there were no evident attention network differences between meditators and controls in an attentional reorienting paradigm. A resting state functional connectivity analysis revealed a greater magnitude of anticorrelation between dorsal attention and default mode networks in the meditators as compared to both our local control group and a n = 168 Human Connectome Project dataset. These results demonstrate, with both task- and rest-based fMRI data, increased stability in sustained attention processes without an associated attentional capture cost in meditators. Task and resting-state results, which revealed stronger anticorrelations between dorsal attention and default mode networks in experienced mediators than in controls, are consistent with a brain health benefit of long-term meditation practice. Full article
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14 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
Validation of a Novel Instrument to Measure Elements of Franciscan-Inspired Spirituality in a General Population and in Religious Persons
by Arndt Büssing, Markus Warode, Mareike Gerundt and Thomas Dienberg
Religions 2017, 8(9), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel8090197 - 19 Sep 2017
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5213
Abstract
Today there are several approaches for bringing mindfulness, which conceptually refers to the Buddhist Vipassana tradition, into organizations. Programs referring to value-based attitudes and behaviors derived from specific Christian contexts are rarely evaluated. A prerequisite are reliable instruments for measuring the respective outcomes. [...] Read more.
Today there are several approaches for bringing mindfulness, which conceptually refers to the Buddhist Vipassana tradition, into organizations. Programs referring to value-based attitudes and behaviors derived from specific Christian contexts are rarely evaluated. A prerequisite are reliable instruments for measuring the respective outcomes. We therefore performed a cross-sectional study among 418 participants to validate an instrument measuring specific aspects of Franciscan-inspired spirituality (FraSpir), particularly the core dimensions and transformative outcomes. Exploratory factor analysis of this FraSpir questionnaire with 26 items pointed to four main factors (i.e., “Live from Faith/Search for God”; “Peaceful attitude/Respectful Treatment”; “Commitment to Disadvantaged and Creation”; “Attitude of Poverty”). Their internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) ranged from 0.79 to 0.97. With respect to convergent validity, there were sound correlations with engagement in religious practices, gratitude and awe, and prosocial-humanistic practices. The 26-item instrument was found to be a reliable and valid instrument for use in training and education programs. Interestingly, nuns and monks scored significantly higher on the Faith and Poverty subscales than others, but similarly on the two subscales addressing considerate action in the world. These attitudes and behaviors are not exclusively valued by those of religious faith, but by all. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measures of Spirituality/Religiosity (2018))
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