An Empirical Look at Zen
Abstract
<p> N OT so many years ago, books on meditation were mainly found on the shelves of musty little book shops catering chiefly to the curious layman. In the past decade or two, things have changed considerably, and the meditative disciplines have become a topic of serious scientific interest. Although recent work on the physiology of transcendental meditation has been most in the public eye, it is worth noting that scientific studies of meditation date back at least to the 1950's, and even earlier. Notable among these—and very influential in bringing meditation to the attention of the western scientific community—have been the Japanese studies of Zen monks. Hirai's own work, and that of his compatriots, are thoroughly described in the present book. The fruit of investigations spanning a 20-year period, this volume can be heartily recommended to anyone with a scholarly interest in the meditative disciplines.</p><p>Unlike certain other works on meditation, Hirai's book provides many specifics regarding the procedure: the posture—spine straight, chin tucked in, legs crossed in the lotus position, eyes open with gaze turned downward; the setting—calm, solemn, on the ascetic side, but not harshly so; the Zendo , or meditation hall—spare-looking but architecturally graceful.</p><p>The monks,