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Maria Kozhevnikov: Boosting Human Cognition with Vajrayana Tantric Practices

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Event

Title

Maria Kozhevnikov: Boosting Human Cognition with Vajrayana Tantric Practices

When

Fri., Nov 15 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Where

New Cabell Hall, 236 Conference Room
See map: Google Maps

Which meditation practices boost brain performance?

Join CSC for this talk by Maria Kozhevnikov, PhD about the effects of meditation on cognitive function. According to Kozhevnikov's research some types of meditation cause heightened alertness while others enhance relaxation. Kozhevnikov is an associate professor at the National University of Singapore and visiting associate professor at Harvard Medical School. 

Talk details:
Phenomenological studies suggest the existence of enhanced cognitive states, termed flow or peak experiences, in which specific cognitive processes (e.g., attention, perception) can be dramatically increased for limited durations. Kozhevnikov will present new scientific evidence that shows that specific types of meditation that developed out of certain religious traditions such as Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism) and Hindu Tantra lead to the enhanced cognitive states, characterized by heightened sympathetic activation (arousal) and phasic alertness (a significant temporary boost in focused attention). This is in contrast to the meditation practices (Shamatha, Vipassana) from other traditions such as Theravada and Mahayana that elicit the state of relaxation, characterized by heightened parasympathetic activity and tonic alertness (vigilance). The finding demonstrates the existence of enhanced cognitive states—the unique states of consciousness characterized by a dramatic boost in cognitive capacities, which could be accessed and consciously maintained by mastering Vajrayana Tantric practices. 

See the study in PLOS ONE.

About Maria Kozhevnikov
Kozhevnikov is associate professor at the National University of Singapore and visiting associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Her research focuses on examining neural mechanisms of visual imagery as well as in exploring the ways to train visualization abilities. In particular, she examines how individual differences in visualization ability affect more complex activities, such as spatial navigation, learning and problem solving in mathematics, science and art. In addition, she explores ways to train mental imagery skills and design three-dimensional immersive virtual environments that can accommodate individual differences and learning styles. Kozhevnikov received her doctorate from Technion (Israel) jointly with UC Santa Barbara. Since 2001, she held faculty positions at Rutgers and George Mason Universities. During 2005-2007, she has served as a Program Director for the Science of Learning Centers Program at the US National Science Foundation, where she managed awards for large-scale Centers that study learning across multiple disciplines.