Introduction

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Buddhist scholar John Dunne. John has interfaced with contemplative scientists for over two decades to help advance rigorous research on meditation by incorporating a nuanced Buddhist perspective. They touch on many topics, including:

• his path to integrating Buddhism and science, and the early days of contemplative research;
• defining "meditation" for research purposes;
• focused attention vs. open monitoring meditation;
• a deep dive into meta-awareness;
• subject/object duality and whether anything really exists;
• the different ways we experience the sense of self;
• hallucinogens, ego dissolution, and non-dual practices;
• decentering and dereification;
• and where he thinks the field should go next.

Full show notes and resources