The Contemplative Science Podcast Dissolving Boundaries - A Computational View of Body-Scan Meditation w Valeria Becattini
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Feb 17, 2025 Valeria Becattini, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, dives into the intriguing effects of body-scan meditation on our sense of self. She discusses how this practice leads to the dissolution of bodily boundaries, offering a unique perspective on attention and sensory awareness. Valeria explains the predictive processing framework, revealing how our perceptions shape experiences as educated guesses. The conversation highlights meditation's potential in emotional regulation and addiction management, portraying it as a transformative tool for personal growth.
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Bhaga Experience
- Valeria Becattini experienced the state of bhaṅga (body boundary dissolution) during a Vipassana retreat.
- This contrasts with the typical effect of focused attention, which enhances sensory signals.
Body Scan Paradox
- Body scan meditation, involving focused attention on body parts, can paradoxically lead to body boundary dissolution.
- This contradicts the usual intensification of sensation with attention.
Brain as Fantasy Organ
- The brain operates on a predictive processing framework, constantly predicting the environment and body.
- These predictions are updated based on sensory signals, creating a controlled hallucination of reality.