13/05/2025
2004 年, 一個又一個的佛教僧侶被科學證實為「 世界上最快樂的人」!
#禪修腦科學
In a groundbreaking 2004 study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, neuroscientists investigated the brain activity of Matthieu Ricard, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and former molecular geneticist, during meditation on compassion.
The results were remarkable: Ricard demonstrated exceptionally high levels of gamma brain wave activity, a type of brain wave linked to attention, learning, and emotional regulation. These gamma-band oscillations were more intense and consistent than any previously recorded in scientific studies, highlighting the extraordinary effects of deep meditation on the brain.
In addition to the gamma waves, Ricard’s brain scans showed significant activity in the left prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain strongly associated with positive emotions, including happiness. At the same time, there was reduced activity in brain areas typically linked to negative emotions. This contrasted brain activity suggested that long-term meditation can alter brain function in profound ways, supporting the idea that mental training can create lasting changes in emotional responses.
The media widely dubbed Matthieu Ricard the “world’s happiest man” following the study, largely due to his unparalleled levels of positive brain activity. However, Ricard downplayed this label, emphasizing that happiness is not a permanent state of being but rather a skill that can be cultivated. According to Ricard, regular meditation and the practice of compassion can help develop this skill over time, much like any other personal development practice.
This study underscores the potential benefits of meditation, suggesting that through consistent practice, individuals can shape their brain's activity and cultivate emotional resilience. Ricard's findings encourage people to view happiness as an attainable skill, one that requires intention, effort, and ongoing mindfulness.