It seems that reports on enlightened people donât display much behavioural difference between them and unenlightened people, which points to a possible delusion. However, subjective reports seem quite consistent (if I recall correctly) and it is possible that their subjective experience really is much better (similar to how depressed people can look from the outside like ordinary people).
Iâd be surprised if we wonât find neurofeedback techniques that would (subjectively, as measured against some relevant placebo) improve meditative practice aimed at enlightenment, at least for some of the initial steps of the practice.
It intuitively feels to me that it would take a lot of work to help achieve something like enlightenment (and even that, itâs not clear when it is enough). Much more than alleviating other forms of suffering which are likely to be much worse. So thatâs a good reason to postpone research on enlightenment. (âEnlightenment Laterâ?)
I also donât think itâs neglected. Apart from the traditional approaches, I think that there is scientific research on that direction, but not really sure. I recall that I heard the Dalai Lama saying something about supporting related scientific research.
I find this idea very interesting! Several random points:
Relevant here are Kaj Sotalaâs sequence on meditation and an SSC post on enlightenment (which Iâd find and link if the blog wasnât deleted).
It seems that reports on enlightened people donât display much behavioural difference between them and unenlightened people, which points to a possible delusion. However, subjective reports seem quite consistent (if I recall correctly) and it is possible that their subjective experience really is much better (similar to how depressed people can look from the outside like ordinary people).
Iâd be surprised if we wonât find neurofeedback techniques that would (subjectively, as measured against some relevant placebo) improve meditative practice aimed at enlightenment, at least for some of the initial steps of the practice.
It intuitively feels to me that it would take a lot of work to help achieve something like enlightenment (and even that, itâs not clear when it is enough). Much more than alleviating other forms of suffering which are likely to be much worse. So thatâs a good reason to postpone research on enlightenment. (âEnlightenment Laterâ?)
I also donât think itâs neglected. Apart from the traditional approaches, I think that there is scientific research on that direction, but not really sure. I recall that I heard the Dalai Lama saying something about supporting related scientific research.