Research

Research at Nonduality Institute is focused on understanding the neural signatures of nondual awareness, and the ways in which it influences cognitive, affective and somatic processes. Our long-term goal is to elucidate mechanisms by which nondual awareness contributes to enhanced wellbeing.

Lab

Our lab is situated in a secluded natural setting conducive to contemplative experience. The lab is equipped with two 64-channel Philips Neuro EGI EEG systems, two Biopac systems for physiological measures, and with both independent and E-Prime-based systems for stimulus delivery.

Studies requiring use of fMRI or MEG scanners are carried out in collaboration with New York University and NYU Langone Medical Center.

NYU Contemplative Science Lab circa 2014

Current Research Projects

Neural Correlates of Nondual Awareness in the Realization Process Dyads
This hyper-sync EEG study explores the neural correlates of nondual-awareness during the Realization Process dyad exercises, using simultaneous EEG recordings of two participants engaging in RP exercises while facing each other. This study is conducted at Nonduality Institute.

Past Research Projects

An initial fMRI study on the neural correlates of prayer in members of Alcoholics Anonymous.
An fMRI study to define experiential and neural correlates of diminished alcohol craving following AA prayers among members with long-term abstinence. This study was conducted at NYU Langone Medical Center, in collaboration with Nonduality Institute.

Neural Correlates of Nondual awareness in meditation
A pilot fMRI study of the neural correlates of nondual awareness with reduced phenomenal content. Study conducted at NYU Center for Brain Imaging.

Influence of meditation on anti-correlated networks in the brain
A study on the differential influence of nondual awareness and focused attention meditations on anti-correlated networks in the brain. This study was conducted at NYU CNS Computational Neuroimaging Lab.

Effects of love-and-compassion meditation on the network organization of the brain in epileptic patients: an iEEG study
An intracranial EEG study to assess the effects of love and compassion meditation on the organization of brain networks in epilepsy patients. This study was conducted at NYU School of Medicine, Cognitive Electrophysiology Lab, in collaboration with Nonduality Institute.