The Science of Shaolin Meditation

[Shi Da Dao]

Translator’s Note: This is an English translation of the original Chinese text entitled ‘释永信：僧人能到太空修行 佛教相信有外星人’ – which translates as ‘Shi Yong Xin: Monks Can Enter Outer Space through Practice and Aliens Exist’. Shi Yong Xin is the current Abbot of the famous Shaolin Temple, and this text records the details of an interview he gave to journalists of the Xinhua News Agency in China, and which was uploaded on the internet of the 13th of June, 2013. The original authors are Liu Jing Yang (刘景洋), Jiang Chen Rong (姜辰蓉 ), and Gui Juan (桂娟 ). This article offers the Buddhist view that all existence is essentially ‘empty’ of any substantiality, and that Ch’an Buddhist monks are able to travel through inner and outer space through their meditative practice. However, this philosophical perspective is here integrated with the notion that as Buddhist monks already possess an advanced state of mind (proved through scientific scrutiny), it would be possible to train them as astronauts for participation in actual space missions. Of particular interest for the modern reader is the section regarding the scientific gathering of data about the state of mind of meditating monks. ACW 5.11.14

When the Abbot of the Shaolin Temple - Shi Yong Xin – was recently asked about whether monks could enter outer space, he said that in this ever evolving age of science and technology, it is only correct to assume that monks can explore outer space, and that this can be done by contemplating the underlying identical nature of (both ‘inner’) and ‘outer’ space and cultivating good karma – as well as physically participating in a conventional space mission. Shi Yong Xin then surprised everyone by stating that it is a Buddhist belief that there exists an infinite number of planets in the universe, and that Buddhist practice should not be assumed to only exist on this planet. A reporter asked:

“In this age of space exploration, which sees numerous people signing-up for journeys to Mars, is it true that monks can enter outer space whilst apply their meditation practice?”

Shi Yong Xin is the correct person to ask such a question, as he is a very well respected and learned monk, who has many tens of thousands of disciples around the world. He believes that it is no accident that humanity is interested in the exploration of inner and outer space (as he sees the two as identical in essence) and that people should pay more attention to in depth Buddhist studies – and realise that there are many worlds beyond this one. With a smile, he replied:

“Of course. It is a Buddhist belief that there exists (throughout the universe) many different worlds, each containing a number of different forms of alien life – all of which are essentially empty and existing within space. As a monk directly realises this empty state at all times, in theory there is nowhere he could not go. ”

He further explained that Buddhists believe in the cause and effect teachings of karma, and that as such, it is possible to accumulate good karmic rewards, or bad karma retributions based entirely upon one’s behaviour in this lifetime, on this planet. Depending upon the underlying ‘intent’ that motivates behaviour, a Buddhist can be reborn in any number of the six realms – which includes the possibility of being reborn on other planets and in different bodies. Empty space can be penetrated and understood through the cultivation of the mind – here and now – and physically experienced as the body transmigrates throughout the universe and the six realms of rebirth. The reporter asked:

“Do the six realms exist on other planets?”

With a smile, Shi Yong Xin replied:

“We do not know, as we have not been there!”

He further explained that certain sutras state that the world immediately available to our senses is not the true reality, whilst other sutras discuss the idea that many other planets exist. The true reality of emptiness underlies all of the six realms – which are nothing but illusions that appear real when we experience life through their existence. After 1,500 years of existence, the core practice at the Shaolin Temple in Henan, is that of strict meditation. In this advanced age, how is meditational progress assessed? This is where modern technology is used to monitor ancient practices. A body of data has been compiled by Professor Liu Tian Jun (刘天君) of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, which involves the measuring of brain activity, and the recording of brain-waves during meditation practice, which has involved the connecting of meditating Shaolin monks to EEG machines.

The results indicate that the state of deep Ch’an meditation is different to that experienced by the human mind in an ordinary resting state. During the practice of Ch’an meditation – the mind enters a theta-state normally associated with the experience of deep sleep, but with one crucial difference - the practitioner is still alert and awake. This cultivated state of mind is very different from the mind activity of those engaged in the act of resting or relaxing in the ordinary sense, which does not involve the act or practice of meditation. In this ordinary relaxing state, invariably the mind enters an alpha-state. In addition, those in a deep Ch’an state of mind, consume less oxygen, whilst their awareness capacity is simultaneously enhanced. Shi Yong Xin, when discussing these results, stated:

“Modern science has demonstrated that the mind of a meditating Ch’an monk is functioning very differently from the mind of an ordinary person, and that this is observable through the very different brain-waves recorded for each example.”

A science fiction fan in the audience said:

“The Chinese Space Agency should be made aware of these results – and perhaps a monk could be trained to be a modern astronaut!”



©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2014.