Monks in the Laboratory 2006
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by ARTE France
Directed by Delphine Morel
DVD, color, 52 min.
College - Adult
Psychology, Religious Studies, Science, Health Sciences
Date Entered: 06/08/2009
Reviewed by Jessica Schomberg, Minnesota State University, MankatoThis is a fascinating documentary of research done by neuroscientists affiliated with the Mind and Life Institute. The purpose of their research is to examine longtime practitioners of Tibetan Buddhist meditation. They use interviews and MRI scans to observe the brain during focused intentional or open presence meditation or neutral mind states to better understand brain functioning related to attention and cognitive and emotional control. (Open presence is related to the ability to control attention and emotion.)
Dialogue in English, or French or Tibetan with English subtitles. Interviews and laboratory observations.
Highly recommended for libraries collecting in the areas of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, or Buddhism.