This is The Way: 3 to 4 minutes along The Eightfold Path

DoShin

Released every week on Sunday mornings, This is The Way: 3 to 4 minutes along The Eightfold Path hosted by DoShin sensei (dōh - shǐn), will discuss or explain with an actionable mini-lesson from the T'ien T'ai and Nichiren Shu Buddhist traditions. DoShin sensei's interpretations and explanations distill deep subject matter into usable lessons. The lessons focus on functional understanding of Buddhist concepts which can be directly applied to the listener's practice or interest in meditation, mindfulness, buddhism and yoga. ....with Gassho, DoShin

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Samyak-Drishti - Right View

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! The Neurophysiological Correlates of Religious Chant — Case study on how repetitive spiritual chanting suppresses the brain's wandering mind (Default Mode Network) to quiet intrusive regrets and anxiety. Nichiren Chanting & Brain Activity Pilot Data — Tracking the shift toward deep prefrontal cortex focus immediately following the Daimoku chant. Mantra Meditation Health Benefits Review — Clinical data detailing how repetitive vocalization acts as a cognitive shield against intense cravings. 1. Attenuation of Emotional Trauma & Brainwave Shifts A landmark study published in The Neurophysiological Correlates of Religious Chant demonstrated that repetitive religious chanting induces distinct neurophysiological states separate from standard mindfulness meditation. It selectively suspends modal, wandering brain activity allowing the brain to enter an intensely focused, calm state dominated by delta and theta waves. 2. Specific Pilot Data on Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo A 2024 pilot study evaluating a long-term practitioner chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo was archived on Europe PMC. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy tracking brain activity noted a modest shift toward concentrated focus during the chant, followed by a statistically significant surge in prefrontal cortex activity immediately after chanting. 3. Rhythmic Chanting and Autonomic Balance Research published in the British Medical Journal by Dr. Luciano Bernardi tracked individuals reciting both the Latin Ave Maria rosary and traditional Buddhist mantras (such as Om Mani Padme Hum). The study found that the specific, repetitive rhythm of these chants slows the breath down to an identical pace, optimizing the body's natural cardiovascular rhythms. By physically regulating the heart and lungs, the practice clears the physical residue of chronic physiological stress, which practitioners interpret as breaking through karmic blockages. [1, 2] The Intersection of Science and Doctrine A comprehensive narrative review on Mantra Meditation Health Benefits confirms that repeating syllables acts as a cognitive shield, interrupting intrusive thoughts and defusing intense negative emotions. [1, 2]

    Samyak-Drishti  -  Right View

About

Released every week on Sunday mornings, This is The Way: 3 to 4 minutes along The Eightfold Path hosted by DoShin sensei (dōh - shǐn), will discuss or explain with an actionable mini-lesson from the T'ien T'ai and Nichiren Shu Buddhist traditions. DoShin sensei's interpretations and explanations distill deep subject matter into usable lessons. The lessons focus on functional understanding of Buddhist concepts which can be directly applied to the listener's practice or interest in meditation, mindfulness, buddhism and yoga. ....with Gassho, DoShin