#Japan #Tokyo #World Meditation League #All Here #Quantified Meditation

A New Era of Meditation in Japan: The Quantified Meditation Challenge

In a pioneering event, Japan has witnessed the Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge, launched by the World Meditation League (WML) and All Here. This innovative competition took place in the serene gardens of Happo-en in Tokyo, marking a significant evolution in the field of meditation. Traditionally seen as a personal introspective practice, meditation has stepped into a new realm where it is now quantified, making it a competitive discipline rooted in scientific exploration.

Real-Time Meditation Experience

For the first time ever, spectators were treated to a live meditation session, showcasing brain activity, attention levels, self-awareness, and inner tranquility as quantifiable data displayed on screens in real-time. This experience was further enhanced by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who presented Zenbu Koko, a unique XR platform designed for immersive meditation.

"I aimed to create a seamless connection between architecture, emptiness, and nature," Kuma explained. His project embodied a journey that interwove self-awareness with the natural environment, transitioning from earthly experiences to celestial realms through haptic devices and advanced XR technologies.

The Zenbu Koko meditation capsule is a testament to this vision: built from particulate wood, it presents a transformative path from the foundation of self-awareness in nature to cosmic experiences, concluding in the vastness of space.

The Challenge: A Scientific Approach to Meditation

The highlight of the day was the Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge. This scientifically-backed live performance converted inner stillness into measurable achievements. Utilizing advanced brain imaging and Dynamic Neuro-Imaging technology integrated into All Here’s Quantified Meditation System, participants’ meditation practices were visualized through metrics that included:

• - Concentration and Mindfulness Index (CMI): Measures attention and self-awareness while reducing mind-wandering to past and future thoughts.
• - Silent Mind Index (SMI): Indicates the ascent to a state of prolonged inner stillness and clarity.
• - QM3™ - The Peak of Meditation: Captures the three deepest minutes of inner stability and silence observed during the session.

The event was narrated by prominent sports commentators from both Japan and the UK, creating an engaging atmosphere akin to a sporting event, blending neuroscience, technology, and meditation. Erkin Bek, founder of All Here, commented, "For the first time in history, silence itself becomes a measurable achievement. Meditation transitions from a practice into a quantifiable performance."

Among the participants, Hisami Tsurumori achieved the highest QM3™ score. Reflecting on her personal journey, she stated, "I began meditating nearly two decades ago due to health issues and have practiced ever since. I hope meditation brings others the peace it has brought me."

Insights from Experts

Following the challenge, neuroscientist Prof. Ken Mogi, author of The Little Book of Ikigai, delivered a keynote titled Find Your Ikigai with Quantified Meditation. He emphasized the importance of returning to our inner universe, particularly in today's data-saturated information age. "Technology-assisted meditation allows us to rediscover our ikigai," he noted.

The program concluded with a discussion about Mindful Cities led by Mikio Shishido from Zen 2.0. Highlighting the significance of human sensitivity and awareness in an age of AI, he advocated for Kamakura as a model for cultivating mindful cities, deeply rooted in Zen culture.

Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in Meditation

The Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge signals a pivotal moment for the science of meditation. It promotes a vision where meditation is not only a personal endeavor but also a collectively embraced pursuit of excellence. The collaborative efforts of the World Meditation League, All Here, and a global network of practitioners and researchers mark the dawn of a movement encouraging the integration of science and technology to inspire meditation practices worldwide. The future of meditation is here, quantifiable and inviting all to partake in its calming, clarifying benefits.