#Japan #Tokyo #Kengo Kuma #World Meditation League #Quantified Meditation

The Dawn of Quantified Meditation in Japan

In an exciting leap into the future of mindfulness, Tokyo recently witnessed the unveiling of the first-ever Quantified Meditation Challenge. This groundbreaking event, hosted by the World Meditation League (WML) alongside All Here, took place in the serene gardens of Happo-en, offering participants and onlookers an opportunity to experience meditation in a novel and competitive format. Unlike traditional solitary practices, this event redefined meditation, showcasing it as a quantifiable achievement driven by modern neuroscience.

A Visualization of Inner Silence

For the first time, meditation was put on display, allowing participants to showcase real-time brain activity, attention levels, and moments of inner stillness through quantifiable metrics. Attendees observed these insights through sophisticated screens, making the often intangible experience of meditation accessible and engaging.

The event was magnified by the introduction of the Meditation Capsule, an innovative XR (extended reality) platform designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma in collaboration with All Here. The Capsule's design emphasizes a seamless connection between architecture, emptiness, and the natural world, enabling users to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery intertwined with their surroundings.

Kuma expressed his vision: "When I learned about the integration of meditation with scientific principles, I felt inspired to manifest this concept in my work. The Meditation Capsule is the result of this synergy, allowing participants to explore their self-consciousness while interacting with the natural world."

Built from natural wood particles, the Meditation Capsule is not just a structure but an experience. It comprises three distinct parts—inviting users to transition from grounding themselves in nature to ascending through celestial and cosmic realms. Along the way, users engage with interactive features, including haptic feedback and lessons from essential principles of Eastern meditation.

The Main Event: Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge

The main highlight of the event, the Tokyo Quantified Meditation Challenge, utilized advanced brain imaging and Dynamic Neuro-Imaging technology. Participants' meditative practices were scrutinized under various metrics, such as:

• - Concentration Mindfulness Index (CMI): This measures attention levels and self-awareness, providing insights into tendencies to dwell on the past or future.
• - Silent Mind Index (SMI): This metric represents the journey towards sustained inner silence, a vital component of effective meditation.
• - QM3™: The pinnacle of meditation assessment, this index captures the most profound moments of inner stability and clarity during sessions.

The challenge was highlighted by commentary from notable figures, including British and Japanese sports commentators, creating an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a competitive sporting event. Participants like Oana Budicastancu, Hisami Tsurumori, and Yu Mizuno vied for accolades based on their performance metrics. Tsurumori emerged victorious, sharing her personal journey into meditation which began nearly two decades ago due to health issues. "Through consistent practice, I found my inner peace, and I hope others can too," she remarked.

The Intersection of Science and Tradition

Following the challenge, neuroscientist Prof. Ken Mogi, author of The Little Book of Ikigai, shared his vision on how technology intertwined with meditation could redefine personal improvement. "In today’s information-saturated environment, it is crucial to reconnect with our inner selves. Technology-assisted meditation opens doors to rediscovering one’s ikigai," he posited, emphasizing the relevance of mindfulness practices in contemporary society.

A Vision for Mindful Cities

The event concluded on a note of future aspirations with a talk titled