serious discussion regarding meditative practices

I am new to meditation, but have some background in cognition and mapping (anthropology).

Is anyone up on any literature, in any field, that would touch on meditation and altered states of consciousness? I am attending a conference next month on the anthropological study of altered states. However, it seems that the field focuses exclusively on shamanistic practices, and drug induced altered states. Meditation, and Eastern practices in general, are not represented.

For a good book on meditation look up Zen Master Dogen on Beyond Thinking. its big on zazen(sitting meditation). The book is a hard read but its worth it.

In the end however i believe it is totally impossible to learn anything about meditaion because it is something that must be felt not thought.

Thanks for the reply. The original question was poorly phrased.

As an academic, I am interested in scientific research and current applications of meditation in the 'hard' sciences. For example, in the May issue of Shambala Sun, there is a wonderful article on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction started in Massachusetts by a physician/molecular biologist.

Was just hoping to get some feedback before I start researching abstracts.

Thanks.

Konbanwa! I was studying in a library some time ago, and I was taking a break and I stumbled upon a great book written by an intuitive coach Michal Levin. I was mesmorized by what was in this book, she is an excellent writer and has much experience and knowledge. Here is a link to Amazon.com so you can see what the book looks like.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0789483335/002-5508746-7194402?v=glance

I highly reccomend this book, I am almost certain that it would be in your local public library. Check it out, you'll like it.

-Mike

http://www.noetic.org/research/medbiblio/search_med_bbl_1.asp?type=alpha&set=H
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsModalities/MindBodyMedicinecm.html
http://ist-socrates.berkeley.edu/~jmp/finalMedicineMeditation.html
http://med.stanford.edu/school/Psychiatry/PSTreatLab/HypnosisStudy.html
http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2003/meditationstatement.htm

harlan,
Dang Neko can hook a brother up! I don't know if they would be considered hard science but Herbert Benson, Jon Kabot Zinn, Dean Ornish are popular authors and MD.s. They give information on meditation practice in relation to wellbeing. Not many stats though.

You might try researching Jon Kabat Zinn's work:
http://www.umassmed.edu/cfm/bibliography/index2.cfm

He has done a lot of work with mindfulness meditation and pain.

Thank you for the replies. Would be nice to have a thread dedicated to the science of meditation.

Kabot Zinn is the MD in this month's Shambala Sun.