Abstract

Inhibitory mechinisms play a major role in the organization and function of the nervous system. A variety of inhibitory mechanisms heighten contrast and focus attention in sensory processing. Similarly, the precision of motor activity is controlled by a number of inhibitory mechanisims that limit action in time and space. A review of the literature on Zen suggests that Zen meditation involves a deliberate enhancement of some of those inhibitory mechanisms by psychological means. This intuitive application of basic principles of brain function could account for the successful application of Zen concepts and techniques to the martial arts as well as the creative and performing arts