As Robert Anton Wilson said, "Yoga is the science of the east where as science is the Yoga of the west."
I am not a Buddhist but the tenets have always intrigued me philosophically, historically, scientifically and spiritually. I have learned more from the Buddhist doctrine than from any religion.
Noble Eight-Fold Path:
1.) Pursue Wisdom/mental development
2.) Right View (learn the four noble truths)
3.) Right Intentions
4.) Develop Compassion, resist anger, be harmless
5.) Pursue ethical conduct
6.) Have the right speech (Ex. Speak in a friendly manner but tell the truth)
7.) Right action (do not steal or cause harm)
8.) Right livelihood (do not cause harm to others or oneself)
The Four Noble Truths:
1.) Life means suffering.
2.) The origin of suffering is attachment.
3.) The cessation of suffering is attainable.
4.) The path to the cessation of suffering.
Gautama Buddha once said, “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”
This is the beautiful philosophical teaching of not relying on the existing consensus, but rather, forming ones own opinions through critical thinking. We must not willfully delude ourselves or accept everything as truth but instead, learn to seek development, wisdom, peace, tranquility, and a clearer consciousness.
Meditation seems to be one method for clearer consciousness. According to many recent SPECT scan studies, monks have higher amounts of alpha waves than the average person. Alpha waves associate with a meditative state, when a person mentally creates or daydreams. People exhibiting predominant alpha waves experience mild euphoria and are often highly intuitive. This is a state of relaxation and awareness. Monks, musicians, and artists usually have high alpha wave levels.
Here are a few links to research and information about meditation:
The Benefits of Meditation | Psychology Today
100 Benefits of Meditation
Brain scans show meditation changes minds, increases attention (June 25, 2007)
Neurological Research on Meditation