Introduction: Buddhist-derived meditation is a well-known phenomenological practice that enhances overall wellbeing of individuals. However, broad- and less-rigorous criteria in recruiting suitable meditation practitioners affect the reliability of results obtained through meditation research. Objectives: To develop an instrument to identify skilled meditators among meditation practitioners, in order to use it in scientific research including medical research conducted to understand the physiological, psychological, social, and environmental effects of meditation Methods: Extensive literature reviews, interviews and focus group discussions with experts in a number of related fields were utilized in developing the instrument. Judgmental validation of the generated items was ensured through establishing their face, content and consensual validity. Internal consistency reliability and factor structure of the scale were explored to analyse its psychometric properties. Cut-off marks were determined to develop a scoring system for the instrument. Results: Twenty-five items were categorized under five sections (A, B, C1, C2, D) that addressed six factors: duration of the meditation practice, details of the meditation practice, peripheral awareness, stable attention, and alertness and emotional stability. Three further qualitative items were added under section E. An exploratory factor analysis process resulted in a two-factor structure between the Likert-scale items as theoretically expected. Scores to identify ‘skilled meditators’ were determined as: Section C1>7 (fall-back score; 7-9, ideal score; 10-12), Section C2>14 (fall-back score; 14-16, ideal score; 17-20) and Section D>25 (fall-back score; 25-29, ideal score; 30-35). Conclusions & Recommendations: The overall findings reveal the UoC-IISM to be a valid and reliable tool to be used in identifying skilled meditators, among meditation practitioners, for scientific research in the Sri Lankan context. The instrument explores six factors through its 28 items and the importance of using a combination of these factors is discussed.

There is increasing scientific interest in the potential links between meditation practice and pro-environmental behaviours. The present research investigates relationships between Vipassana meditation experience (temporal variables of meditation, five facets of trait mindfulness), positive lifestyle habits (PLH), quality of life (QoL) and per-head carbon footprint (CF) among 25 skilled meditators. Self-reported validated questionnaires were given to a group of native speakers of Sri Lanka to collect data on meditation experience, PLH, and perceived QoL. In estimating CF four domains (food and beverage consumption, electricity consumption, traveling and solid waste disposal) were considered. Correlation analyses revealed that trait mindfulness showed strong associations (r > 0.4) with PLH. None of the temporal variables of meditation experience was significantly correlated with any domain of CF. Two facets of mindfulness (observing and non-reactivity to present-moment experience) demonstrated statistically strong associations (p < 0.05) with perceived QoL. It was found that the PLH significantly mediates the relationship between the observing facet of trait mindfulness and CF associated with food and beverage consumption (indirect effect - 0.002, SE = 0.001 95 % CI [0.010, 0.417]). Further, the relationship between acting with awareness and CF associated with solid waste disposal at landfill sites was significantly mediated by the PLH (indirect effect – (−0.003), SE = 0.003 95 % CI [-0.012, −0.0001]). The current study will serve as a foundation for future longitudinal studies on the same subject by providing evidence for the relationships between meditation experience and PLH, perceived QoL and CF.

In Sri Lanka, Buddhist meditation holds a significant cultural, spiritual, and historical importance. Despite the long tradition and widespread practice of meditation in the country, there has been a lack of formal, scientifically validated tools to measure and study the impacts and experiences of Buddhist meditation in a structured way. Buddhist Meditation Experience Questionnaire (BMEQ) presented through this paper addresses this void. The BMEQ development process involved an extensive review of extant literature, expert consultations, and the formulation of a set of items that addressed key aspects of meditation practice such as duration of meditation practice, regularity of meditation practice, meditation techniquesand positive lifestyle habaits (PLH) that could be cultivated through meditation practice. . The questionnaire was created using both closed-ended and open-ended questions to capture a wide range of experiences, from measurable outcomes to subjective insights. To ensure the validity and relevance of the tool, a panel of experts reviewed the questionnaire (2-rounds Delphi process), enabling a judgmental validation approach. The validated version was then piloted with 30 skilled meditators. The final version of BMEQ consisted with 4 sections. Internal consistency of the fourth section (about PLH) of the final version of BMEQ was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (Cα). The final BMEQ included 20 major items, with 22 closed-end items in Section 4. At the conclusion of the second round of the Delphi process, the ratings for all items, except for one item, fell within the 7 to 9 range. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.70, and the mean total score for was 85.23, with a standard deviation (SD) of 7.38. The BMEQ is not merely an academic tool but a catalyst for furthering the integration of meditation practices into modern research, health systems, and societal frameworks, ultimately enhancing both individual and collective well-being.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41144.].