This controlled study looked at the effects of a Buddhist meditation practice (called "Dhammakaya meditation") on measures of cortisol, serum protein levels, blood pressure, pulse rate, lung volume and reaction time. 52 males, age 20-25, acted as the experimental group and 30 males of the same age range who did not practice the meditation acted as the control group. The results showed a significant decreas of cortisol levels, an increase in serum protein, a reduction of systolic, diastolic, and pulse rate, as well as a decrease in controlled lung volume and reaction time for individuals in the experimental groups. The experimenters conclude that Dhammakaya meditation can produce physiological changes and reduce reaction time. (Zach Rowinski 2005-03-05)