Zen is one of several mental or spiritual disciplines that have become the object of recent scientific interest and theory. The authors discuss several aspects of Zen, such as the psychophysiological effects of meditation and the general impact of enlightenment, that are potential areas of fruitful research. They stress, however, that researchers can gain true understanding of the different perception and experience of reality to which Zen gives access only by practicing Zen meditation themselves. Without such understanding, the planning and interpretation of research will inevitably be in error and a resource of the greatest potential value misused.