There are scientists who are weighing these questions. For example, see Thomas Metzinger's latest research on these kind of states presented here: https://www.

There are scientists who are weighing these questions. For example, see Thomas Metzinger's latest research on these kind of states presented here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f4ykI9har8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f4ykI9har8 (and in the followup video) Another good resource is the book "Zen and the Brain". And this interview with Daniel Ingram mentions some fascinating research on his own capacities developed in meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APOKB59pVpE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APOKB59pVpE