A Buddhist meditation, known as Deity Yoga (DY), seems to have the most beneficial effects on memory, researchers have discovered. DY meditators focus intently on an image of a deity and his followers, and the technique improves visual memory in several different tests.

The mental sharpness of meditators was tested after 20 minutes of meditation in groups who performed either DY meditation, or Open Presence (OP) meditation, where there was general awareness of a room rather than a focus on one specific thing.

The researchers say their findings have implications for therapy, treatment of memory loss and mental training.

(Source: Psychological Science, 2009; doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02345.x).