This presentation will outline the progression of mind training in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Dzogchen, from the ordinary distracted mind to the highest levels of mental balance, in terms of changes at four basic levels: motivation, attention, emotion, and consciousness. Within this framework, we will discuss the main markers of contemplative progress and possible neurocognitive indices of these changes, taking into the account the differences between Buddhist and Western conceptualizations of the mind. Emphasis will be given to the importance of understanding the full path of contemplative development across traditions; reducing misunderstandings about outcomes of secular and contemplative practices; and correspondingly, ways to research them.
