Pre-existing brain function predicts subsequent practice of mindfulness and compassion meditation

► We test whether baseline brain activity predicted subsequent meditation practice. ► We examine whether meditation training impacted neural responses. ► Baseline activity in the anterior insula was positively related to compassion practice. ► Baseline activity in the amygdala was negatively correlated with mindfulness practice. ► Meditation training did not alter brain responses to the Self or Other pain tasks.