Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness - Tapa dura

-- George Adelman, Editor of "The Encyclopedia of Neuroscience" " In this monumental work, the author marshals the evidence from neuroscience to help clarify which brain mechanisms underlie the subjective states of Zen, and employs Zen to ' illuminate' how the brain ' works' in various states of consciousness. By ' monumental' I refer not merely to the size but to the breadth and depth of coverage of the book." -- George Adelman, Editor of "The Encyclopedia of Neuroscience" & quot; In this monumental work, the author marshals the evidence from neuroscience to help clarify which brain mechanisms underlie the subjective states of Zen, and employs Zen to & lsquo; illuminate& rsquo; how the brain & lsquo; works& rsquo; in various states of consciousness. By & lsquo; monumental& rsquo; I refer not merely to the size but to the breadth and depth of coverage of the book.& quot; -- George Adelman, Editor of The Encyclopedia of Neuroscience "In this monumental work, the author marshals the evidence from neuroscience to help clarify which brain mechanisms underlie the subjective states of Zen, and employs Zen to 'illuminate' how the brain 'works' in various states of consciousness. By 'monumental' I refer not merely to the size but to the breadth and depth of coverage of the book."--George Adelman, Editor of "The Encyclopedia of Neuroscience"

Aldous Huxley called humankind's basic trend toward spiritual growth the "perennial philosophy". In the view of James Austin, the trend implies a "perennial psychophysiology" - because awakening, or enlightenment, occurs only when the human brain undergoes substantial changes. What are the peak experiences of enlightenment? How could these states profoundly enhance, and yet simplify, the workings of the brain? Zen and the Brain presents the evidence. In this book Zen Buddhism becomes the opening wedge for an exploration of consciousness. In order to understand which brain mechanisms produce Zen states, one needs some understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and chemistry of the brain. Austin, both a neurologist and a Zen practitioner, interweaves brain research with the personal narrative of his Zen experiences. Along the way, Austin examines such topics as similar states in other disciplines and religions, sleep and dreams, mental illness, consciousness-altering drugs, and the social consequences of the advanced stage of ongoing enlightenment.