Gentle Bridges: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on the Sciences of Mind

by Jeremy W. Hayward, Dalai Lama XIV, Francisco J. Varela (Editor)

What is the essence of the mind? Could computers ever have consciousness? Can compassion be learned? When does consciousness enter the human embryo? These are just some of the many questions that were discussed during a historic meeting that took place between several prominent Western scientists and the Dalai Lama. Gentle Bridges is a chronicle of this extraordinary exchange of ideas.

Genres: Philosophy, Buddhism, Psychology, Nonfiction, Science

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 1992

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was compiled from some conversations between His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV, a couple of interpreters and Buddhist scholars, and half a dozen scientists, that took place in 1987. It's very easy to read and engaging, especially because of the respect among all the participants and their sincere desire to understand the mind better. They each came with questions and ideas and share them openly which led to some very illuminating discussions.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister gave me this for Christmas in 2007 as I'm sure I must've told her I want anything by Francisco Varela, the co-editor with Jeremy Hayward.

I'll rate it again when I get around to reading it.

I discovered a connection in 2010 while skimming a UCLA library book by Herbert Guenther, "From Reductionism to Creativity: rDzogs-chen and the New Sciences of Mind," (2001): Jeremy Hayward wrote the forward!

[soufian achhoud]

"If we lose human values & human beings become part of a machine, there is no freedom from pain & pleasure." Dalai Lama

[Aunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I read from the Mind and Life series. Fascinating research and science presented by his guests. Great perceptive questions and insights from the Dalai Lama.

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Da leggere, rileggere e poi ancora ancora ancora!