Buddah's brain

by Rick Hansen

Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
Rick Hanson (Author), Richard Mendius (Collaborator)

With the new breakthroughs in neuroscience, combined with the insights from thousands of years of contemplative practice, you, too, can shape your own brain for greater happiness, love, and wisdom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Science, Psychology, Spirituality, Meditation, Personal Growth

Unknown Binding

About the author

Rick Hansen is President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, which has generated more than $200 million for spinal cord injury-related programs and initiatives. He lives with his family in Richmond, BC.

Reviews

[David Niose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another book that takes an almost totally secular look at Buddhist practices, using neuroscience to show that the brain actually does benefit from meditation and mindfulness. Lots of citations to scientific papers to support the author's positions. And thankfully, there are no attempts to validate most of the supernatural aspects of Buddhism (i.e., reincarnation, etc.)

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did Robert Wright's "Why Buddhism Is True," but it's a worthwhile read. Despite the seemingly scientific approach, the author makes a few statements that are just sloppy. For example, on page 15: "the sages and saints of every religious tradition all say essentially the same thing: your fundamental nature is pure, conscious, peaceful, radiant, loving, and wise." This is plainly incorrect, as anyone familiar with the Christian notion of original sin would understand. There are other statements that call into question just how "scientific" some of the author's views are, but all in all the information relayed is interesting and useful.

[Rebecca Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and wish I had bought the hard copy to use as reference for the future (I have it on Kindle).

[Aprille Villarreal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has me slightly conflicted in terms of giving it a review. I loved what I gained from this book, and like I read in the other reviews, I will definitely be referring back to it's insights and the things I literally highlighted in it. It gives a great outlook into the Buddhist ways and reasoning, while also telling you why and how those things can be achieved from a neurological standpoint. BUT there were whole chapters and sections that seemed more like fillers worth of information that didn't belong, or could've been omitted, just kind of useless information when you looked at it as a whole. So I caught myself losing attention here and there

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for those who want to explore their spirituality and happiness, and for those who may need to tame some inner demons, but who do not want to resort to self-help books written by the like of Rachel Ray. This book combines Buddhist ideology and neuroscience to create a book that is calculated, scientific, but also spiritual; a captivating combination.

[Tom Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved reading this book. Talking about buddhist concepts from a neuroscience perspective.

[Wil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great balance of the principles of Buddhism coupled with neuroscience principles that support it. This was a great book because it covered so much information and did a good job of showing the science behind what was being said. It is clear the author is very passionate about this topic as he goes into great detail with many of the topics. My main complaints are that book felt more like a textbook than a book. It was a bit hard to read at times because of how bland and textbook-like it became. It could have benefited from the use of more stories and examples to reiterate some of the points instead of just mentioning the neural structures involved and reference the science articles (which are things I liked, but there should have been more literary tools used to emphasize certain points in my opinion).

Some of my main takeaways from the book:
- Neurons that fire together wire together. This means that the more we act in certain ways, have certain mindsets, or feel certain ways the more our brain rewires itself to make it more likely to happen again. So make sure we are always shaping our brain in a positive way, overtime it will become its new default. Essentially, the principle of neuroplasticity. As mentioned in the book, the brain is much like the grand canyon that was shaped not by a single raindrop but trillions and trillions over the course thousands of years. Just as our brain is formed from firing of our neurons. So lets support the neural pathways we want in our lives.
- The simulator and mind-objects. Many of the thoughts, feelings, flashbacks of the past are just mind-objects that bounce through our awareness. We should strive to be awareness and not caught up by the mind-objects that happen to transiently come through our awareness. The simulator is just our mind imagining a situation or playing back something that happened and also is a mind-object that we don't need to pay special attention to. The past and future truly are just figments of our imagination. Learn to not get caught up in mind-objects.
- Activate the the PNS (parasympathetic nervous system). Use the power of comforting imagery, feeling safe, relaxing the muscles of body, taking deep breaths.
- Use equanimity. Equanimity is the concept of having a "buffer" between the world around you and your internal feelings. If something happens then you should not let it rock your ship too much but instead stay centered in who you are.
- The second dart. When something bad happens to us that is the first dart. Our reaction to the first dart is the second dart. We should avoid throwing a second dart whenever possible as the second dart is often the one that does the most damage. The first dart isn't really that bad or hurt us that bad, but the second dart is often the one that is much more damaging. Remember to avoid throwing the second dart in every situation. This goes with having equanimity.
- Kindness and avoiding ill-will. Being kind is very healthy to our well-being and has no downsides at all. Where as ill-will actually harms us more than we can imagine. Be loving its best for everyone.

So essentially make sure we are being conscious of how we are shaping our mind with what we show it. We are what we see and do repeatedly, so choose happy media to view, good people to be with, good environments, good books, Practice not being reactive to mind objects that come into your life. Tap into the power of the PNS. Don't throw second darts. Be nice and loving.

There is much more wisdom in this book and I believe it is well worth going through with a marker and pen and taking notes. If you enjoy buddhism or neuroscience then this book is a great fit for you. I truly believe that the principles in this book will help encourage you to take the effort to continue to shape your mind in a healthy way.

[Yasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddha's Brain draws on the latest research to show how to stimulate and strengthen your brain for more fulfilling relationships, a deeper spiritual life, and a greater sense of inner confidence and worth.
This clear, down-to-earth book is filled with practical tools and skills that you can use in daily life to tap the unused potential of your brain and rewire it over time for greater well-being and peace of mind.

[Andrew Edling · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Neurons that FIRE together, WIRE together."
Meditation is key because it helps us keep our attention - on the things we would rather focus on.
Meditation stimulates the Parasympathetic Nervous System. PNS is a cousin to the Sympathetic Nervous System, or SNS.
Practice Composure.
Meditation can help you achieve and maintain a calm sense of self, and reduction of Life's "suffering".
Our brains are hardwired to LOVE.

[Anne Jisca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I find it interesting to explore connections between neuroscience and long held practices. Having being raised in a stereotypical white christian family, I appreciate insights from other perspectives. So many practices are similar in various religions, but different terminology is used. It can be helpful for those of us with religious trauma towards a specific religion.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Andi Havey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great place to start for beginners who want to learn more about Buddha and his methods of living your best, purest, calm life. Overall great read and practice exercises to get your mind moving in the right direction. Took notes while reading this book to practice in my everyday life.

[Brandi J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now housed in a very small collection of what is my favorite reads over the years. I genuinely enjoyed this book and all it had to offer. From a very medically driven brain I was thrilled to so such a read encompass neuroscience, mind, brain, and body. The western world medical community needs more publishings like this.

[Tyrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

My style of writing - poetic, philosophical, spiritual, thought provoking and enlightening. Built on a solid foundation of Buddhist principles, this book has inspired me. It resonates with my thoughts and values about life. It just made sense to me in such a simple and meaningful way. I loved every minute of it!

[Marianne Mullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such a hard time maintaining my reading of this book. It was well written and informative (especially on neuroscience) and yet it just didn't grab me the way a lot of non-fiction books do. I did appreciate the strategies and underlying science explanations of how to find more peace of mind. Just took me a really long time to read it...

[Storme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book twice and loved it both times. It’s great if you’re looking to understand the how and why the brain works. Linking to how we can use meditation and principles from Buddhism to gain a broader understanding of ourselves and increase our compassion and love.

I loved the explanations, illustrations, stories and practices provided. A very good read!

[L'aura Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got about 80% through and while I think it’s useful information, it was presented much too technically. I found that I was reading it almost out of obligation, as if it was homework. Not an enjoyable experience for me. I prefer my book on meditation to be more “zen”. 😉

[Cassandra Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the connection between neurology and mindfulness. I like how a PHD doctor broke down WHY meditation is so important to cognitive health. It’s sweet that he also shares his own journey

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched book with some practical applications. Allowed me to recognize that practicing my meditation does have a positive effect on my brain. I don’t really read very science oriented books, so it felt good to branch out.

[Erica N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an insightful and practical read! I loved how it blends neuroscience with mindfulness in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. It’s one of those books that makes you slow down, reflect, and actually want to put its lessons into practice.

[Ruth Westergard · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt like I was reading a school text book. Not my favorite , there were a few gems of information among a plethora of scientific jargon and facts that were not necessary.

[Maria Wharton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking!

[Rosemary Bodolay · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh.
found the suggested "meditations"/ practice uninspiring. Not very readable text overall.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book more if you are interested in understanding the neurological framework for how meditation works, and why it is so important.

[Mahna Ghafori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neuroscience of manifestation essentially. Love it

[John Chetro-Szivos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and full of wisdom and practical advice

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The collective narrative of an entire people that suffered greatly in the American machine.

[Diane Niksa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and informative. Much information on neurological biology when correlated to the thinking process and how changes can be made.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok it took quite awhile to read this book. full confession I put it down for 2 1/2 years. just picked it up again 2 days ago and finished it up. it is very helpful in knowing about yourself and how you react to others around you and then taking that knowledge and help you feel better. the meditations are good although reading a meditation is hard to do as opposed to listening to one.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Buddhism fascinated me when I learned about it. Brain research intrigues me. Put the two together, and you have this book. I like the idea that if you change your thinking, you can change your brain. Not sure how easily that can truly be accomplished. It's given me something to ponder.

[Mara Vernon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had just read Rick Hansen's book on Hardwiring Happiness and found Buddha's Brain exceedingly redundant. I was wondering if Hardwiring Happiness was simply a rewrite of this book. It included the same examples, some of the exact same information. I did not finish this book as it was redundant.

[Delores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for the layperson on neuroscience and how meditation can alter the brain . The last 15% of the book was a bit too much like "A Course in Miracles" where I couldn't understand it. However, overall a useful book.