Zen-Brain Reflections: Reviewing Recent Developments in Meditation and States of Consciousness

by James H. Austin

This sequel to the widely read Zen and the Brain continues James Austin's explorations into the key interrelationships between Zen Buddhism and brain research. In Zen-Brain Reflections , Austin, a clinical neurologist, researcher, and Zen practitioner, examines the evolving psychological processes and brain changes associated with the path of long-range meditative training. Austin draws not only on the latest neuroscience research and new neuroimaging studies but also on Zen literature and his personal experience with alternate states of consciousness. Zen-Brain Reflections takes up where the earlier book left off. It addresses such questions as: how do placebos and acupuncture change the brain? Can neuroimaging studies localize the sites where our notions of self arise? How can the latest brain imaging methods monitor meditators more effectively? How do long years of meditative training plus brief enlightened states produce pivotal transformations in the physiology of the brain? In many chapters testable hypotheses suggest ways to correlate normal brain functions and meditative training with the phenomena of extraordinary states of consciousness. After briefly introducing the topic of Zen and describing recent research into meditation, Austin reviews the latest studies on the amygdala, frontotemporal interactions, and paralimbic extensions of the limbic system. He then explores different states of consciousness, both the early superficial absorptions and the later, major "peak experiences." This discussion begins with the states called kensho and satori and includes a fresh analysis of their several different expressions of "oneness." He points beyond the still more advanced states toward that rare ongoing stage of enlightenment that is manifest as "sage wisdom." Finally, with reference to a delayed "moonlight" phase of kensho, Austin envisions novel links between migraines and metaphors, moonlight and mysticism. The Zen perspective on the self and consciousness is an ancient one. Readers will discover how relevant Zen is to the neurosciences, and how each field can illuminate the other.

Genres: Neuroscience, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Science, Philosophy, Spirituality, Brain

586 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2006

Reviews

[Ihor Kolesnyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Джеймс Остін цитується у багатьох книгах і статтях, які зараз використовую у дослідженні. Автори немов натякали, що ось у цій книзі має бути щось цікаве і важливе.

Мушу розчарувати тих, хто шукає чіткого, ясного пояснення і визначень. Від перших сторінок текст нагадує радше стрибки із одного поля в інше. Визначення вживаних понять практично відсутні, а якщо є, то дуже розмиті і радше поетичні. Постійні натяки, що тут наукове підгрунтя не мають опори або мають доволі далекий стосунок до теми. Присутні навіть старенькі наукові міфи (зокрема про половини мозку), від яких не відмовилися хіба у Нью Ейджі.

Ця книга мене відверто розчарувала. Враження таке, немов автор дуже наситився нейромедіаторами щастя і на хвилі цього досвіду вирішив, що настала пора "нести світло усім непросвітленим". Риторика ще й відповідна - багато узагальнень, обіцянок щодо "відкриттів" і 100% змін у я-ідентичності, досвідчуванні, мозку.. Коротше, тут багато прозелітизму)

[Wing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books tries to explain the states of kenshō and satori from a neurophysiological and a first-person experiential perspective. It tries to demonstrate how a "separate, enduring, egocentric self" is a delusion and how the brain manages to acquire this through social and cultural conditioning, resulting in unfruitful inclinations such as "greed, hatred, and ignorance". A large portion of the book is on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. The author is a clinical neurologist and I suspect the lay reader will find the book at times difficult. The various vignettes of "Oneness" is also difficult to appreciate unless the reader has already experienced such a state. At times insightful but most of the time fragmentary - three stars.

[Peter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Jumbled, confused and conflates mysticism with science.

More (unnecessary and extraordinarily detailed) neuroanatomical speculation) is less (enlightening or thoughtful analysis of meditation and its physiological consequences).

This emperor has such an elaborate wardrobe that one hesitates to criticise what’s underneath. But I rather fear that the clothes cover a gaping void.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extremely detailed examination of neurological mechanisms, Zen, and how each might inform our understanding of the other. Although Austin's approach to describing the forest by enumerating each leaf on each tree is comprehensive, the jump from the specific to the general was too great for me in spite of my psychiatric training. (Granted, neuroanatomy always make my eyes cross, then close.)

[Candy Shue]

Found this book on meditation and brain research at Moon Books in Half Moon Bay! Fascinating stuff. . .

[Ulhas]

See that it's now available as an ebook on the new MIT ebooks site. http://mitpress-ebooks.mit.edu/produc...

[pozharvgolovu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It allowed me to reconnect myself with my meditation practice--and secretly wanted to become a neuroscientist.