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Neurodharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness
“An easy-to-follow road map for creating day-to-day inner peace in today’s increasingly complex world.”—Lori Gottlieb, MFT, New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Throughout history, people have sought the heights of human potential—to become as wise and strong, happy and loving, as any person can ever be. And now recent science is revealing how these remarkable ways of being are based on equally remarkable changes in our own nervous system, making them more attainable than ever before.
In Neurodharma, the follow-up to his classic Buddha’s Brain, New York Times bestselling author Rick Hanson, PhD, not only explores the new neuroscience of awakening but also offers a bold yet plausible plan for reverse-engineering peak experiences, sense of oneness, and even enlightenment itself. And he does so with his trademark blend of solid science and warm encouragement, guiding you along this high-reaching path with good humor, accessible tools, and personal examples.
A groundbreaking yet practical book, Neurodharma shares seven practices for strengthening the neural circuitry of profound contentment and inner peace—qualities that offer essential support in everyday life while also supporting the exploration of the most radical reaches of human consciousness. Step by step, this book explains how to apply these insights in order to cultivate unshakable presence of mind, a courageous heart, and serenity in a changing world. The breakthroughs of the great teachers are not reserved for the chosen few. Dr. Hanson shows how we can embody them ourselves in daily life to handle stress, heal old pain, feel at ease with others, and rest in the sense of our natural goodness.
The Buddha didn’t use an MRI to become enlightened. Still, 2,500 years after he walked the dusty roads of northern India, neuroscientists are discovering the mechanisms of the brain that underpin the Buddha’s penetrating analysis of the mind. With deep research, stories, guided meditations, examples, and applications, Dr. Hanson offers a fascinating, inspiring vision of who we can be—and an effective path for fulfilling this wonderful possibility.
Throughout history, people have sought the heights of human potential—to become as wise and strong, happy and loving, as any person can ever be. And now recent science is revealing how these remarkable ways of being are based on equally remarkable changes in our own nervous system, making them more attainable than ever before.
In Neurodharma, the follow-up to his classic Buddha’s Brain, New York Times bestselling author Rick Hanson, PhD, not only explores the new neuroscience of awakening but also offers a bold yet plausible plan for reverse-engineering peak experiences, sense of oneness, and even enlightenment itself. And he does so with his trademark blend of solid science and warm encouragement, guiding you along this high-reaching path with good humor, accessible tools, and personal examples.
A groundbreaking yet practical book, Neurodharma shares seven practices for strengthening the neural circuitry of profound contentment and inner peace—qualities that offer essential support in everyday life while also supporting the exploration of the most radical reaches of human consciousness. Step by step, this book explains how to apply these insights in order to cultivate unshakable presence of mind, a courageous heart, and serenity in a changing world. The breakthroughs of the great teachers are not reserved for the chosen few. Dr. Hanson shows how we can embody them ourselves in daily life to handle stress, heal old pain, feel at ease with others, and rest in the sense of our natural goodness.
The Buddha didn’t use an MRI to become enlightened. Still, 2,500 years after he walked the dusty roads of northern India, neuroscientists are discovering the mechanisms of the brain that underpin the Buddha’s penetrating analysis of the mind. With deep research, stories, guided meditations, examples, and applications, Dr. Hanson offers a fascinating, inspiring vision of who we can be—and an effective path for fulfilling this wonderful possibility.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2020
742 people are currently reading
3594 people want to read
About the author
Rick Hanson
57 books744 followersRick Hanson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His seven books have been published in 33 languages and include Making Great Relationships, Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Just One Thing, Buddha’s Brain, and Mother Nurture – with over a million copies in English alone. He's the founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, as well as the co-host of the Being Well podcast – which has been downloaded 23 million times. His free newsletters have 260,000 subscribers, and his online programs have scholarships available for those with financial needs. He’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard. An expert on positive neuroplasticity, his work has been featured on CBS, NPR, the BBC, and other major media. He began meditating in 1974 and has taught in meditation centers worldwide. He and his wife live in northern California and have two adult children. He loves the wilderness and taking a break from emails.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 76 reviews
January 2, 2021
This book wasn’t terrible, I just struggled to understand exactly what it was getting at. I’ve come away from this book confused as to what I should be doing now and what exactly it was that I was meant to take away from it. It was quite a nice read to begin with, and I liked a lot of the ideas like wholeness and steadying the mind - although I skimmed most of the end chapters including “open to allness” and “finding timelessness” as I didn’t really enjoy those. But I struggled to understand what I was meant to do with the information and how it would help me to lead a “higher happiness” life.
Overall, not a bad book, and I don’t disagree with most of its messages or points (although wasn’t too keen on the last few chapters). I just think it could have been articulated a lot more clearly and powerfully.
Overall, not a bad book, and I don’t disagree with most of its messages or points (although wasn’t too keen on the last few chapters). I just think it could have been articulated a lot more clearly and powerfully.
April 29, 2020
Rick Hanson's latest book does not disappoint. I'm a longtime meditator with a strong interest in neuroscience. But Neurodharma is very accessible for anyone who wants to establish a psychologically beneficial meditation practice and who is even slightly curious about why the practices work in the brain and body to help achieve states of well being. Hanson does a good job of explaining the neurological underpinnings in layperson language. His clear and well-researched approach to achieving states of awakening are straightforward. I think the full fruit of their application will reveal itself over time, with practice. As it is, I've taken one pass through the book. Some stages, like nowness, required me to read his take on them to know what he's talking about. But his explanations make sense, especially when experientially applied.
July 16, 2020
Wonderful read. Soothing.
Some quotes:
"As Milarepa, the Tibetan sage, described his life of practice: In the beginning nothing came, in the middle nothing stayed, and in the end nothing left" Pg. 46
"Attention is like a combination spotlight and vacuum cleaner: it illuminates what it rests upon while pulling it into the brain" Pg. 49
"This is healthy desire in a nutshell: pursuing beneficial ends with skillful means while being at peace with whatever happens" Pg. 73
"Life fractures everyone, as Leonard Cohen writes: There is a crack, a crack in everything - That's how the light gets in" Pg. 92
"The combination of a ready-for-action amygdala and a needs-years-to-develop hippocampus is like a on-two punch: young children are easily upset while lacking internal resources for calming themselves and putting events in perspective" Pg. 102
"Truths are truths regardless of their messengers, but their expressions and the practices designed to realize them depend upon many factors, including gender, class, and history" Pg. 134
"You can think of your mind like a murky pond. As it becomes more tranquil, the dirt in it gradually settles. This reveals the pure nature of the pond's water -- never tainted itself by what was floating in it -- and the beautiful jewels that have always been resting on its bottom" Pg. 138
"Tranquil and Alert. Imagine spending the minutes and days of your life in this way." Pg. 162
~~"1) forms (sights, etc.) 2) hedonic tones (pleasant/unpleasant etc.) 3) perceptions (labels etc.) 4) formations (thoughts, desires etc.) 5) awareness
"A cloud is an eddy of the atmosphere, an argument is an eddy in a relationship, and a thought is an eddy in the stream of consciousness" Pg. 227
"My own conviction is that the mind and the universe have the same deep nature, to be emergent, empty, and full of possibility. Within ordinary reality, this is our own nature, always. And our true nature opens into vast reality"
Some quotes:
"As Milarepa, the Tibetan sage, described his life of practice: In the beginning nothing came, in the middle nothing stayed, and in the end nothing left" Pg. 46
"Attention is like a combination spotlight and vacuum cleaner: it illuminates what it rests upon while pulling it into the brain" Pg. 49
"This is healthy desire in a nutshell: pursuing beneficial ends with skillful means while being at peace with whatever happens" Pg. 73
"Life fractures everyone, as Leonard Cohen writes: There is a crack, a crack in everything - That's how the light gets in" Pg. 92
"The combination of a ready-for-action amygdala and a needs-years-to-develop hippocampus is like a on-two punch: young children are easily upset while lacking internal resources for calming themselves and putting events in perspective" Pg. 102
"Truths are truths regardless of their messengers, but their expressions and the practices designed to realize them depend upon many factors, including gender, class, and history" Pg. 134
"You can think of your mind like a murky pond. As it becomes more tranquil, the dirt in it gradually settles. This reveals the pure nature of the pond's water -- never tainted itself by what was floating in it -- and the beautiful jewels that have always been resting on its bottom" Pg. 138
"Tranquil and Alert. Imagine spending the minutes and days of your life in this way." Pg. 162
~~"1) forms (sights, etc.) 2) hedonic tones (pleasant/unpleasant etc.) 3) perceptions (labels etc.) 4) formations (thoughts, desires etc.) 5) awareness
"A cloud is an eddy of the atmosphere, an argument is an eddy in a relationship, and a thought is an eddy in the stream of consciousness" Pg. 227
"My own conviction is that the mind and the universe have the same deep nature, to be emergent, empty, and full of possibility. Within ordinary reality, this is our own nature, always. And our true nature opens into vast reality"
January 25, 2023
I'm a big fan of Rick Hanson and his exploration of the intersections of neuroscience and Buddhist spirituality. This book offers a systemic pathway to deepening one's practice through what Hanson calls the "Seven Ways of Being" (Steadying the Mind, Warming the Heart, Resting in Fullness, Being Wholeness, Receiving Nowness, Opening into Allness, and Finding Timelessness).
For me, I found more practical profundity in Hanson's "Buddha's Brain" and "Just One Thing". "Neurodharma" feels like it requires two mediums: the physical book for understanding/absorbing the scientific and metaphysic aspects and the audiobook to listen to Hanson lead the guided meditations. A large portion of the book is, in fact, meditations. And while I'm a believer in what he teaches, I can get a bit lost in too much "beingness" and "nowness" language (my shortcoming, not his).
I have, both, the ebook and the audiobook, and frustratingly would have to toggle back and forth between them to get the greatest benefit (for myself, at least) from the experience. There's a lot of great wisdom here, just a challenge to navigate how to best absorb it. Perhaps some can use the physical book as a meditation guide. Hanson has the meditations laid out, in italics, so one can sit with it. I just find meditations like these are often more effective when you can be a passive vessel to a spoken guidance, rather than actively reading the meditation while sitting.
I'll continue to enjoy and learn from Rick Hanson, as I did from Neurodharma. I just found it to be a bit more work than his other books because of the bouncing back and forth between his message and his meditations.
If one is looking for a Rick Hanson book, I would recommend "Neurodharma", but perhaps not as the one to start with.
For me, I found more practical profundity in Hanson's "Buddha's Brain" and "Just One Thing". "Neurodharma" feels like it requires two mediums: the physical book for understanding/absorbing the scientific and metaphysic aspects and the audiobook to listen to Hanson lead the guided meditations. A large portion of the book is, in fact, meditations. And while I'm a believer in what he teaches, I can get a bit lost in too much "beingness" and "nowness" language (my shortcoming, not his).
I have, both, the ebook and the audiobook, and frustratingly would have to toggle back and forth between them to get the greatest benefit (for myself, at least) from the experience. There's a lot of great wisdom here, just a challenge to navigate how to best absorb it. Perhaps some can use the physical book as a meditation guide. Hanson has the meditations laid out, in italics, so one can sit with it. I just find meditations like these are often more effective when you can be a passive vessel to a spoken guidance, rather than actively reading the meditation while sitting.
I'll continue to enjoy and learn from Rick Hanson, as I did from Neurodharma. I just found it to be a bit more work than his other books because of the bouncing back and forth between his message and his meditations.
If one is looking for a Rick Hanson book, I would recommend "Neurodharma", but perhaps not as the one to start with.
May 19, 2020
Perfect Reading for a Pandemic
I’ve loved Rick Hanson’s work ever since I read, Buddha’s Brain. Even so, I wasn’t prepared for the impact Neurodharma would have on me. In this book Hanson describes the seven themes, or qualities, of awakening to true happiness and then analyzes how to attain them based on what neuroscientists have learned about the structure of the brain and ancient teachings. Although he focuses on the Buddhist concept of enlightenment, he draws parallels to other traditions as well. As in his other books, he writes with clarity and simplicity. What’s different about this book is the spiritual depth of the material. After examining how we have come to be such miserable, worrying, craving, hurt, sad, frustrated and angry people, he suggests how we can change our brains. In Part Two he delves deeply into teachings and practices both ancient and modern for each theme. This is not a book one can zip through to become enlightened in a few days. Rick Hanson clearly knows his science and his Buddhism. I liked that he frequently quotes from Buddhist sacred texts, focuses on practices, offers suggestions for further reading, and has compiled an extensive bibliography. The brain retraining practices, questions and meditations I have tried so far have left me feeling lighter and more relaxed, which is no easy task given the pandemic. I began reading, as, I usually do with a pen in hand and a notepad by my side jotting lines that moved me – until I realized if I kept it up I’d be copying the whole book. I have a feeling it’s one I’ll be reading again and again.
I’ve loved Rick Hanson’s work ever since I read, Buddha’s Brain. Even so, I wasn’t prepared for the impact Neurodharma would have on me. In this book Hanson describes the seven themes, or qualities, of awakening to true happiness and then analyzes how to attain them based on what neuroscientists have learned about the structure of the brain and ancient teachings. Although he focuses on the Buddhist concept of enlightenment, he draws parallels to other traditions as well. As in his other books, he writes with clarity and simplicity. What’s different about this book is the spiritual depth of the material. After examining how we have come to be such miserable, worrying, craving, hurt, sad, frustrated and angry people, he suggests how we can change our brains. In Part Two he delves deeply into teachings and practices both ancient and modern for each theme. This is not a book one can zip through to become enlightened in a few days. Rick Hanson clearly knows his science and his Buddhism. I liked that he frequently quotes from Buddhist sacred texts, focuses on practices, offers suggestions for further reading, and has compiled an extensive bibliography. The brain retraining practices, questions and meditations I have tried so far have left me feeling lighter and more relaxed, which is no easy task given the pandemic. I began reading, as, I usually do with a pen in hand and a notepad by my side jotting lines that moved me – until I realized if I kept it up I’d be copying the whole book. I have a feeling it’s one I’ll be reading again and again.
May 7, 2020
In Neurodharma, psychologist Rick Hanson combines neuroscience and secular spirituality to help readers achieve self-actualization, and he does so with warmth and humor. I loved the author’s encouraging tone, and appreciated his explanation of how to develop an effective practice. He has a knack for explaining concepts clearly. He then discusses the seven ways of being that he considers the essence of awakening: steadiness, lovingness, fullness, wholeness, newness, allness, and timelessness.
Each section of the book includes meditations and suggested readings, as well as inspiring quotes from various spiritual teachers. Roughly 40 percent of the book consists of notes and the bibliography.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in developing a meditation practice or learning how to get more benefit from practice. Practical and encouraging, this book should have wide appeal.
Thanks to the publisher, Harmony Books, for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
Each section of the book includes meditations and suggested readings, as well as inspiring quotes from various spiritual teachers. Roughly 40 percent of the book consists of notes and the bibliography.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in developing a meditation practice or learning how to get more benefit from practice. Practical and encouraging, this book should have wide appeal.
Thanks to the publisher, Harmony Books, for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
July 13, 2020
Not sure about this one...there are a lot of meditation practices--like guided meditaion strategies. There is not that much New Science--I was hoping for a kind of Meditation in the Digital Age type weird read, but it was more of a standard third wave western buddhism book.
Not sure I would recommend this to anyone since there are so many other MASSIVE books that fill the same space.
In some places, this reads like that guy in your college dorm who listened to Alan Watts every week on KPFK (I went to UCLA and there were a LOT of these guys), but occasionally there are some golden moments.
I don't know--nothing wrong with this, but just not very innovative or new to live up to the hype of that amazing title--NEURODHARMA just seems so damn potentially cool!
Not sure I would recommend this to anyone since there are so many other MASSIVE books that fill the same space.
In some places, this reads like that guy in your college dorm who listened to Alan Watts every week on KPFK (I went to UCLA and there were a LOT of these guys), but occasionally there are some golden moments.
I don't know--nothing wrong with this, but just not very innovative or new to live up to the hype of that amazing title--NEURODHARMA just seems so damn potentially cool!
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May 4, 2020Neurodharma is a jewel of a book!
Having been a student of Rick Hanson's for many years and having read each of his previous books, I found that, in Neurodharma, Rick perfectly synthesized for me material from key aspects of modern neuroscience, psychology and Buddhism. In his book, he presents a step by step learning path for creating greater happiness and well being. The book is extremely well organized and integrates
content with practical exercises, guided meditations, suggested readings and the sharing of personal relatable experiences.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to create more peace, contentment and
connection in their lives and in the lives of others.
Having been a student of Rick Hanson's for many years and having read each of his previous books, I found that, in Neurodharma, Rick perfectly synthesized for me material from key aspects of modern neuroscience, psychology and Buddhism. In his book, he presents a step by step learning path for creating greater happiness and well being. The book is extremely well organized and integrates
content with practical exercises, guided meditations, suggested readings and the sharing of personal relatable experiences.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to create more peace, contentment and
connection in their lives and in the lives of others.
September 21, 2020
I fully expected to enjoy the mix of science and Eastern thought this book promised, but I just couldn’t get into it. First, it’s a lot heavier on the spriritual side, particularly Buddhism. I’ve enjoyed those topics in the past, but the organization here was hard to follow. I found some occasional nuggets of practical wisdom, such as how to turn around a negative experience etched into the brain. Overall, it was still too hard to read compared to others in this genre. I suspect others may find it more useful than I did.
December 30, 2020
Best listened to as an audiobook, to benefit from the guided meditations
January 17, 2021
I attended a 3 hour webinar by Rick Hanson a few months ago. I was so impressed that I went online to buy all his books and this is the first I have read. This book went beyond my expectations, exploring the neuropsychological underpinnings of awakening, developing a targeted meditation practice and reducing the suffering in our lives. The information was fascinating and there were sections focused on how to apply the principles in everyday life. It was readable and engaging, whilst also providing a depth of research, wisdom and insight that was absolutely fantastic. This book also provides numerous guided meditations to be able to explore each section experientially (having the audiobook was helpful for this).
This is one that I will be re-reading many times into the future.
This is one that I will be re-reading many times into the future.
April 8, 2021
This book tries to explain the process and development of meditation, but ends up being very dry and hard to read.
There are some gems of information and explanations that were very insightful but on the whole I seriously struggled to get through is book.
It may have been better to listen to this as an audiobook to be able to take advantage of the many meditations he includes throughout the book.
I did appreciate that he regularly gave suggestions for further reading about the topics.
There are some gems of information and explanations that were very insightful but on the whole I seriously struggled to get through is book.
It may have been better to listen to this as an audiobook to be able to take advantage of the many meditations he includes throughout the book.
I did appreciate that he regularly gave suggestions for further reading about the topics.
April 23, 2020
Rick Hanson’s latest work is a consummate guide on the path to human potential through seven practices of awakening. Focusing on practices rather than theory, he invites us to explore and confirm, through our experiences, the signs along the way.
What begins as a simple invitation unfolds into a creative mix of phenomenology, neuroscience, and Buddhism. Hanson uses authentic teachings in the Pali Canon, grounded in the body and its nervous system, to point you towards practical experience. He is not presenting the whole complex system of Buddhism, but focusing on key ideas and methods for very practical purposes.
With that in mind, Hanson offers descriptions of each of the seven practices and how they are grounded in our nervous system. He further describes the reciprocal impact of body on mind and mind on body for each practice. While establishing this context, he weaves in multiple practices that you can try, allowing you to witness the landscape yourself. This is the heart of this very practical guidebook and, with effort, it can yield profound experiences.
Hanson has once again given us an educational and enlightening travel guide, filled with heart. It is an inspirational and pragmatic book with just the right tone during this time of crisis.
What begins as a simple invitation unfolds into a creative mix of phenomenology, neuroscience, and Buddhism. Hanson uses authentic teachings in the Pali Canon, grounded in the body and its nervous system, to point you towards practical experience. He is not presenting the whole complex system of Buddhism, but focusing on key ideas and methods for very practical purposes.
With that in mind, Hanson offers descriptions of each of the seven practices and how they are grounded in our nervous system. He further describes the reciprocal impact of body on mind and mind on body for each practice. While establishing this context, he weaves in multiple practices that you can try, allowing you to witness the landscape yourself. This is the heart of this very practical guidebook and, with effort, it can yield profound experiences.
Hanson has once again given us an educational and enlightening travel guide, filled with heart. It is an inspirational and pragmatic book with just the right tone during this time of crisis.
April 10, 2021
I think the content of this book would have been lovely if I had consumed it at a meditation retreat, hearing the lessons and doing the meditations. Unfortunately I listened to the audiobook as I was walking, biking, driving and woodworking and didn't feel like I was able to connect with much of the content.
Particularly the meditations were borderline frustrating to listen to on my commute, I wish they had been included at the end and indexed instead of in-line with the rest of the book. If they had made it easier to them, including them in an app or something like 10% Happier I would have been much more likely to actually use them.
The science Hanson refers to in this book tend to be of a type correlating actions or feelings to parts of the brain lighting up, which I'm a bit skeptical of and tend to glaze over during.
I thought this book was at it's best when Hanson leaned more on the Buddhism, which to be fair is most of it (aside from the lengthy mediations). Some really interesting ideas, and I'd really like to explore them further but this book just wasn't the way for me.
Particularly the meditations were borderline frustrating to listen to on my commute, I wish they had been included at the end and indexed instead of in-line with the rest of the book. If they had made it easier to them, including them in an app or something like 10% Happier I would have been much more likely to actually use them.
The science Hanson refers to in this book tend to be of a type correlating actions or feelings to parts of the brain lighting up, which I'm a bit skeptical of and tend to glaze over during.
I thought this book was at it's best when Hanson leaned more on the Buddhism, which to be fair is most of it (aside from the lengthy mediations). Some really interesting ideas, and I'd really like to explore them further but this book just wasn't the way for me.
June 6, 2023
Good book for both knowledge of the benefits of mindfulness and lots of lead meditation practice. A difficult read if you are working out to it but for cooking dinner or just relaxing at the end of the day or at the beach, a great book to relax to.
There were a few lessons I took away from the book including the importance of mindfulness and mediation everyday. I have set aside practice only 2 days a week but I see I really should do it everyday.
Hanson presents a framework of seven practices tied to the Buddhist process of awakening:
1. Steadying the mind
2. Warming the heart
3. Resting in fullness
4. Being wholeness
5. Receiving nowness
6. Opening into allness
7. Finding timelessness
Overall, a good book that I can recommend for anyone thinking about clearing the mind and to help find purpose in life, as a central thread of the book is to live your best life today, and it shows you how!
There were a few lessons I took away from the book including the importance of mindfulness and mediation everyday. I have set aside practice only 2 days a week but I see I really should do it everyday.
Hanson presents a framework of seven practices tied to the Buddhist process of awakening:
1. Steadying the mind
2. Warming the heart
3. Resting in fullness
4. Being wholeness
5. Receiving nowness
6. Opening into allness
7. Finding timelessness
Overall, a good book that I can recommend for anyone thinking about clearing the mind and to help find purpose in life, as a central thread of the book is to live your best life today, and it shows you how!
April 27, 2020
In less than 160 pages Rick writes in well explained terms about 7 ways or stages of being.
The reason I love this book is because Rick explains all (quite tangibly) for the early seeker as well as those that have visited each of the states he describes in this book. Where words usually fail to explain some of these stages or concepts (ie are best expressed through poetry, music or hand gestures with wide eyes) he brings it down to earth- in comprehendible language.
While I read it seemed as though Rick and his teachers were right there with me (frequent quotes, recommended texts throughout) And, there are supportive practices to reinforce or experiment with the teachings. It made me happy because he integrates all of this ancient work with current day to day life.
This book is a mountain in a mustard seed.
Read & resonate,
rinse & repeat, as needed…
The reason I love this book is because Rick explains all (quite tangibly) for the early seeker as well as those that have visited each of the states he describes in this book. Where words usually fail to explain some of these stages or concepts (ie are best expressed through poetry, music or hand gestures with wide eyes) he brings it down to earth- in comprehendible language.
While I read it seemed as though Rick and his teachers were right there with me (frequent quotes, recommended texts throughout) And, there are supportive practices to reinforce or experiment with the teachings. It made me happy because he integrates all of this ancient work with current day to day life.
This book is a mountain in a mustard seed.
Read & resonate,
rinse & repeat, as needed…
May 5, 2020
In Neurodharma, Dr. Rick Hanson daringly holds nothing back as he takes aim to describe seven aspects of embodied awakening, including higher human potentialities that have heretofore lain beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. As these characteristics may be observed in some enlightened human beings today with insight gained from an understanding of the latest findings of neuroscience, this book generously represents a well-organized distillation perhaps of nothing less than everything known by this brilliant neuropsychologist, teacher and life-long seeker and practitioner. It is a true gift, not to be overlooked or quickly put aside by any aspiring seeker interested in the full range and potential realms of human experience referenced by the great sages from the days of antiquity and up to the present time.
July 18, 2021
The most comprehensive book on meditation I've ever read (along with Michael Taft's Mindful Geek) - it nicely puts ancient wisdom teachings of the East in the context of neuroscience and modern understanding of the brain, and explains the landscape of the different meditation types and insight practices in easy to understand categories. I found out about Rick Hanson on Michael Taft's podcast and I was blown away by their conversation; I'm glad I picked up this book and wish I had read it before I started meditating when all the different resources and approaches to mindfulness were overwhelming and seemingly contradictory. This book puts them into perspective in a clear way, pointing out benefits, pitfalls and practical methods for the different approaches you can take with meditation in modern non-spiritual language.
April 6, 2020
In a time demanding we all bring our best, Neurodharma delivers a thought provoking, masterful guide to the ancient path of individual and community awakening. Dr. Hanson’s gentle voice explains the neural basis for each step of the journey, followed by on point mindfulness practices linking this new acquired knowledge via installation to our neural networks. Consistent throughout the work is the truth that we may not be able to control the events swarming around us, yet we can control the steadiness of our minds, our compassion and kindness, claiming our fullness as we are whole, remain present, open to all that surround us and finally reaching timelessness. This reader closed Neurodharma far more woke than when she opened it.
May 11, 2020
This book astonished me. Dr. Rick Hanson has found a way to gently unpack the transcendent and offer it to the reader in a beautifully articulated, poetic, accessible but not simplified text. It is filled with exercises, meditations, applications and everyday examples. He also includes fascinating footnotes to connect us with centuries of tradition and science. I simply couldn't put it down because every word opened up a new way to enjoy, appreciate, accept and just generally enjoy a better way of approaching life. His gift to us is bringing down to earth otherwise unintelligible concepts. I plan to get my hands on everything Dr. Hanson has written -- Life is short and I owe that to myself.
November 9, 2020
Neurodharma by Rick Hanson is a good book that will give you greater understanding of meditation and happiness.
The book uses neuroscience and meditation to explain the Buddhist process of awakening, a spiritual practice that could benefit anyone from any background. A weighty topic, it’s thoroughly & enthusiastically presented by Hanson in a way that lays it all out for you with the teachings & practices underlying his premise.
This is the 2nd book by Rick Hansen that I’ve read & I see why he’s a popular author.
Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The book uses neuroscience and meditation to explain the Buddhist process of awakening, a spiritual practice that could benefit anyone from any background. A weighty topic, it’s thoroughly & enthusiastically presented by Hanson in a way that lays it all out for you with the teachings & practices underlying his premise.
This is the 2nd book by Rick Hansen that I’ve read & I see why he’s a popular author.
Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2022
This book is a soothing but occasionally confusing read. The things I enjoyed most were the specific meditations (noted in italics - would be AWESOME to experience in audio book format) and the discussion about brain chemistry (which was a bit sparse IMO for a book with ‘neuro’ in the title). Around page 200, Hanson explains how enlightenment might actually occur in the brain - GABA-releasing neurons suppress activity in upper parts of the thalamus. This felt the most eye-opening and revolutionary to me.
The overall to e of the book was a touch too meandering and deep. I think I’ll keep looking for a book to unlock the neurological secrets of meditation.
The overall to e of the book was a touch too meandering and deep. I think I’ll keep looking for a book to unlock the neurological secrets of meditation.
August 29, 2020
Neurodharma is a fascinating book for all absorbed in meditation. Written by a psychologist who practices, teaches, and researches meditation, the book provides an insight into how meditation works and how it relates to our neural processes.
Neurodharma is not an introduction to meditation. Beginning meditators may find it difficult to grasp and will not find guide they can follow. But Rick Hanson provides helpful practices for experienced meditators. While I doubt it should be your first book on meditation, I definitely recommend it if you have already started your journey.
Neurodharma is not an introduction to meditation. Beginning meditators may find it difficult to grasp and will not find guide they can follow. But Rick Hanson provides helpful practices for experienced meditators. While I doubt it should be your first book on meditation, I definitely recommend it if you have already started your journey.
September 20, 2020
To live a happy and peaceful life, the author suggests a roadmap of seven ways which he refers to as the “heights of human potential”. The seven steps, steadiness, lovingness, fullness, wholeness, nowness, allness, and timelessness. These help handle stress, heal past pain, and seek to bring love and compassion to yourself and others. In addition, meditation is a powerful tool, that also helps in developing these ways of being. It also improves mood which helps mental health in the long run, tapping into the contentment within all of us.
October 29, 2020
Soothing read; you can read it/ audio listen while sitting, walking, driving, and falling asleep. Though it may be better to listen via audio book as be guides you through series of meditations, which have a greater impact if listening in a relaxed way with eyes closed. I’ve also listened while doing forest walks and found such serenity through this guidebook that links anatomical pieces of our brain to why and how we feel certain ways. It put a lot into perspective and overall, is a great guidebook for anyone wishing to understand their emotions more and become more mindful.
March 21, 2021
I combined the audiobook version with the printed book in order to have the guided meditations in the former with the ability to read the offerings in the latter. I could see how just having the printed book would make this a more cerebral undertaking than a contemplative one. That said, I feel that this latest work from Rick Hanson weighs heavily in dharma and dabbles a little in neuroscience which gives it less of a secular feel for a layperson like me who does not practice Buddhism but engages in many of its contemplative practices.
April 26, 2021
I'm really glad I read this as part of a mindfulness/ meditation group! I feel like we could've dedicated a whole year to this book and still have much more to learn from it. I read another RH book on my own a few years ago, but this time was a much better experience within the group...I feel like I understood it on a deeper level as a result of the conversations and group practices. I read this book; others recommended the audio version to be able to listen to the meditations. Based on the number of flags I placed throughout my hard copy, I'm thinking both versions would be the biggest help!
May 5, 2020
Dr. Rick Hanson explores how the traditional Buddhist path to Enlightenment and what we're learning in modern neuroscience align; and how as we look at the two together, we can learn practical ways to create happier, more peaceful lives for ourselves here and now. The book title might seem a little daunting to some, but Dr. Hanson's writing style is friendly and easy to understand, and his message makes the book well worth the read.
September 20, 2020
The seven ways of being provide a roadmap for how to live your life more happily and peacefully. They can help you handle stress, heal past pain, and be more loving and compassionate to yourself and others. Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you develop these ways of being. And practicing regularly can lead to neurological changes, improve your psychological health, and help you learn to live in the here and now.
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