Awards

• Winner of <PrizeName>Winner of the Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize for 1998</PrizeName> 1998
• Winner of Winner of the Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize for 1998 1998
• Winner of Winner of the Scientific and Medical Network Book Prize for 1998</PrizeName> 1998

Overview

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.

Full Product Details

9780262511094

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Reviews

This is a book written with passion and seriousness. Psychoanalytic Books In this monumental work, the author marshals the evidence fromneuroscience to help clarify which brain mechanisms underlie the subjectivestates of Zen, and employs Zen to 'illuminate' how the brain 'works' invarious states of consciousness. By 'monumental' I refer not merely to thesize but to the breadth and depth of coverage of the book. George Adelman , Editor of The Encyclopedia of Neuroscience ... remarkable in its synthesis of the mystical point of view withthe scientific. Bodhi Tree Book Review

This is a book written with passion and seriousness. --Psychoanalytic Books ... remarkable in its synthesis of the mystical point of view with the scientific. --Bodhi Tree Book Review

Author Information

James H. Austin, a clinical neurologist, researcher, and Zen practitioner for more than three decades, is Professor Emeritus of Neurology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Courtesy Professor of Neurology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He is the author of Zen and the Brain, Chase, Chance, and Creativity, Zen-Brain Reflections, Selfless Insight, Meditating Selflessly, and Zen-Brain Horizons, all published by the MIT Press. For more information, please visit www.zenandthebrain.com.

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