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.

Taal / Language : English

Inhoudsopgave:

Contents in Detail		xi
Chapters Containing Testable Hypotheses		xvi
List of Figures		xvii
List of Tables		xviii
Preface		xix
Acknowledgments		xxi
By Way of Introduction		xxiii
Starting to Point toward Zen		1	(54)
Meditating		55	(92)
Neurologizing		147	(144)
Exploring States of Consciousness		291	(80)
Quickening		371	(96)
Turning In: The Absorptions		467	(52)
Turning Out: The Awakenings		519	(106)
Being and Beyond: To the Stage of Ongoing Enlightenment		625	(79)
In Closing		695	(3)
Appendixes
A Introduction to The Heart Sutra		698	(2)
B Selections from Affirmation of Faith in Mind		700	(2)
C Suggested Further Reading		702	(2)
Glossary		704	(8)
References and Notes		712	(113)
Source Notes		825	(2)
Index		827

Extra informatie: Ingenaaid: paperback,kaft slap, 870 pagina's Verschenen: juli 1999 Gewicht: 1760 gram Formaat: 255 x 175 x 51 mm MIT Press

Austin, James, Zen & the Brain (Paper) Prijs Euro 44.79   In Winkelwagentje

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