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3rd out of 32 books
—
29 voters
Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
by
Rick Hanson (Goodreads Author),
Richard Mendius, Daniel J. Siegel , Jack Kornfield , Daniel Siegel
Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and other great teachers were born with brains built essentially like anyone else's. Then they used their minds to change their brains in ways that changed history.
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,...more
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,...more
Paperback, 1st edition, 252 pages
Published
November 1st 2009
by New Harbinger Publications
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Really enjoying this book.
It is well-laid out, not overly technical, and has a handy-dandy "review" section at the end of each chapter. I'm limiting myself to one chapter/day. I could definitely read it quicker, but that seems to defeat my purpose in reading a book like this. In explaining some of the emerging brain science surrounding motivation, happiness, and (Eastern) Wisdom: it succeeds fantastically. It is a nice mix of Western "why" and Eastern "practice". Hence "Practical Neuroscience"....more
It is well-laid out, not overly technical, and has a handy-dandy "review" section at the end of each chapter. I'm limiting myself to one chapter/day. I could definitely read it quicker, but that seems to defeat my purpose in reading a book like this. In explaining some of the emerging brain science surrounding motivation, happiness, and (Eastern) Wisdom: it succeeds fantastically. It is a nice mix of Western "why" and Eastern "practice". Hence "Practical Neuroscience"....more
An enlightening book, full of useful techniques to promote compassion, insight and wisdom. Many of the ideas were familiar, but that did not detract from the book. I liked the combination of neuroscience and meditative techniques. I will attempt to use the techniques in my daily life.
"All joy in this world comes from wanting others to be happy, and all suffering in this world comes from wanting only oneself to be happy."
I wish all Goodreaders well!
"All joy in this world comes from wanting others to be happy, and all suffering in this world comes from wanting only oneself to be happy."
I wish all Goodreaders well!
The sub-title of this book describes it's content and purpose: "The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom." Rick Hanson is a neuropsychologist and meditation teacher, and he does a good job explaining in lay-person's terms the neurological anatomy and functioning of the brain behind the effects of meditation.
The strength of this book is that it doesn't merely tell you what parts of the brain are involved in various functions like decision making, impulse inhibition, and emotions...more
The strength of this book is that it doesn't merely tell you what parts of the brain are involved in various functions like decision making, impulse inhibition, and emotions...more
Buddha's Brain describes how the parts of the brain and related hormones interact to cause happy or unhappy moods, and how meditation and related techniques affect those aspects of the brain beneficially. Its hopeful message is that we can affect our brains and thus our emotional lives by simple techniques using attention/mindfulness, breathing, and intentional, uplifting thoughts. The last chapter contains an interesting discussion on how our sense of self is distributed among different parts a...more
This book seemed to want to come into my life. I kept walking past it in the bookstore and it kept coming up as a recommendation on Amazon. Finally one day I broke down and bought it. I was not disappointed. In in, the authors take many of Buddha's teachings and show, through neuroscience, how they change the brain for the better. I've been meditating and studying Dharma for several years, but I still got a lot out of this book. The authors show how certain practices can rewire the brain--helpin...more
The appendix on "Nutritional Neurochemistry" ruined the whole book for me. Jan Hanson - an acupuncturist - provides a number of recommendations on nutrition. The first few are inoffensive (eat less sugar...), but then it gets into a large number of supplement recommendations. Amounts far over the recommended daily allowance are suggested. The sheer number of recommendations is kind of ridiculous. Here is what it is suggested we take, without consulting a physician first: a potent multivitamin, o...more
Less interesting than it sounds. Buddhism distinguishes itself from other religions by accepting the value of science. Hence, writing a book discussing the intersection of Buddhist practices and potential scientific bases for their value, particularly meditation in this case, is a peanut butter and chocolate fit. The neuroscience will be familiar to anyone with a few neurobiology classes behind them - the singulate gyrus, amygdala, pre-frontal cortex, brain wave variations and other familiar st...more
1 like
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* * * 3/4
In Six Words :
never thought about it like that
What I Loved :
As a non-Christian science nerd, this was geared towards me. Not to say that you couldn’t enjoy this book if you are a Christian (but you have to take the evolution sections with a grain of salt if that doesn’t fit with your beliefs) or that if you aren’t into science that this will be boring (this is probably the opposite).
I really enjoyed the sections that explained why we react the way we do to certain situations and related...more
In Six Words :
never thought about it like that
What I Loved :
As a non-Christian science nerd, this was geared towards me. Not to say that you couldn’t enjoy this book if you are a Christian (but you have to take the evolution sections with a grain of salt if that doesn’t fit with your beliefs) or that if you aren’t into science that this will be boring (this is probably the opposite).
I really enjoyed the sections that explained why we react the way we do to certain situations and related...more
3 likes
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like
· see review
Where this book may be of benefit is when it focuses on how one mental process can excite or inhibit another mental process. Kind of a book of Buddhist tips with brain anatomy lessons thrown in for scientific authenticity. For instance, if your mind is chattering away, do a body scan or bring a visual image to the forefront since it's difficult to be both visual and verbal at the same time.
Yet sometimes all that detail about the brain structure seemed extraneous and sometimes distracting to the...more
Yet sometimes all that detail about the brain structure seemed extraneous and sometimes distracting to the...more
This book is a compelling marriage of practical elements of mindfulness and character development from Buddhism with a light neurological overview that allayed my preconceived skepticism of the practices described. I did find myself wondering why some elements were thoroughly referenced and other points simply stated, I understand that it is a book written for the popular press, but while I accept the results of mindfulness and meditative practices both intuitively and practically I don't think...more
This is a very interesting subject for me. This book is serious science, not fluffy new-age nonsense. It is very satisfying for me to learn exactly HOW something happens. I appreciated all the details of the nuts and bolts of neurology,always a fascinating subject. Most importantly the information within this gem is very encouraging. I can set my own self free from worry and depression that has haunted all my life. What little I have learned from other meditation resources so far does indeed wor...more
Buddha's Brain is a surprisingly quick, "easy" read, using neuroscience to explain why meditation and mindful awareness work to improve your contentment and get over bad experiences. For anyone who has ever dismissed meditation as hippie new age nonsense, or for those of us who just like to know why things work, this book presents the brain as a well-oiled machine: do this or that, and your brain is made to react in a certain way. In a way, it's inspirational; if you're having trouble "getting s...more
3 likes
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like
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Mar 29, 2013
Sarah
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
personal-development
Enjoyed the neurological/behavioral development stuff, skimmed the philosophical sections. Buddhism has never really resonated with me on a personal level, so I found the discussions of self vs. person and universal being and the illusions of separation a little tedious.
I enjoyed the explanations of brain development and function. Hanson discusses the evolution of the human brain over the history of the species, and discusses how individuals' brains are mapped uniquely based on universal traits...more
I enjoyed the explanations of brain development and function. Hanson discusses the evolution of the human brain over the history of the species, and discusses how individuals' brains are mapped uniquely based on universal traits...more
We have often been told that we become what we think, that through positive thinking we can alter and create happier, more fulfilling lives. This book brings together Buddhism, neuroscience and psychology to show how our brains can be physically altered through comptemplative practice.
The authors, Hanson and Mendius, a neuropsychologist and neurologist, explains the different areas of the brain and the progamming of neural pathways. The practice of positive thinking not only develops a deeper n...more
The authors, Hanson and Mendius, a neuropsychologist and neurologist, explains the different areas of the brain and the progamming of neural pathways. The practice of positive thinking not only develops a deeper n...more
Se Buda foi o mestre da felicidade, o cérebro dele deve ter feito coisas extraordinárias em favor de sua mente. Essa é a hipótese dos autores, Rick Hanson, neuropsicólogo e professor de meditação, e Richard Mendius, neurologista, ambos sócios do Instituto Wellspring de Neurociência e Saber Contemplativo nos Estados Unidos.
Praticantes de meditação budista, eles querem mostrar como as funções neurais fundamentais de regulação, aprendizado e seleção se relacionam com os três pilares do caminho do d...more
Praticantes de meditação budista, eles querem mostrar como as funções neurais fundamentais de regulação, aprendizado e seleção se relacionam com os três pilares do caminho do d...more
I liked it very much! It's a very good idea to link brain's scientific knowledge with Buddhist philosophy. What happens in our brain when we try to practice meditation and to follow Buddhas path.
It was this idea that have attracted me at first.
The is written in a way that is both didactic and compelling. Th examples used are simple and very illustrative.
The effects of follow the Buddha's four noble truths and the inherent meditations are analyzed into the light of brain activity through actual n...more
It was this idea that have attracted me at first.
The is written in a way that is both didactic and compelling. Th examples used are simple and very illustrative.
The effects of follow the Buddha's four noble truths and the inherent meditations are analyzed into the light of brain activity through actual n...more
1. Interesting book. It explains the science behind why an individual experience happiness, love and wisdom. Quite perplexing if you are not a med student or you forgot your biology lessons back in college. You can choose to read these parts with caution or take down notes.
2. Though much emphasis was placed on the brain's functions, the author gave practical illustrations and explanations so one can vividly imagine. Interesting parts where on the guided meditation and Part III on wisdom as thes...more
2. Though much emphasis was placed on the brain's functions, the author gave practical illustrations and explanations so one can vividly imagine. Interesting parts where on the guided meditation and Part III on wisdom as thes...more
Buddha's brain is a model of how to write a self-help book about meditation and science, presenting complex material with outstanding clarity and making it accessible, readable and digestible. It distills the authors’ considerable understanding of both meditation and neuroscience into punchy advice and things that people can actually do. However, I came to it with some doubts about the whole project of expounding meditation in neuro-scientific terms and my response was mixed. Its scientific fram...more
I have a lot of books on my reading list from recommendations given on KurzweilAI.net... this is one of those books. I've sort of been reading all the recommendations wholesale without any pre-screeing. I think that's going to have to change. This is the second book in the same number of weeks that was really more about self-help than about science/technology/futurism... which I was expecting from a recommendation made by that site. I guess I can see the tie-in with the bit of neuroscience that...more
I found this book fascinating. I've read a few layman books on neuroscience and scoured articles and journals online regarding the topic (in the search of understanding why I tick the way I do). So much of what I have read focused primarily on the brain's anatomy, its functions, and certain effects on behavior, especially in regards to the endocrine system and neurotransmitters. Here, there is a chapter explaining two of the three branches of the autonomic nervous system: the parasympathetic and...more
I really loved how Hanson tied the practices and philosophies of Buddhism to the functions of the brain. It showed how meditating is more than just a new-agey lifestyle but has an actual, verifiable effect on brain function and physiology. And how changing the way you think--for instance letting go of obsessing over the positive and negative in life, and focusing more on the neutral, day-to-day teaches the brain to map calmer, more stable patterns of function, which can then be called upon more...more
May 25, 2012
Ben
is currently reading it
So many teachers within the Buddhist tradition speak of the many benefits of practicing the path, but very few delve into the underpinnings of how our brains actually function.... this book provides a refreshing perspective for those of us who want to know the "how" of the benefits of Buddhist practice. Without getting to heavily into physiological jargon, the authors provide a clear and just-technical-enough description of the ways our brains actually work, and why Buddhist practice provides su...more
I've read a few books on meditation in the past, but now that I have a consistent habit of meditating, I try not to read much about it at all -- it is better to sit than to read about sitting.
This book, however, is different, because it uncovers the reason why meditation works from a scientific perspective.
More useful for those considering meditation, or those with a habit already? I'm not sure, but if you find you have trouble getting started because it all feels a bit wishy-washy to you, then...more
This book, however, is different, because it uncovers the reason why meditation works from a scientific perspective.
More useful for those considering meditation, or those with a habit already? I'm not sure, but if you find you have trouble getting started because it all feels a bit wishy-washy to you, then...more
This book wasn't bad but I wasn't sure who the audience was. If you are into meditation- this books will give you a good reinforcement from what you already know and give you very simple meditations. If you are into the scientific studies of the brain- this book is so simple and detailed. I skipped over a lot of the science in the book, but when I read those parts it was way elementary. Good information, but kind of a useless read for those who are interested in meditation or even the science be...more
Like "The Winner's Brain" (TWB) this might be more interesting to people that haven't read so many other brain books. (I still like "Brain Rules" the best.)
Also like TWB, it's a recent book, so lots of new research is referenced. I actually picked this book up for the meditation exercises, since it was mentioned in TWB that meditation increases the thickness of the cortex. (Also mentioned in "Buddha's Brain".)
So I'm bumping this to a 3 star rating since I think that better reflects how the stan...more
This book does a pretty decent job of presenting the science -- necessarily oversimplified for a non-academic audience, and with some regrettable presentations of preliminary research findings as if they were established facts; overall, I think it's worth reading for anyone who is interested in the intersections between Buddhism and contemporary neuroscience. It's readable and potentially useful both for those who are looking for something "spiritual" in Buddhist practice, as well as for those w...more
I don't even know what to say - there's no coherent way I can review this book. It was truly one of the best most helpful books I've ever read, especially in dealing with depression and other mental illnesses. I learned so much from this book: the way my brain has developed, how it works, what helps it work the right way; exercises to calm and still myself. It was like a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) course without the therapists. :) If I weren't reading a Kindle copy it'd be dog-eared an...more
This is a good 101 introduction to your brain and how it works, as well as providing instructions on how you can consciously work with your brain through meditation. I'd recommend this book to someone that wants to do inner alchemical work or internal work with their body, as it provides some well-rounded information on the brain and how changes can effect you. The authors provide some useful stories and metaphors to explain their concepts and I like the exercises because it provides a practical...more
"Full of examples of ways to rewire your brain to change your mind for the better. Biggest aha for me came from the part of the book that talks about how your brain does not hard wire positive experience without some assistance (unlike negative experiences which it hardwires as a biological default). Hardwiring positive experience and integrating it takes action on our part. Not tough to do, but requires mindful choice. Does shortchanging our hardwiring of enriching and positive experience short...more
When I’m not being judgmental, cold, cynical, sarcastic, fatalistic, angry, or hopeless, I try to be a better person. Have a positive attitude, practice active kindness, find beauty and good in the world and all that crap.
My therapist recommended Buddha’s Brain to me after I tried to explain that I sort of understood that my brain was telling me things that weren’t necessarily true. I understand on a logical level that my brain is trying to keep me alive and to fear change, even though in the lo...more
My therapist recommended Buddha’s Brain to me after I tried to explain that I sort of understood that my brain was telling me things that weren’t necessarily true. I understand on a logical level that my brain is trying to keep me alive and to fear change, even though in the lo...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Brain and Mind: A new book: Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom | 2 | 43 | Mar 14, 2012 07:02pm |
Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist and author of Hardwiring Happiness (coming in October 2013), Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom (with Rick Mendius, M.D.; Foreword by Dan Siegel, M.D. and Preface by Jack Kornfield, Ph.D.), published in 24 languages and Just One Thing: Developing a Buddha Brain One Simple Practice at a Time (in 12 languages). Founder...more
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Jun 09, 2012 04:28pm