Science, Buddhism, and Your Mind: A Shambhala Sun Spotlight The Shambhala Sun's online archives include fascinating stories of the research from the world of Buddhism and science, and the personalities behind it all. Links open in new windows; just click any article’s title to start reading.
At
the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds, prominent neuroscientist
Richie Davidson (left) and his team try to see how far our minds can go
and how meditation helps. Senior Writer Barry Boyce reports.
Scientists study phenomena. Meditators study experience. And never the twain shall meet. Until now. Jill Suttie reports on the Mind and Life Institute and the growing field of contemplative science.
In Francisco Varela, the Dalai Lama found a kindred spirit. Together, with some of the greatest names in neuroscience and Buddhism, they laid the groundwork for a scientific revolution. Barry Boyce reports on the dialogue between cutting-edge science and Buddhism's 2500-year study of the mind.
Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. looks for the “active ingredient” that makes
mindfulness so beneficial to our health, psyche, and overall quality of
life.
Daniel Goleman reports on the Dalai Lama and the dialog between science and Buddhism,
especially on how neuroscientists are measuring the effects of
meditation.
Psychologist
Paul Ekman reveals Charles Darwin’s real view of compassion—and
it’s not what you might think. His belief that altruism is a vital
part of human and even animal life is being confirmed by modern
science.
While scientific methods are useful, says
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, mind should also be studied through
rigorous observation of our own subjective experience.
Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. looks for the “active ingredient” that makes
mindfulness so beneficial to our health, psyche, and overall quality of
life.
Are there provable methods we can use to become more altruistic
and compassionate? Can Buddhist compassion practices be adapted for a
secular
society? Barry Boyce reports on the growing number of scientists and
researchers who are studying how to bring out the best in human nature.
Dispassionately observing what goes on in
our mind is one of Buddhism’s central practices. As Michael Stroud
reports, the technique is being used to work with a variety of mental
health problems, including depression.
It was a
14-billion year journey from simple hydrogen to Mahatma Gandhi. David Loy asks: Is evolution the universe waking up to itself?
And for more, see our ongoing science coverage from our blog, Shambhala SunSpace.
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