Buddhist Geeks - Episode 150: Self is a Network Phenomenon

Part one of this interview rocked - Rick Hanson has so much to offer that I barely remember hearing Vince except at the beginning of the interview. I'm looking forward to part three next week.

Buddhist Geeks Episode 150: Self is a Network Phenomenon

We're joined again by Neuropsychologist and Theravada teacher, Rick Hanson. This time we explore the Buddhist proposition of anatta, or selflessness, from the point of view of neuroscience and the brain. Rick explores whether a self actually exists using the following 4 core attributes of how a self is often defined:

1. It is unified & coherent
2. It is stable & enduring
3. It is independent
4. It is the whole of experience
   

Looking at current research on how the self manifests in the brain, as what Hanson calls a "network phenomenon", he deconstructs each of these four attributes, arguing that "self is not special inside the brain."

This is part 2 of a three-part series. Listen to part 1, A Crash Course in Applied Neurodharma and part 3, Eddies in the Stream (airing next week).

Related Links:

• Become a Buddhist Geeks Micropatron
• Free AudioBook Offer for Buddhist Geeks Listeners
• The Official Buddhist Geeks Newsletter
• Rick Hanson
• Wise Brain

Tags: Buddhism, Psychology, self concept, brain, Buddhist Geeks, Episode 150, Self is a Network Phenomenon, Neuropsychologist, Theravada, neuroscience, anatta, selflessness