Upaya Dharma Podcasts - Zen Brain

More great discussion of the intersection of Buddhism and neuroscience from Roshi Joan Halifax and Upaya Zen Center.

Zen Brain

Speakers: Roshi Joan Halifax, Al Kazniak, Evan Thompson

Roshi Joan Halifax begins by introducing Al Kazniak, a professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona and Evan Thompson who is a professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. Al begins by discussing a common notion of the self as a given and cohesive entity. He juxtaposes that idea with the Buddha’s perception of the self as constructed and transitory. He then elaborates on the way in which these two ideas of the self are connected with suffering, compassion and meditation practice. Al also shares neuro-imaging studies that shed light on the constructed nature of the self. Specifically, the way in which brain pathology such as Alzheimer and alien limb phenomena affect self-awareness. Al then turns the microphone over to Evan who discusses a recent study involving meditators that explores the different ways in which we experience the self.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tags: Roshi Joan Halifax, Al Kazniak, Evan Thompson, Zen Brain, Upaya Zen Center, Dharma podcasts, Psychology, brain, Buddhism, meditation, neuroscience, philosophy, self concept