Siddhartha's Brain

Unlocking the Ancient Science of Enlightenment

by James Kingsland

On Sale: 03/28/2017

Siddhartha's Brain

Unlocking the Ancient Science of Enlightenment

by James Kingsland

On Sale: 03/28/2017

Format:

About the Book

A groundbreaking exploration of the “science of enlightenment,” told through the lens of the journey of Siddhartha (better known as Buddha), by Guardian science editor James Kingsland.

In a lush grove on the banks of the Neranjara in northern India—400 years before the birth of Christ, when the foundations of western science and philosophy were being laid by the great minds of Ancient Greece—a prince turned ascetic wanderer sat beneath a fig tree. His name was Siddhartha Gautama, and he was discovering the astonishing capabilities of the human brain and the secrets of mental wellness and spiritual “enlightenment,” the foundation of Buddhism.

Framed by the historical journey and teachings of the Buddha, Siddhartha’s Brain shows how meditative and Buddhist practice anticipated the findings of modern neuroscience. Moving from the evolutionary history of the brain to the disorders and neuroses associated with our technology-driven world, James Kingsland explains why the ancient practice of mindfulness has been so beneficial and so important for human beings across time. Far from a New Age fad, the principles of meditation have deep scientific support and have been proven to be effective in combating many contemporary psychiatric disorders. Siddhartha posited that “Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.” As we are increasingly driven to distraction by competing demands, our ability to focus and control our thoughts has never been more challenged—or more vital.

Siddhartha’s Brain offers a cutting-edge, big-picture assessment of meditation and mindfulness: how it works, what it does to our brains, and why meditative practice has never been more important.

Critical Praise

“Fascinating. ... Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, exploring Siddhartha’s brain offers compelling insights and invites further questions about the potential of the human mind.” — Chicago Tribune

“Impressive. ... Even readers well steeped in the sutras will likely come away having learned something new.” — Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

“Reveals not only how mindfulness meditation can rewire the human brain and help us achieve a sense of spiritual fulfillment but also how we can easily integrate the practice into our daily lives.” — Scientific American

“[A] fascinating exploration of the neuroscience behind meditation. ... Kingsland skillfully dives in and out of various subjects -- the neurological relaxation response to meditation, the difference between pain and suffering, emotional regulation -- and effectively paints a neurological picture of the mind without devaluing Buddhism’s spiritual image of cognition.” — Publishers Weekly

“It’s a pleasure to read Siddhartha’s Brain. ... A smart, accessible balance of philosophical teachings and brain science and how meditation can relate to everything from addiction to Alzheimer’s disease.” — Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

“Brain science and Buddhist lore combine in this compelling treatise on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Kingsland expertly weaves the story and teachings of the Buddha with clinical and scientific research to engage in a highly readable examination of the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. ... A satisfying read.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“Fascinating. ... Masterfully connects core teachings of the Buddha to modern mental health concerns and emerging neuroscience findings.” — Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work

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Resources

Product Details

  • ISBN: 9780062403872
  • ISBN 10: 0062403877
  • Imprint: Mariner Books
  • On Sale: 03/28/2017
  • Pages: 352
  • List Price:21.99 CAD
  • BISAC1 : PSYCHOLOGY / Neuropsychology
  • BISAC2 : RELIGION / Buddhism / General (see also PHILOSOPHY / Buddhist)
  • BISAC3 : BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Mindfulness & Meditation

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