Contemplative Science Contemplative Science
Columbia Series in Science and Religion

Contemplative Science

Where Buddhism and Neuroscience Converge

    • 29,99 €
    • 29,99 €

Publisher Description

Science has long treated religion as a set of personal beliefs that have little to do with a rational understanding of the mind and the universe. However, B. Alan Wallace, a respected Buddhist scholar, proposes that the contemplative methodologies of Buddhism and of Western science are capable of being integrated into a single discipline: contemplative science.

The science of consciousness introduces first-person methods of investigating the mind through Buddhist contemplative techniques, such as samatha, an organized, detailed system of training the attention. Just as scientists make observations and conduct experiments with the aid of technology, contemplatives have long tested their own theories with the help of highly developed meditative skills of observation and experimentation. Contemplative science allows for a deeper knowledge of mental phenomena, including a wide range of states of consciousness, and its emphasis on strict mental discipline counteracts the effects of conative (intention and desire), attentional, cognitive, and affective imbalances.

Just as behaviorism, psychology, and neuroscience have all shed light on the cognitive processes that enable us to survive and flourish, contemplative science offers a groundbreaking perspective for expanding our capacity to realize genuine well-being. It also forges a link between the material world and the realm of the subconscious that transcends the traditional science-based understanding of the self.

GENRE
Professional & Technical
RELEASED
2006
24 October
LANGUAGE
EN
English
LENGTH
256
Pages
PUBLISHER
Columbia University Press
SIZE
899.9
KB

More Books by B. Alan Wallace

Minding Closely Minding Closely
2011
The Art of Transforming the Mind The Art of Transforming the Mind
2003
Meditations of a Buddhist Skeptic Meditations of a Buddhist Skeptic
2011
Fathoming the Mind Fathoming the Mind
2018
Open Mind Open Mind
2018
The Vajra Essence The Vajra Essence
2017

Other Books in This Series

Hidden Dimensions Hidden Dimensions
2007
Spirit, Mind, and Brain Spirit, Mind, and Brain
2006
Buddhism and Science Buddhism and Science
2003
William James and a Science of Religions William James and a Science of Religions
2004
Mind in the Balance Mind in the Balance
2009